MLB Player News
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Kristian Campbell 2B | BOS
Red Sox's Kristian Campbell: Starts coming in LF
Campbell is starting in left field Tuesday for the third time this spring, compared to one start at second base, Joe Weil of WEEI reports.
Campbell's defense at the keystone is arguably the worst part of his game, and it's noteworthy that the Red Sox seem to be playing him at an easier position (left field) rather than giving him more game reps at second base. Vaughn Grissom has made six starts at second base, while David Hamilton has made three starts and Alex Bregman has yet to feature at the keystone this spring. Campbell's clearest path to playing time would be at second base, as the Red Sox already have a crowded outfield, and prospect Roman Anthony would likely get the nod over Campbell if Boston turned to a top prospect to take on a prominent outfield role. Campbell got his first hit of the spring Monday and is hitting .071 with nine strikeouts and two walks in 16 Grapefruit League plate appearances.
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Luis Rengifo 2B | MIL
Angels' Luis Rengifo: Scratched with tight hamstring
The Angels scratched Rengifo from the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies due to a tight hamstring, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Tim Anderson will start at second base and bat leadoff in place of Rengifo, who can be viewed as day-to-day until the Angels provide another update regarding the severity of the hamstring injury. Though a healthy Rengifo may not have a permanent home at one set position in 2025, he's expected to handle a near-everyday role while likely slotting near the top of the lineup against right-handed pitching.
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Jordan Westburg 2B | BAL
Orioles' Jordan Westburg: Expected back in games this week
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday that Westburg (back) should be ready to return to Grapefruit League games by Wednesday or Thursday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
Westburg will go through full baseball activities Monday, marking the first time he's done so since he went down with lower-back soreness following the Orioles' first game this spring. Barring any setbacks, Westburg is expected to be fine for Opening Day.
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Jorge Polanco 2B | NYM
Mariners' Jorge Polanco: Making spring debut Monday
Polanco (knee) will start at designated hitter Monday against the Guardians in his Cactus League debut, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.
Polanco underwent surgery last October to repair the patellar tendon of his left knee. While he hasn't had any known restrictions in Mariners camp, the club has held him out of Cactus League play until now, a tactic that isn't atypical for veteran players. Polanco is slated to be the Mariners' everyday third baseman this season.
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Jordan Westburg 2B | BAL
Orioles' Jordan Westburg: Resumes hitting program
Westburg (back) took some swings in the batting cage Sunday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
The 25-year-old has been battling a sore back over the past week but has returned to light hitting and throwing over the past couple days. Assuming he's able to continue ramping up his baseball activities over the next few days, Westburg could return to game action before the end of the week.
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Jace Jung 2B | DET
Tigers' Jace Jung: Could benefit with Vierling out
With Matt Vierling (shoulder) set to begin the regular season on the injured list, Jung could have a clearer path to regular playing time at third base, per Joey Johnston of MLB.com.
Jung was already seemingly on top of the depth chart at the hot corner, though he was likely to work in a platoon with Vierling. However, Vierling is dealing with a strained right rotator cuff muscle and will not be ready for Opening Day, so Jung may see a larger share of the playing time in the early going. If the 24-year-old gets off to a hot start, he could lock up the role more firmly for the rest of the year.
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Jose Caballero 2B | NYY
Rays' Jose Caballero: In Saturday's lineup
Caballero (foot) is in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
After fouling a pitch off his foot Thursday, Caballero was sent for X-rays, which were negative. He is now ready to return to action, so it does not seem as though his preparations for the start of the season will be affected. Caballero led the American League in steals last season with 44, but he was also caught 16 times, and he may have a tough time repeating last season's playing time given his career .305 OBP.
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Kristian Campbell 2B | BOS
Red Sox's Kristian Campbell: Might be favorite for keystone
The Red Sox will give Campbell every opportunity to win the starting second base job, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
In putting together his Opening Day roster projection, Cotillo has Campbell as Boston's starting second baseman, with Alex Bregman at third base and Rafael Devers at designated hitter. The top prospect slashed .329/.437/.551 with 19 home runs and 24 steals over 115 games across three minor-league levels in 2024 and has a chance to be a major fantasy contributor right away, if he does indeed head north with the big club.
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Jordan Westburg 2B | BAL
Orioles' Jordan Westburg: Does some light throwing
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Westburg (back) had been able to do some light throwing earlier in the day, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Westburg has been held out of Grapefruit League action since the team's first game of the spring nearly a week ago due to lower-back soreness. He's feeling better though, and the Orioles expect him to be ready to return to game action soon. Westburg is in line to serve as the club's everyday third baseman this season.
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Jose Caballero 2B | NYY
Rays' Jose Caballero: Could play Saturday
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Caballero (foot) is "moving around much better" and could return to Grapefruit League play Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Caballero had to depart Thursday's contest against the Tigers after fouling a ball off his left foot, but X-rays came back clean and his absence will be brief. The 28-year-old is pegged for a utility role with Tampa Bay this season.