MLB Player News

Marte was scratched from Tuesday's exhibition game due to lower-leg soreness, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

This provides a bit more context regarding the issue bothering Marte, which was previously undisclosed. Regardless, the issue is minor, and there is no concern that Marte will miss Opening Day.

Puk (elbow) has begun throwing bullpen sessions off a mound, MLB.com reports.

The sessions are described as "short box," which is when a catcher sets up just in front of home plate. Puk underwent internal brace elbow surgery last June and is expected back sometime around the All-Star break.

Veen has been sidelined since March 9 due to a right knee contusion.

Veen injured himself sliding while trying to make a catch in the outfield. He had been slashing .250/.375/.550 with a pair of homers and four RBI through 24 plate appearances in the Cactus League, but his extended absence could be a sign that he won't be available for Opening Day.

Wallner is expected to play everyday in right field and won't sit against left-handed pitchers early in the season, according to manager Derek Shelton via Matthew Leach of MLB.com.

Wallner has had problems against left-handed pitching (career .641 OPS against LHP), so this is a good sign for his playing time. He did improve to a .790 OPS vs. LHP last season. Wallner reduced his problematic strikeout rate below 30 percent for the first time in his career (29.1 percent) last season and had the best contact rate of his career (66.1 percent), so there are promising signs he could have a breakout season despite posting just a .775 OPS last year.

Jeffers went 3-for-3 with two RBI in the Grapefruit League finale win against Boston on Tuesday. He hit .239 (11-for-46) with a home run this spring. He's set to get the bulk of starts behind the plate plus occasional starts at DH, MLB.com reports.

Jeffers split playing time with Christian Vazquez last season as the Twins emphasized keeping their catchers fresh. However, Jeffers is expected to get the majority of starts this season under new manager Derek Shelton with Victor Caratini serving as his backup.

The Angels selected Frazier's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old emerged as the frontrunner to begin the season as the Angels' primary second baseman once the club sent Christian Moore and Kyren Paris to the minors last week, and Frazier's addition to the active roster makes it even more likely that will be the case. He made a strong case for himself to make the big-league squad, slashing .281/.452/.375 with six RBI and four runs scored over 18 games during spring training. He'll most likely work in a platoon at the keystone with Oswald Peraza -- a scenario that will still allow the lefty-hitting Frazier to start more often than not.

Banda will make Minnesota's final 26-man roster, MLB.com reports. He had a 4.91 ERA and 9:6 K:BB in 7.1 innings this spring.

Banda should have a prominent role in the setup corps for the Twins. However, he's one of three lefties in the bullpen, which could limit his usage in the highest-leverage roles.

The Angels placed Yates on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to left knee inflammation.

With Yates on the IL until at least April 6, the Angels are looking at a potential closing tandem of righty Jordan Romano and lefty Drew Pomeranz. Romano has put together a much better spring with a 1.50 ERA compared to Pomeranz's 9.64 mark. Even once he's back to full health, Yates won't be guaranteed the closer's role, though he should at least be a factor in the late innings for the Angels.

The Angels selected Candelario's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Candelario earned a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster after slashing .245/.339/.612 with four homers, 10 RBI and eight runs scored over 56 plate appearances in the Cactus League. He will provide infield depth for the big club to begin the season while Vaughn Grissom (wrist) is on the injured list.

Gray will make the Twins' Opening Day roster barring any last-minute trades, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Gray will be a utility infielder and primary backup at shortstop to Brooks Lee. He's hit just .207/.264/.369 over parts of three big-league seasons, so he's on the roster for his glove and not his bat. It's also possible the Twins may shuffle their bench early in the season or make a last-second waiver claim since they lack a true backup shortstop.