MLB Player News

The Tigers optioned Short to Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Short will miss out on a spot on the Opening Day roster, with Detroit seemingly set to begin the season with Ryan Kreidler and the newly acquired Zach McKinstry as its reserve infielders. The 27-year-old Short, who posted a .730 OPS in Grapefruit League action, should be able to play on a near-everyday basis in Toledo.

Polanco (knee) will do some hitting in front of trainers Tuesday before the Twins determine his next step, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Polanco is going through baseball activities without limitations but hasn't done any live hitting since he had a little setback with his surgically-repaired left knee in mid-March. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli notes that he's hopeful that Polanco could play soon, but that it has taken longer than expected for the fluid and soreness associated with the injury to leave the knee. He will remain in extended spring training while the club heads north and it's not clear at this time how long he might be sidelined.

The Orioles reassigned Westburg to minor-league camp Monday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg fared well this spring but ultimately there wasn't a spot yet for him on the major-league roster. The 24-year-old should make his debut at some point in 2023, though, and his ability to play shortstop, second base and third base helps him in that regard.

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.

Julien departed Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Pirates with a left ankle sprain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Julien sustained the injury while avoiding the first baseman as he ran through the bag. The Twins are calling him day-to-day. Julien was already sent to minor-league camp earlier this month but could become an option at second base before long if Jorge Polanco's knee issue continues to linger. He'll have to get healthy himself first, of course.

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.

The Rays optioned Brujan to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Brujan appeared in 17 games this spring, producing a disappointing .118 average with a double, an RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases over 34 at-bats. Considering how much he struggled at the plate, it's not overly surprising that the 25-year-old will start the season with Durham. The switch-hitter played in 52 games with the Rays in 2022, batting .163 with three homers, 16 RBI, 13 runs and five stolen bases over 162 at-bats. He'll look to get his bat right in Triple-A before making the leap back to the major-league level at some point in 2023.

Hernandez (wrist) will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's loss to the Twins after suffering a right wrist contusion when he was hit by a pitch, but his re-entry into the lineup a day later confirms that his early exit was precautionary. With Trevor Story (elbow) likely to miss the first half of the season, Hernandez is expected to serve as Boston's everyday shortstop to begin the campaign, so he should quickly gain eligibility at the position in all fantasy leagues after making only four starts at shortstop in 2022.

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.