MLB Player News

Guerrero (knee) told reporters on Sunday that he's making progress but won't rush back to game action, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Guerrero said that he's thankful that the injury is not worse. The star first baseman wanted to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but he said that the Blue Jays are his priority. The 23-year-old will likely sit out a few more games in the Grapefruit League, but it does appear likely he'll be ready for the start of the regular season.

White (soreness) is hitting sixth and playing first base Sunday in Cactus League action against the Brewers.

White was scratched from the lineup Friday because of general soreness, and the Mariners gave him a couple of days to recover. The infielder is battling for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but the former top prospect is likely ticketed for Triple-A Tacoma to begin the year.

Kirilloff (wrist) continues to make progress and could be ready to play in a spring training game later in March, Phil Miller of The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "He's on track. The plan is, if he's healthy at the end of camp, he's competing for a spot," said Derek Falvey, the Twins' president of baseball operations.

It's a little bit of a surprise that Kirilloff may not play in a major-league spring game until mid-March, but it doesn't sound like the lack of plate appearances will hurt his chances to make the roster. Kirilloff had a second surgery on his right wrist last August to shorten the ulnar bone and clean up scar tissue. He's been taking live batting practice and says there's no pain in his wrist. If fully healthy by the end of training camp, he's likely to earn a spot in the starting lineup at first base and designated hitter.

Guerrero (knee) underwent an MRI which revealed nothing more than minor knee inflammation, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

The lack of structural damage is a great sign for Guerrero and his ability to get back on the field shortly. That said, his status for the World Baseball Classic remains in doubt - if there's any question about Guerrero's health, the Blue Jays seem unlikely to send their star first baseman to the tournament.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider was optimistic that Guerrero (knee) would be fine after leaving Friday's game during the second inning, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Guerrero will be evaluated by the club Saturday, but there are no plans to send him for an MRI, which is an excellent sign the issue is a minor one. The 23-year-old slugger was expected to leave Blue Jays camp for the World Baseball Classic on Sunday.

White was scratched from the Mariners' Cactus League lineup Friday due to general soreness, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander called it a precautionary move and said it's not a huge concern. White slugged his first home run of the spring Monday in his second Cactus League game, and he'll hopefully be able to return to action over the weekend. He's trying to avoid being sent back to Triple-A Tacoma to begin the 2023 campaign, although it's tough to project him for regular playing time with Ty France at first base and Teoscar Hernandez likely to be the regular DH.

Guerrero (undisclosed) left Friday's contest versus the Rays in the second inning, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

He was replaced by minor-leaguer Rainer Nunez after Guerrero looked a bit awkward running the bases. More information on his status will likely be provided following the ballgame.

Diaz is expected to be held out of Grapefruit League action until at least next Thursday due to a hip flexor injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's not clear when Diaz suffered the injury, but he hasn't played since Monday and is in line to miss several more days. It doesn't at this point appear to be anything that could prevent him from being available for Opening Day. Diaz is slated to mostly play first base this season for the Rays.

Casas went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's spring game against the Marlins.

The lefty-hitting Casas did all of his damage against left-handed pitching. The Red Sox's top-ranked prospect, per RotoWire, will be Boston's primary first baseman in 2023 against pitchers of either hand. He may sit against tough lefties, but Casas should get plenty of at-bats and is a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

Guerrero went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Facing Pittsburgh closer David Bednar in the fourth inning, Guerrero annihilated a hanging curve up in the zone and lined it deep to left-center field. The 23-year-old slugger didn't ascend to superstardom last season as many predicted, but it speaks to his upside that an .819 OPS with 32 homers and 97 RBI was considered a bit of a disappointment. Don't be surprised if he rebounds to something closer to his breakout 2021 campaign.