MLB Player News

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday that Massey (back) had scans come back fine and is considered day-to-day, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old was scratched from Tuesday's Cactus League lineup due to back tightness, and it appears the scans confirm that initial diagnosis. Massey is receiving treatment and doing some conditioning Wednesday, and it seems like he could be back on the field within the next few days.

Stefanic has been shut down from baseball activities after an MRI on his left quad came back worse than expected, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stefanic had an MRI after still feeling discomfort in the quad during a running drill and the test revealed the bad news. It's not clear how long this might set the infielder back, but a stint on the injured list to begin the season seems assured.

Rengifo said Wednesday that his left hamstring feels "way better" than it did when he was forced to leave Tuesday's Cactus League game, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo also hurt the same hamstring back on Feb. 26 but contends that the injury isn't as serious this time around. It's not clear when he might be ready to play in a game again, however, and his readiness for Opening Day certainly still seems to be very much up in the air.

The Giants optioned Villar to minor-league camp Wednesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Villar was never a likely bet to make San Francisco's Opening Day roster, though he had a strong showing during spring training with three homers and a 1.093 OPS in 44 plate appearances. The 27-year-old had an .869 OPS at the Triple-A level last season but also struck out at a 26.6 percent clip, and he'll likely need to show improved contact skills to having any staying power in the majors.

The Padres placed Marcano (knee) on the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Marcano will officially sit out the first portion of the season as he continues to work his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee. The 24-year-old infielder will likely embark on an extended minor-league rehab assignment once he's cleared for game action, but Marcano's placement on the 10-day IL rather than the 60-day list leaves room for a potential early season return.

Foscue may not have the edge to fill in at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is on the injured list, according to Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com.

Wilson reported the Rangers' preference at first base is to have Ezequiel Duran and Jared Walsh platoon as a replacement for Lowe. For that to happen, shortstop Corey Seager (groin) would need be ready by Opening Day, freeing Duran to play first base. Foscue, who was projected to start at first base in the latest roster projection compiled by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, would be on the bubble. Designated hitter is a possibility, but Wyatt Langford appears to have the edge for that job.

Massey was scratched from the Royals' spring lineup Tuesday against the Giants due to lower-back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Massey's removal seems to have been precautionary, though a better idea of the severity of Massey's injury should come once the team's trainers finish evaluating him. The 25-year-old has had a decent spring thus far, recording seven hits in 30 at-bats while hitting two homers and driving in five runs.

Westburg is expected to be fine after exiting Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Blue Jays following a hit by pitch on the left elbow, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg was lifted from the contest as a precaution after being plunked, but he checked out fine. It's possible the Orioles will hold him out for a day or so just to be safe, but there doesn't look to be any concern here.

Rengifo was removed from Tuesday's Cactus League contest versus the Reds with left hamstring tightness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo came up lame after running to first base and exited the field with the trainer. It would appear to be an aggravation of the same hamstring injury he suffered back in late February. A trip to the injured list to begin the season seems likely, but the Angels should have more on Rengifo's condition after the game.

The Astros optioned Hensley to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Hensley went just 6-for-34 with 17 strikeouts this spring. The 27-year-old will be utilized in a utility role with Sugar Land.