MLB Player News

Gurriel (hand) took live batting practice Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gurriel is working his way back from late-February surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left hand. Original reports said that he should be back in five or six weeks, which would make him ready to play in mid-April -- though he's also set to miss five games due to a suspension. Manager A.J. Hinch now says that it's unknown whether or not Gurriel will begin the season on the disabled list, and that a decision may not come until the day before the season starts. There haven't been any reports that the 33-year-old is ahead of schedule, though, so the decision appears likely to be made in favor of a trip to the DL.

Joseph was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Friday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Joseph was recently claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Monday and will head to the minors in order to get some regular at-bats. The 26-year-old appeared in 142 games for Philadelphia last season, hitting .240 with 22 home runs and 69 RBI. With Joey Gallo set to man first base, Joseph is unlikely to see regular time in 2018 but should be ready to return to the majors in the near future.

Abreu (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Friday's Cactus League game and will instead participate in a full workout, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Abreu commented on his status by saying that he is ready to resume playing immediately and that he would ask manager Rick Renteria about his availability for Saturday's outing. All things considered, it appears as though Abreu is close to 100 percent and should be fully operational heading into Opening Day.

Abreu (hamstring) is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Abreu was removed from a game earlier this week with left hamstring tightness. He's been pushing to get back in the lineup, but manager Rick Renteria is taking a prudent approach by giving the first baseman several days off.

O'Hearn was reassigned to minor-league camp Wednesday, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.

The 24-year-old was initially brought up in the conversation for the Royals' starting gig at first base, but the signing of Lucas Duda earlier this spring largely ended those talks. O'Hearn will now head back to Triple-A Omaha to start the season. He batted .252 with 18 homers in 114 games at that level last season.

Abreu (hamstring) hopes to be back in game action Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Abreu left Tuesday's game against the Rangers with hamstring tightness, but the issue appears to be minor. If the 29-year-old slugger can indeed return Friday, there will be little doubt that he'll be fine by Opening Day.

Gurriel (hand) resumed light hitting Tuesday, in addition to taking more groundballs and running the bases, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel continues to ramp up his activity after undergoing surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left hand in late-February. The 33-year-old will likely begin the season on the disabled list before returning in mid-April.

The White Sox believe the hamstring injury Abreu sustained Tuesday is minor, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

It's not an official diagnosis, but is still a good sign after Abreu exited Tuesday's spring game against the Rangers with hamstring tightness. The 29-year-old will be re-evaluated Wednesday and the expectation is that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day.

Abreu left Tuesday's game against the Rangers with hamstring tightness, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

Abreu was hobbling after a double-play groundout and looked frustrated in the dugout. He's considered day-to-day. With just nine days left until Opening Day, there's a chance that he misses time to start the season. A more precise timeline should become apparent soon.

Joseph isn't expected to make the Rangers' Opening Day roster, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

In order to give Joseph regular at-bats, it's expected that he'll be assigned to Double-A Frisco or Triple-A Round Rock. Joey Gallo is in line to be the club's starter at first base, but Joseph could be a serviceable reserve option if needed. Over 142 games with the Phillies last season, Joseph slashed .240/.289/.432 with 22 home runs and 69 RBI.