MLB Player News

Santana looks set to be used against both right-handed and left-handed pitching at first base with Alex Kirilloff primarily being used at DH, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. Santana is hitting 6-for-17 with a home run in six games this spring.

When the Twins signed Santana it was assumed he'd platoon with the lefty Kirilloff at first base, but this report makes it sound like Santana could be set for everyday duty. Kirilloff would then platoon with several right-handed batters at DH. Last season marked Santana's best year at the plate since 2019, as he slashed .240/.318/.429 with 23 homers and 86 RBI between the Pirates and Brewers.

Cron is tentatively scheduled to play his first game March 11, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Cron was officially added to the spring training roster Sunday after signing with Boston on Friday. The Red Sox want a right-handed hitting complement to Triston Casas at first base, and Cron will begin his bid for the job next week. Bobby Dalbec is also part of the competition, but he has a minor-league option remaining which could influence the decision.

Torkelson is just 2-for-11 so far in Grapefruit League action with no home runs and four strikeouts.

It's very early, so Torkelson will likely get going before the spring slate ends, and he's locked into a starting role at first even if the struggles persist. The 24-year-old impressed in 2023 with 31 home runs across 159 games, though he batted just .233 and struck out 25 percent of the time. If Torkelson can improve his contact skills a bit and still deliver elite power, he should be primed for a big season.

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a double in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

Lowe is 3-for-15 through six Cactus League games, and all three hits are doubles. While he was unable to repeat his 2022 Silver Slugger Award last season, Lowe remains a good contact hitter that sits in the middle of a productive Texas lineup. The first baseman should see a good share of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Naylor has gone 5-for-13 over five Cactus League games.

Naylor's five hits are all singles, and he's added three RBI so far. With Kyle Manzardo likely to start 2024 at Triple-A Columbus, Naylor's starting role between first base and designated hitter looks safe for now. Naylor broke out last year, batting .308 with an .843 OPS, 17 home runs, 97 RBI, 52 runs scored and 10 stolen bases over 121 contests. Depending on where Ramon Laureano ends up playing, there could be room for Naylor and Manzardo to coexist in the lineup at some point.

Casas went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in Saturday's spring game against Washington.

Casas made his Grapefruit League debut after an illness delayed his appearance in game action. His timing may be off, which would explain the two punchouts.

Pratto is not projected to make the Royals' roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Pratto is blocked at first base by Vinnie Pasquantino and doesn't have enough experience in the outfield yet to be a realistic option there, especially with the competition for the extra outfielders expected to be strong. Nelson Velazquez is also expected to be the primary designated hitter, and Nick Loftin, who is also not included in Rogers' projection, offers more infield versatility. It's an uphill battle ahead for Pratto, who slashed a meager .232/.307/.353 with seven home runs and 35 RBI last year.

Dalbec is not projected to make the Opening Day roster in the latest roster projection from Ian Browne of MLB.com.

While the Red Sox have exposed Dalbec to the outfield, he had been expected to back up Triston Casas at first base. That all changed when Boston inked C.J. Cron to a minor-league deal with an invite to camp Friday. If Cron passes a physical, he could serve as the right-handed complement to Casas.

Casas (illness) is in the lineup for Saturday's split-squad game against the Nationals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Having kicked the flu, Casas can now resume his preparations for the start of the 2024 season. Expectations are high for Casas entering his age-24 campaign after he hit .317/.417/.617 with 15 homers in the second half last year.

Rizzo went 2-for-2 with a walk, two home runs and five RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League win over Toronto.

Rizzo ended last season on the 60-day IL due to a concussion, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in early December that the veteran first baseman was expected to be fine for spring training. That has proven to be the case, as Rizzo has played in four Grapefruit League contests so far and is slashing .429/.600/1.429 with the pair of homers and six RBI over 10 plate appearances. Rizzo will be looking to bounce back in 2024 after playing in just 99 contests last year and posting a .706 OPS, his lowest mark since his 49-game stint as a rookie with the Padres in 2011.