MLB Player News

Manager John Schneider said Sunday that Schneider has won a spot on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Davis Schneider has endured a rough spring training with a .171/.255/.341 slash line through 16 Grapefruit League games, but his ability to play three positions (second base, third base and left field) in addition to notching a 1.007 OPS in his first 141 big-league plate appearances late last season likely factored into the Blue Jays' decision to include him on the 26-man active roster. Despite his success in his first taste of the big leagues, Schneider still appears likely to begin the upcoming season as a short-side platoon player while Cavan Biggio, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Daulton Varsho appear secure as the Blue Jays' projected starters at second base, third base and left field, respectively.

Rengifo (hamstring) is starting at second base and batting eighth in Sunday's spring game against the Dodgers.

The 27-year-old will return to action as expected this weekend, putting him on track to be available Opening Day. Rengifo is expected to fill a super-utility role this season, though he could see a large chunk of his time at third base.

Wong was granted his release by the Orioles on Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The Orioles had two days to either release Wong or add him to the big-league roster after he exercised the opt-out in his minor-league contract Friday, and the club has now made its decision. The veteran second baseman posted a .519 OPS between the Mariners and Dodgers last season and hit .185 during spring training, so he's unlikely to find much in the form of guaranteed big-league opportunities with Opening Day less than a week away.

Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Saturday's spring game against the Rockies.

Espinal made his first appearance since Cincinnati acquired him from Toronto last Wednesday. The infielder provides insurance in an infield that will be missing two projected starters at second and third base when the regular season begins.

Manager Matt Quatraro said Saturday that he expects Massey (back) to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lower-back problems have kept Massey out of action since Tuesday, and it appears Massey's absence will extend into the regular season after initially being seen as a day-to-day issue. An IL stint for Massey likely means more playing time at second base for Adam Frazier to begin the year, though Nick Loftin may fill in against left-handed starters.

Marte went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Marte is closing out the best spring of his career in terms of OPS (1.131). He's hit safely in 15 of 16 games, going 20-for-47 (.426) with eight extra-base hits, six RBI and 10 runs scored. The switch-hitting Marte is set to open the season as Arizona's primary second baseman and bat in the upper third of the order, likely leading off against lefties and batting second against righties.

Wong exercised the opt-out in his minor-league contract Friday, giving the Orioles two days to either release him or add him to the big-league roster, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

The veteran second baseman didn't appear likely to crack Baltimore's Opening Day roster after signing as a non-roster invitee in February, but he's apparently still in the mix after the club reassigned top prospect Jackson Holliday to minor-league camp Friday. Wong didn't exactly put his best foot forward during spring training and had a .587 OPS in 31 plate appearances, which is only marginally better than last season's .183/.256/.263 slash line.

Rengifo (hamstring) is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter in Saturday's Cactus League game against the A's, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo exited Tuesday's exhibition after aggravating a left hamstring injury, but he's expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday after taking a few days off. Assuming he's plays this weekend with no issues, the 27-year-old should be ready to go for Opening Day.

The Brewers reassigned Arroyo to minor-league camp Friday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Arroyo was in the mix for playing time in the infield as a non-roster invitee, but he went just 4-for-22 with an 8:1 K:BB over 23 plate appearances this spring. He will give the Brewers veteran infield depth at Triple-A Nashville, assuming he doesn't opt out.

The Diamondbacks released Andrus on Friday.

Andrus presumably opted out of his minor-league contract after being told he would not be part of the Opening Day roster. He went 2-for-17 at the plate this spring. The 35-year-old will now be on the lookout for a new organization that's in need of reserve infielder help.