MLB Player News

Espinal went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

The 29-year-old infielder is batting only .200 (4-for-20) this spring, but that masks a strong performance at the plate that also includes a 5:2 BB:K. Unfortunately for Espinal, one of his main competitors for a utility spot, Ernie Clement, has been on fire in camp, going 10-for-25 with two homers and zero strikeouts. Given the defensive flexibility already provided by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Cavan Biggio and Davis Schneider, there probably isn't room for two more bench infielders on the 26-man roster, so Espinal will likely have to begin his season at Triple-A Buffalo and wait for injuries to open up a spot for him in the majors.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Bae (hip) is currently limited to playing catch and taking part in advanced workouts in the weight room, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae -- who is working his way back from a left hip flexor injury -- will be re-evaluated later this week to see if he can up his activities. At this stage of spring training, Bae's availability for Opening Day is very much in question, but more on his status should be known by the end of the week.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed Tuesday that Turang will be the club's starting second baseman Opening Day against the Mets, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The 24-year-old worked as Milwaukee's primary second baseman last season and produced plus-12 defensive runs saved, but he underwhelmed offensively with a .218/.285/.300 slash line, six home runs, 34 RBI and 46 runs in 448 plate appearances. Turang did steal 26 bases in 30 attempts, so he could have some limited fantasy utility in deeper leagues.

The Twins optioned Severino to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Severino nabbed a 40-man roster spot this winter but will head back to St. Paul for more seasoning. The 24-year-old has plenty of power but might need to rein in the strikeouts before the Twins give him a look.

Lux is away from the Dodgers' camp Tuesday due to illness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

A bug seems to be making its way around the clubhouse, as Max Muncy and assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness have also been affected. Consider Lux day-to-day.

The Guardians optioned Brito to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The return from the Rockies in the Nolan Jones trade, Brito finished last season at Columbus and will return there to start 2024. Brito, 22, doesn't appear far off from being major-league ready, but the Guardians have multiple others ahead of him on the depth chart.

Biggio went 2-for-3 with a walk, two doubles and two runs scored in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Getting the start at second base and batting leadoff in a Toronto lineup missing all its top stars, Biggio rapped out a pair of two-baggers off Zach Eflin. The 28-year-old utility player was brought along slowly in camp but has hit the ground running since seeing his first Grapefruit League action Thursday, going 4-for-8 with three doubles. Biggio could see a significant workload for the Jays this season as he splits his time between second base, third base and right field.

Albies went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

The second baseman took Chris Paddack deep in the first inning for his first long ball of the spring. Albies has gone 4-for-22 so far in Grapefruit League action with a 2:6 BB:K, but there are no concerns with the 27-year-old as he looks to follow up a big 2023 campaign that saw him set new careers highs with 33 homers and 109 RBI.

Guillorme (quad) is starting at shortstop and batting second for Atlanta in his return to the lineup Tuesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

It's his first game since Feb. 28, as the 29-year-old has been battling a sore quad. Guillorme will fill a utility infielder role for Atlanta this season.

Foscue started at first base and went 0-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

Foscue, who was battling side discomfort, returned to the lineup. His start at first base is noteworthy, as that position is usually filled by Nathaniel Lowe, whose oblique injury leaves him questionable for Opening Day. Foscue could fill the role early in the regular season, then shift to DH when Lowe is ready to play.