MLB Player News

Torkelson is impressing offensively and defensively this spring, and he may see time at DH, first base and in right field as a versatile bench option for the Tigers in 2025, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

A year ago, Torkelson was seen as a fixture at first base for years to come in Detroit, but a rough 2024 campaign has added a bit more uncertainty to the picture. He still seems likely to make the Opening Day roster, though he may have to settle for more of a bench role. Torkelson recently started seeing reps in right field, which gives him more potential versatility as a reserve. The biggest key for the 25-year-old remains his ability to make consistent contact, because if he can, he has the power in his bat to have a big impact.

Goldschmidt (back) will start at first base and bat leadoff in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Goldschmidt's return to the spring lineup comes one day after initially scheduled, but he now seems to be fully recovered from the back soreness that has been bothering him since Monday. The veteran first baseman has been great this spring, slashing .313/.389/.688 with three homers and 10 RBI through 36 plate appearances.

The Brewers traded Canha to the Royals on Friday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Canha was unlikely to make the Brewers' Opening Day roster after going just 2-for-23 with two RBI and four runs scored in nine spring contests. The Royals will gladly take him in, however, and Rogers notes that the 36-year-old veteran will be part of the big-league squad's bench. Because he was on a minor-league deal with Milwaukee, Canha will need to be added to Kansas City's 40-man roster first.

Manzardo was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup due to left shoulder inflammation, SI.com reports.

The severity of the injury is unclear, but Manzardo will be withheld from the lineup for at least one game. The 24-year-old will have a few opportunities to play in exhibition games ahead of Opening Day in Kansas City on Thursday.

Drury was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup due to a bruised left hand, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

It's unclear when Drury suffered the injury, but he'll be held out for at least one spring game. The 32-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox during the offseason and is expected to be included on the Opening Day roster given his 1.260 OPS during spring training.

Smith exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

The Yankees now have 24 hours to either add Smith to their roster or release him. Smith has looked good this spring, posting an .857 OPS with three home runs this spring, but the Yankees have more of a need for right-handed bench bats than lefty ones, which could work against the 29-year-old.

Drury was scratched from the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Reds for unspecified reasons.

The 32-year-old was penciled in to start at first base but will instead sit out Friday's contest. After signing a minor-league contract with the White Sox in February, Drury has given himself a chance to make the Opening Day roster with a 1.260 OPS in 13 spring games.

Goldschmidt (back) said Friday that he expects to return to the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Goldschmidt missed his target date to return, as he had hoped to play Thursday or Friday. However, he said his sore back is close to 100 percent and the decision was made to give it another day. Goldschmidt remains confident he'll be ready to go for Opening Day.

Goldschmidt (back) remains out of the Yankees' lineup for Friday's contest against the Tigers, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Goldschmidt had targeted either Thursday or Friday for his return to Grapefruit League play, but that goal wasn't met. There's no cause for concern yet, as the Yankees are likely just exercising caution with the veteran first baseman. The club might have more on Goldschmidt's status later Friday.

Walker (oblique) will get at-bats in minor-league games this weekend and continue to play in minor-league contests when the Astros return to Houston. He remains on track to be ready for Opening Day, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Walker had appeared set to return to Grapefruit League action this weekend, but the Astros have elected to have him play in minor-league games instead. This will allow him to get more at-bats to make up for lost time and also gives the Astros the option to backdate an injured list stint, should he suffer a setback. Walker has played only four Grapefruit League contests due to left oblique soreness.