MLB Player News

Castro seems likely to make Detroit's Opening Day roster as a utility player, though Willi Castro has been providing some competition in camp, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Both players can play all over the field, though Harold Castro has been a bit more consistent with the bat the past few years. Last season he slashed .283/.310/.359 across 106 games. The batting average was actually the lowest of his four-year MLB career, which illustrates how good he's been at making consistent contact.

Hoerner could be in line to start the regular season as the primary shortstop if Andrelton Simmons (shoulder) has to miss time, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Simmons has missed time in camp with a sore right shoulder, and Hoerner could be next in line, with Jonathan Villar possibly better suited for more of a utility role. Hoerner profiles as a better offensive player than Simmons, so he could carve out a more regular role all year if he starts producing at the plate right out of the gate.

Urias (quadriceps) said Thursday that his recovery process is going slowly, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers have already indicated that Urias will begin the regular season on the injured list, and it's possible that he'll need to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf. The infielder is running at about 50 percent intensity and doesn't yet feel confident pushing it further. Jace Peterson will likely serve as the primary third baseman to begin the season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers exercise caution in Urias' recovery to prevent a more significant injury.

Rengifo was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Rengifo competed for a role in the Angels' middle infield this spring and went 4-for-19 with a triple, a double, three runs, two RBI and three strikeouts across eight Cactus League games. He'll begin the year with the minor-league club but will be one of the top options to fill in as utility depth for the Angels in 2022.

The Rays optioned Brujan to minor-league camp Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Given that he turned in a lowly .154 OPS in 26 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues in 2021 before finishing the season at Triple-A Durham, Brujan's demotion comes as little surprise. The toolsy, switch-hitting 24-year-old remains one of the Rays' top prospects and likely doesn't need much further refinement in the minors, but Tampa Bay's wealth of infield and outfield talent may force Brujan to wait a little longer before getting his next trial with the big club. If he's able to take hold of a regular role with Tampa Bay at some point in 2022, Brujan would offer intriguing stolen-base upside, after swiping 44 bags in 52 attempts at Triple-A last season.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Hernandez was in the mix for the starting job at third base early in spring training, but he'll begin the year in the minors after he went 1-for-11 with a double, two RBI, two stolen bases, two walks and two strikeouts across six Cactus League appearances. He should be one of the top options to fill a depth role if the Rangers' infielders deal with injuries in 2022.

Gorman was assigned to minor league camp Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The highly-ranked prospect will begin the season with Triple-A Memphis before likely being called-up at some point during the 2022 campaign. Between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2021, Gorman excelled and produced a .279 average with 25 homers and 20 doubles. With the Cardinals bringing in Nolan Arenado last offseason, Gorman was transitioned to second base and will likely focus on improving his work at the keystone early this year.

Chavis (shoulder) will start at second base and bat third in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Chavis is back in action for the first time since Friday after getting a few days off to rest a sore shoulder. The 26-year-old, who is competing for a utility role with the Pirates, has gone 1-for-13 at the dish during spring training.

Arroyo started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's spring training game against Pittsburgh.

Following the acquisition of Trevor Story, who will start at the second base, the Red Sox announced plans to expose Arroyo to right field. This marked his third appearance in right and first start. Jackie Bradley is penciled in to play right field and should be in the lineup against right-handed starters, but either Arroyo or J.D. Martinez will man the position against lefties. Arroyo will also fill in at all four infield positions. He's 7-for-17 with one extra-base hit, two walks, one RBI and three runs scored over seven spring games.

Rojas started at shortstop and went 1-for-2 with a double in Monday's spring training game against the Dodgers.

Rojas was the first to step in for injured shortstop Nick Ahmed (shoulder) and could be a permanent fill-in. Ahmed is considering all options -- anything to avoid surgery -- so there's a need to find someone to slot in at shortstop for the immediate future. Rojas was penciled in as the starter at third base, but there could be a bigger need at short. He started 39 games at shortstop in 2021.