MLB Player News

Tigers general manager Al Avila said Tuesday that Torkelson will likely open the season at High-A West Michigan, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft still has yet to make his professional regular-season debut, but he was able to get some work in at the Tigers' big-league camp this spring. The early returns weren't impressive -- he went 1-for-26 with 16 strikeouts in Grapefruit League play -- but dynasty managers shouldn't fret too much about the 21-year-old's long-term outlook. Torkelson is still viewed as an impact power hitter who should provide a high batting average to go along with his slugging production.

Dalbec (finger) will start at first base and bat eighth in Tuesday's Grapefruit League against Atlanta, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Dalbec had sat out the past couple of days with a sore right index finger, but his return to the lineup for the Red Sox's spring finale suggests he'll head into Opening Day at full health. The 25-year-old has put together a big spring, slashing .311/.392/.822 with seven home runs and a stolen base across 45 at-bats. While Dalbec at least appears to be locked into a strong-side platoon role at first base, he's expected to bat in the bottom third of the lineup in most games to begin the season.

Calhoun (knee) will miss at least the first two series of the regular season, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun has begun baseball activities and "is passing every test," according to manager Torey Lovullo. The Diamondbacks are expected to rotate bodies in right field until Calhoun's ready to return. The left-handed hitting Pavin Smith started in right field Monday against Cubs right-hander Zach Davies. Tim Locastro could see action when opponents start a left-hander.

Rizzo and the Cubs have not agreed to a contract extension during spring training and remain far apart in negotiations, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

There was some thought that the two sides might reach a deal during the spring, but now it looks like Rizzo will play out the last year of his contract and become a free agent next offseason. The Cubs are potentially looking at a rebuild, with big decisions coming on cornerstone players such as Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez. A lot will depend on how the team performs this year, and if Chicago falls out of contention, Rizzo could find himself with a new organization sooner versus later.

Abreu went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and an RBI in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Abreu delivered his 10th run of Cactus League play, second on the White Sox to Eloy Jimenez (pectoral). With Jimenez out of action for at least five months, Abreu carries a heavier burden as a middle-of-the-order RBI man. It's not an unfamiliar role -- he's knocked in 100-plus runs in five of six full seasons and posted 60 RBI in 60 games during the abbreviated 2020 season.

Vaughn started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against Arizona.

Vaughn made his second start in left field and handled his chances without issue. White Sox manager Tony La Russa is getting a look at Vaughn as a replacement for Eloy Jimenez, who will miss at least five months with a pectoral injury. The club may not need Vaughn as a permanent fill-in, because Adam Engel (hamstring) is due back within the first two weeks of the regular season. If Engel takes over in left, then Vaughn will slide back to designated hitter.

Toronto informed Tellez on Sunday that he would be included on the Opening Day roster, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The uncertain status of George Springer (oblique) for the start of the season might have helped Tellez's case for a spot on the 26-man roster, but the 26-year-old entered the spring on fairly sturdy ground after submitting a career-best .886 OPS over 127 plate appearances in the abbreviated 2020 campaign. The lefty-hitting Tellez will likely sit against southpaws more often than not, but he should start at least semi-regularly at either designated hitter or first base when the Blue Jays oppose right-handed pitchers.

Wade was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was acquired from the Twins in early February but won't open the season in the majors. Wade had 113 plate appearances for Minnesota over the past two seasons but has struggled with a .211/.336/.347 slash line. His demotion likely clears the way for Darin Ruf to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve first baseman/corner outfielder.

Manager Alex Cora told WEEI radio during Sunday's spring game that Dalbec is sitting out a couple days due to a sore right index finger.

The 25-year-old apparently suffered the injury while fielding a grounder Saturday, but he's expected to retake the field in the final game of spring ball Tuesday. Dalbec is on track to be ready for Opening Day as Boston's starter at first base.

Bohm (groin) will start at third base and will bat cleanup in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bohm will rejoin the lineup for the first time since Thursday after left groin soreness kept him on the bench for a couple of days. Assuming he comes out of Sunday's contest no worse for the wear, Bohm should head into Opening Day ready to handle everyday duties at third base.