MLB Player News

Hoerner agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract extension with the Cubs on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The Cubs clearly liked what they saw out of Hoerner in 2022 after he slashed .281/.327/.410 with 10 homers, 55 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 60 runs scored in his first full season of big-league action (135 games). The club now has the middle of the infield locked up for the next few years, as Chicago signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year deal in December, and the team now has Hoerner under contract until his age-29 season.

Miller was informed Monday that he's clinched a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The decision came down to Miller and Joey Wiemer for the final position player roster spot with the Brew Crew. Miller already being on the 40-man roster likely played a part in the decision, although he also earned it this spring with a .916 OPS and added versatility in showing he can handle center field. The 26-year-old should get some starts against lefties.

Mathias was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.

As the Pirates thin their major-league roster out ahead of Opening Day, Mathias will make his way to Indianapolis. The 28-year-old produced a .222 average with a double, two RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases over 18 at-bats in eight games this spring. After signing a contract with the Pirates this offseason, Mathias will have to prove himself at the Triple-A level before he'll get a shot at the big leagues.

The Brewers informed Turang on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster.

Turang has had a solid showing this spring, sporting a .282/.349/.385 batting line with one home run and three stolen bases. The plan is for him to be the regular second baseman at least against right-handed pitching, with Luis Urias likely handling third base. Meanwhile, Brian Anderson could see more time in the corner outfield with Turang making the team, at least until Tyrone Taylor (elbow) is ready. While he could be stuck toward the bottom of the batting order, Turang could be a fantasy asset right away due to his wheels.

Bae started in center field in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae began spring training competing for the starting second base job and has been fairly unimpressive by posting a .244/.295/.268 line across 43 plate appearances in Grapefruit League action. However, both Mark Mathias and Rodolfo Castro have also struggled, leaving the division of playing time at the position ambiguous as we close in on Opening Day. Bae has played in center field and shortstop throughout his minor-league career, and that versatility could lead to him earning a roster spot out of camp.

Mendick was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

Mendick had a .619 slash line in 10 games during spring training and was unable to earn a spot on New York's Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old will serve as organizational depth at Triple-A Syracuse while Tim Locastro and Darin Ruf continue to battle for the final roster spot.

Hoerner (biceps) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Royals, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He'll re-enter the Cubs' spring lineup for the first time since Tuesday after left biceps tightness resulted in him being scratched on a couple occasions over the past few days. So long as Hoerner escapes Sunday's contest no worse for the wear, he should head into Opening Day with a full-time role in the middle infield in hand.

Urias (head) will start at third base and bat fifth in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Urias had been out of action the past two days after he experienced a bout of dizziness, but he was never diagnosed with a concussion and looks like he'll be good to go after a brief respite. Though he'll be making his first start of the spring at third base, Urias is projected to see most of his action at the keystone in 2023 after seeing five of his six Cactus League starts to date at that position.

Rodgers (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Rockies on Sunday.

Rodgers was one of three players for Colorado to hit the 60-day injured list, with Sean Bouchard (biceps) and Ryan Rolison (shoulder) joining him on the IL. Rodgers picked up a significant left shoulder injury early in spring that was determined to have damaged to his capsule, and there's a very good chance he won't be able to play in 2023.

Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Saturday.

Castro will be a part of the Opening Day roster after signing a minor-league contract in January with an invite to MLB spring training. The infielder will likely spell starters all around the infield, and he could see some playing time in the outfield as well. Castro will help the Rockies in 2023, but he is unlikely to help much in fantasy formats even if he gets regular playing time.