MLB Player News

The Royals placed Massey (calf) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Massey has been ramping things back up, and because the IL move is backdated to Sunday, he will be eligible for activation April 1. It's unclear whether he'll be ready to return from his calf strain by that time, but his absence is projected to be brief.

The Royals placed Kolek (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Kolek strained his left oblique in late February. He's been throwing off a mound and appears close to returning to game action, though the righty could be assigned to Triple-A Omaha rather than the major-league club once he's healthy.

The Tigers designated Smith for assignment Wednesday.

The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in early March and is now losing his place on the 40-man roster. Smith made his MLB debut with seven relief appearances for the Tigers last year and pitched well, posting a 1.38 ERA and 0.85 WHIP despite a 4:5 K:BB.

The Astros placed Dezenzo (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Dezenzo hurt his elbow while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. There's no timetable for his return, but the fact that he was diagnosed with a sprain suggests it could be longer than a minimum absence.

The Twins designated Jackson for assignment Wednesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Jackson was acquired via trade from the Orioles in November and signed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract. However, the Twins later signed Victor Caratini to serve as the backup catcher, making Jackson expendable. If he's not traded, Jackson will likely pass through waivers due to his contract and could accept an assignment to Triple-A St. Paul.

The Royals designated Waters for assignment Wednesday.

Waters failed to crack the Opening Day roster and doesn't have minor-league options remaining, so he's headed to waivers. The 27-year-old outfielder sports a career .234/.300/.369 batting line and 31.1 percent strikeout rate over parts of four major-league seasons.

Atlanta placed Murphy (hip) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Murphy's move to the IL was merely a formality after Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported at the onset of spring training that the veteran backstop would likely be out until sometime in May while completing his recovery from September surgery to address a right hip labral tear. Per MLB.com, Murphy was able to take on-field batting practice March 9, but it's not clear if he's taking part in defensive work or full baserunning yet. Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim will open the season as Atlanta's two catchers.

The Reds recalled Franco from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Franco was cut from big-league camp in early March, but he's now back to absorb the roster spot of the injured Caleb Ferguson (oblique). When/if the righty gets into a game, it will be his major-league debut.

Atlanta placed Strider (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Manager Walt Weiss had previously confirmed Monday that Strider would be headed to the IL after the right-hander strained his left oblique after making a start in a minor-league spring game against the Red Sox last week. Though Weiss is optimistic that Atlanta got out in front of Strider's injury before it worsened, the 27-year-old isn't a lock to be activated from the IL when first eligible April 6. Jose Suarez is the leading candidate to enter the rotation as Atlanta's new No. 5 starter while Strider is on the mend.

The Twins placed Festa (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Festa recently resumed a throwing program after being shut down in late February due to a right shoulder impingement, so his move to the IL was fully expected. He could be ready to return from the IL at some point in the second half of April.