MLB Player News

Altuve is 2-for-14 with six strikeouts in Cactus League action.

Altuve has away been away from the team to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, but he struggled prior to his departure. He has also gone just 2-for-12 for Team Venezuela to this point in the tournament. Altuve's track record of excellent production certainly outweighs his slow start to the exhibition season, though it would be reassuring to see him collect a few knocks once he returns to camp for the Astros.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said Drury left Friday's game with a tightened calf but will return to the lineup Saturday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Drury fouled a ball off his calf, and it tightened up on him in the third inning. It sounds like Drury has avoided a significant injury.

Drury has left Friday's Cactus League game against the Royals for undisclosed reasons, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Drury was replaced by Jose Gomez after being seen limping after he exited the field. There should be an update on his status by the end of Friday's game.

Ibanez (finger) has been cleared for baseball activities and will work out with the Tigers on Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Ibanez was given clearance to ramp things up following an MRI on Thursday. It's uncertain when he might be ready to return to game action, but after getting injured in the first week of March, his chances of making the Opening Day roster haven't been helped by the missed time.

Rosario is batting .292 (7-for-24) through nine Cactus League games.

It's business as usual for Rosario, who will be the Guardians' primary shortstop to begin 2023. He posted a positive defensive runs saved (six) for the first time in 2022, so any lingering concerns about his overall game appear to be behind him. He also slashed .283/.312/.403 with 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, 71 RBI and 86 runs scored in 153 contests last year, emerging as a steady presence in the No. 2 spot in the order.

Lopez went 8-for-16 across four games for Italy during group-stage play at the World Baseball Classic.

It's a great showing for the light-hitting infielder, who also had seven RBI and a stolen base in those games. Lopez struggled at the dish in Cactus League play prior to the international competition, going 0-for-6 with two walks and two strikeouts across three games with the Royals. Lopez's best path to playing time is likely at second base, where he could challenge second-year infielder Michael Massey for a starting role. Lopez is also versatile enough to see time at third base and shortstop, so while he might lack an everyday role, he could push for playing time by carrying over his strong hitting from the WBC into the regular season.

Gimenez has gone 4-for-14 (.286) across four games for Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic.

Gimenez also went 3-for-11 over five Cactus League games before leaving for the WBC. The 24-year-old infielder is once again projected to be the Guardians' top second baseman heading into 2023 after slashing .297/.371/.466 with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 69 RBI and 66 runs scored in 146 games during his 2022 breakout season.

Valdez was optioned to Triple-A Worcester by the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Valdez was competing for a utility spot with Boston, but at least to begin the 2023 campaign, the infielder/outfielder will begin the season in the minors. The 24-year-old has struggled in the Grapefruit League with a .695 OPS over 32 plate appearances with just one homer and no steal attempts over 14 games. While he starts the year in Worcester, Valdez will likely be one of the first players called up when Boston needs depth help.

Jackson was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Angels on Tuesday.

Jackson spent all of last season with Double-A Rocket City, slashing .215/.308/.404 with 44 RBI across 351 plate appearances. The 22-year-old infield prospect will most likely return to Double-A to begin 2023.

Julien was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul by the Twins on Tuesday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Julien had a nice showing this spring, putting up a .919 OPS with two home runs in six games. The 23-year-old on-base machine was added to the Twins' 40-man roster over the offseason after posting a .300/.441/.490 line with 17 homers and 19 steals at Double-A Wichita in 2022. He will see his first Triple-A action in 2023 and could push to debut at some point later in the year.