MLB Player News

Biggio (shoulder) was able to take a round of batting practice Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted one week ago that Biggio was dealing with left shoulder tendinitis upon reporting to spring training, but the issue doesn't look to be anything too concerning. The fact that Biggio is already hitting without any apparent limitations bodes well for his chances of being available for Grapefruit League action in the near future, even if he's not included in the Blue Jays' initial spring lineups.

The Red Sox will have Yorke work into outfield drills during spring training in an attempt to increase his versatility, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Yorke is in big-league camp as a non-roster player, and while he doesn't have a realistic shot to make the team, he will get a chance to make an impression while also showing what he can do in the outfield. He has played second base exclusively so far in the minor leagues. A first-round pick in 2020, Yorke spent last season at Double-A Portland, slashing .268/.350/.435 with 13 homers and 18 steals across 506 plate appearances.

Rengifo said Sunday that he is fully healthy after tearing his left biceps tendon last September, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo underwent surgery in mid-September last year following the biceps injury, and he was able to resume baseball activities in January. That allowed him to have a normal offseason in terms of training, and he said Sunday that he feels "really good." Rengifo is likely to fill a utility role for the Angels this year, but he should have an opportunity to play on a near-everyday basis as he looks to build upon his strong second half last season. Between the All-Star break and the biceps injury, Rengifo slashed .318/.374/.587 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI over 50 contests.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that he envisions Torres batting in the 4-to-6 range in the lineup, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Boone added that Torres could also fill in at leadoff on occasion. DJ LeMahieu appears to be the heavy favorite to open the season at the top of the batting order and will likely be followed by Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that Caballero is still expected to be the Opening Day shortstop even after the addition of Amed Rosario, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays are viewing Rosario as more of a utility player than a regular at any one position. Acquired via trade from the Mariners in January, Caballero slashed .221/.343/.320 with four homers and 26 stolen bases over 104 games with Seattle in 2023. Taylor Walls (hip) will also eventually be in the mix for starts at shortstop, but he'll miss at least the first month of the season.

Torres said Wednesday that he's interested in signing a long-term contract extension with the Yankees, David Lennon of Newsday reports.

However, Torres added that he and his representation have yet to engage in negotiations with the club regarding a long-term deal, confirming what general manager Brian Cashman said last week. Torres is set to earn $14.2 million in 2024 in his final year under contract before reaching free agency next offseason. While it does not appear the Yankees are eager to lock him up to an extension, Torres' market figures to be fairly robust. He's posted a 120 wRC+ over the last two seasons and will be only 28 heading into free agency.

Lowe was held out of workouts again Tuesday due to illness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's not clear exactly what Lowe is dealing with, but he should be fine to return to action later this week. The 29-year-old is slated to handle second base again for the Rays in 2024.

Urias has resumed workouts following a shutdown period due to right shoulder inflammation, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

Urias was diagnosed with inflammation after reporting to camp early a couple weeks ago. The good news is that testing came back negative and he has since been cleared for workouts. It's possible the Mariners will ease Urias into Cactus League play, but it does not appear this will interrupt his availability for the start of the season.

Westburg will primarily play at second base and third base with a little bit of shortstop mixed in this spring, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Westburg got six games of experience in the corner outfield last season with Triple-A Norfolk, but he's played 50 of his 80 major-league games at second base. There's a good chance Westburg can claim a starting role at the keystone this spring, though the Orioles are also trying top prospect Jackson Holliday there. That said, Westburg's versatility will be beneficial to him beginning the season in the majors.

Foscue will primarily work out at first base for the Rangers this spring, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Foscue has predominantly been a second baseman, but with Marcus Semien holding down the keystone in Texas, Foscue's best path to playing time lies elsewhere. The 24-year-old did see some action at first base down the stretch last season at Triple-A Round Rock, so the position isn't totally foreign to him. Foscue is also an option at designated hitter for the Rangers, and he might see action at third base if Josh Jung's calf injury lingers into the regular season.