MLB Player News

Kinney (shoulder) is listed as an available bench player for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kinney's inclusion on the lineup card is an indication that he's back to full health after finishing the 2024 season on High-A Bowling Green's injured list due to a right shoulder issue. Before being shut down with the injury, the 22-year-old infielder slashed .289/.352/.494 with 10 home runs and six stolen bases across 361 plate appearances with Bowling Green.

Torres went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and two total runs scored in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Torres is off to a bit of a slow spring start with a .182 batting average through five appearances, but he is at least on the board with a home run. Even if he scuffles throughout Grapefruit League play, the 28-year-old will fill a key role with the Tigers and see regular playing time at second base.

Dubon is expected to serve as the Astros' starting second baseman to begin the 2025 season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros appear serious about playing Jose Altuve in left field, leaving a void at second base. Dubon remains best positioned to take advantage of that, though he has struggled significantly in spring training by failing to pick up a hit in 12 at-bats while striking out four times. McTaggart also noted Brendan Rodgers, Luis Guillorme and Zack Short as potential depth options at second base.

Westburg (back) said Wednesday that he's feeling much better and expects to return to the Orioles' lineup Thursday or Friday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Westburg hasn't played since his team's Grapefruit League opener due to a back issue that he blames on a mattress he slept on being too soft. The infielder has time to get back up to speed ahead of Opening Day.

The Angels reassigned Sanchez to minor-league camp Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Sanchez has spent parts of eight seasons in the big leagues, but he hasn't seen MLB action since 2022, when he appeared in 14 games with the Red Sox. He's spent both of the past two seasons at the Triple-A level with the affiliates for Atlanta and the Mets, and the Angels likely envision him filling a utility role at Triple-A Salt Lake throughout the 2025 campaign.

Rengifo said Tuesday that the hamstring issue he's dealing with is merely a cramp, and he expects to be back in the Angels lineup soon, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Rengifo will miss a second straight game Tuesday against the Guardians, but he could be back in action by the end of the week. The switch-hitting Rengifo is competing for the Angels' second base job this spring, although he might ultimately settle into more of a super-utility role.

Vivas (shoulder) will start at second base and bat seventh in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Vivas will be making his spring debut Tuesday after a sore shoulder delayed his entry into the spring lineup. The 23-year-old infielder is a member of the Yankees' 40-man roster, but he has yet to make his big-league debut and is most likely to begin the 2025 season in an everyday role at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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.

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.

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.