MLB Player News

Hernandez (wrist) is expected to play in Monday's exhibition versus Atlanta after exiting Sunday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Hernandez was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion after being pulled from Sunday's contest shortly after being hit by a pitch. He was initially able to stay in the game to run the bases and play defense, but the Red Sox removed him from the contest once his next turn in the batting order came up. Hernandez's early exit looks to have been mostly precautionary, and so long as he doesn't experiencing any major swelling on his wrist overnight, it looks like he won't be in danger of being sidelined for Opening Day.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's spring game with a right wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 31-year-old initially remained in the contest following the hit-by-pitch, but he was pulled before making his next plate appearance. Hernandez could be headed for X-rays, and his status for Opening Day is now in question.

Gonzalez could lose out on a roster spot to begin the season in favor of Leury Garcia, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez has had an inconsistent spring, leaving his status for Opening Day in flux. On one hand, he's slugged four home runs and added a double across 40 Cactus League at-bats. However, Gonzalez has also struck out 15 times in 43 total plate appearances. While Gonzalez's defensive versatility has been praised by the club, Garcia is also capable of playing many positions, either in the infield or outfield.

Polanco (knee) is scheduled to play in a minor league spring training game Tuesday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He will first hit in the batting cage and take grounders Saturday.

Polanco missed the final month of 2022 with a knee injury, and his progress stalled in the Grapefruit League. He's set to begin the regular season on the injured list. This looks like a significant step in his return as he has not played in any games this spring. He still likely has several major hurdles to clear, but this gives hope he could return earlier rather than later in the regular season.

Hernandez and Christian Arroyo will be used in the leadoff spot against left-handed pitching this season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday.

Alex Verdugo and Triston Casas are Cora's top two picks for the leadoff spot against righties. Hernandez batted leadoff for Cora for most of the first two months of last season before being used mostly toward the bottom of the order down the stretch after returning from a hip injury.

Arroyo and Enrique Hernandez will be utilized in the leadoff spot against left-handed pitching this season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday.

Cora mentioned Triston Casas and Alex Verdugo as potential leadoff hitters against righties as he uses a revolving door at the top of the batting order. Arroyo, who is set to start at second base, figures to be in the lower third of the order versus righties.

Ibanez was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Tigers on Friday.

Ibanez had seemed like a decent bet to make the team at the start of camp, but a hand injury suffered during WBC play killed that momentum. He'll be used as a utility infielder at Toledo.

Frazier is starting in right field and batting eighth Friday versus the Yankees, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Frazier will make his first start in the outfield for the Orioles after joining the team this offseason. With Ramon Urias (thumb) and Jorge Mateo expected to be regular starters at second base and shortstop, Frazier is likely to make the occasional start in the outfield in order to keep his bat in the lineup. For fantasy purposes, having dual eligibility gives him extra value, especially if he can return to his 2021 form -- a season in which he produced a .305 batting average with 46 extra-base hits, 43 RBI, 83 runs and 10 stolen bases over 155 games with the Pirates and Padres.

Polanco (knee) will begin the 2023 season on the injured list, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It seemed to be pointing in this direction, but it's now official that Polanco won't be ready for the start of the 2023 season. The 29-year-old missed the final month of 2022 with a knee injury, and his progress stalled in the Grapefruit League. Polanco will miss at least the first few weeks of the season, and he will likely return to a regular role with the club at some point in April.

The Astros announced Altuve underwent right thumb surgery Wednesday in Houston and general manager Dana Brown confirmed the second baseman won't be able to resume baseball activities for two months, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve fractured the thumb after he was hit by a pitch Saturday while playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. With the infielder likely out through the end of May and possibly the early part of June while he rehabs from surgery, David Hensley and Mauricio Dubon are expected to serve as the Astros' primary options at second base.