MLB Player News

Dalbec was one of five Red Sox players optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Dalbec was thought to have a chance at cracking the big-league roster, possibly as depth at first base, but he will instead open the season in the minors. The return of Mitch Moreland from a knee injury sealed Dalbec's fate. Moreland and Michael Chavis will share first base.

Olson went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run, a walk and two runs overall in a Cactus League split-squad loss to the Reds on Friday.

The slugging first baseman took Wade Miley deep in the first inning with Matt Chapman aboard for his first spring round tripper. Olson is hitting just .167 despite the homer, which was only his third hit through nine spring contests. However, there is no concern about the 25-year-old, who set career highs in multiple categories in 2019, including in home runs (36) and RBI (91).

Gurriel went 0-for-3 in Friday's spring game against the Mets and is 2-for-17 (.118) through seven Grapefruit League appearances.

Gurriel busted out with 31 home runs in 2019, as he improved his flyball, hard-hit and launch-angle rates. His .243 ISO last season stands out as an outlier, so he could return to normal in 2020, his age-36 season. He'll continue to be the primary first baseman with eligibility at third while playing in a hitter-friendly park for half the season.

Cron said he altered his mechanics last season after breaking his thumb but noted that his swing feels more natural heading into 2020, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cron had offseason thumb surgery and didn't swing for a while, which he said allowed him to basically reset his swing. This is good news, because the first baseman hit .266 with an .821 OPS, 17 home runs and 54 RBIs in 78 games for the Twins before the injury. After returning, he played 47 more games and slashed just .229/.280/.420 with seven home runs. A healthy Cron might push for 30 long balls and should hit in the heart of Detroit's order all year.

Padlo (illness) reported back to Rays camp Wednesday and said he's been cleared to resume full baseball activities, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Padlo had been sidelined for all of spring training thus far due to what the Rays deemed a "non-baseball-related illness." The 23-year-old shed some light on the matter Wednesday, telling the media that he had been dealing with severe and persistent headaches that he's since been able to treat through medication. The corner infield was added to Rays' 40-man roster over the winter, but even if he hadn't missed time in camp, he wouldn't have been a serious candidate to earn an Opening Day gig with the big club. Instead, expect Padlo to report back to Triple-A Durham to begin the season.

Clemens went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

Clemens is likely headed for another season in the minors after reaching Double-A late last year, but the 23-year-old has made his mark with the big club when given a chance this spring. He's slashing a robust .417/.500/.667 through six Grapefruit League games and could be a prospect to keep an eye on this year if he continues to hit in the minors.

White (groin) went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI in a Cactus League loss to the Rockies on Monday. He's now hitting .455 over his first four spring games.

White had been sidelined since Wednesday due to groin soreness, but he looked right back to form in his return Monday. The promising first baseman lines up for an everyday role to open the 2020 season, and although he only has 18 plate appearances worth of experience at the Triple-A level, his early success this year and .293/.350/.488 slash at Double-A Arkansas in 2019 both corroborate his talent with the bat.

Dalbec went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and two runs scored in Monday's spring game against the Tigers.

Dalbec, who is near the top of Boston's prospect list and could be its best power-hitting prospect, launched his first spring training homer. He's expected to open the season at Triple-A Pawtucket but could join the parent club should injuries hit at first or third base.

White (groin) will start at first base and bat second in Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

White only missed a few days on account of a sore groin, so the injury shouldn't impact his ability to gear up for the regular season. After signing a six-year, $24 million deal with the Mariners in November, White already appears to be locked into an everyday role with the big club to begin the season.

White (groin) will have a workout Sunday that includes running the bases and could be in the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since Wednesday due to groin soreness, but the relatively quick return to game action would confirm his absence as mostly precautionary. White had a solid start to spring training, going 3-for-9 with two doubles in three games.