MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Smith will play right field in a Grapefruit League game soon, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith is a natural third baseman and his long-term home is probably still at the hot corner, but he did see a little action in left field during the Cape Cod League in 2023. The 22-year-old has wowed the Astros this spring, going 8-for-13 with two home runs and a 2:5 K:BB. While a spot on the Opening Day roster for Smith is probably still a long shot, it does seem as though he'll debut sooner rather than later, and showing comfortability in the outfield could speed up that timetable.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Devers (shoulders) is now slated to make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday versus Atlanta, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The initial plan called for Devers to make his spring debut March 5, but that's now been pushed back twice. Instead, he will face Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler on the back fields on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, before making his first official game appearance Saturday. That gives Devers just over a week's worth of games to get ready for Opening Day. The Red Sox have not indicated any worry about how Devers is doing physically following last year's shoulder problems, pointing to him simply working on getting his timing down. Still, it's an atypical situation that raises red flags.

Walls left Saturday's Grapefruit League game with a quad injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The injury is expected to be minor, as Walls is projected to return to the lineup Thursday. He had a solid spring prior to being sidelined, collecting five hits across 16 at-bats -- albeit with only one extra-base hit. Walls is slated to begin the season as the Rays' starting shortstop with Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) sidelined.

Alexander (undisclosed) left in the seventh inning of Monday's spring game against the White Sox, Jessica Kleinschmidt of TheComeback.com reports.

Alexander was subbed into Monday's game at the top of the seventh inning for JJ Bleday, but the former exited the game with an apparent injury shortly after and was replaced by Colby Halter.

Jordan was lifted for a pinch runner in Saturday's 9-8 Grapefruit League loss to the Twins after being hit by a pitch in his eighth-inning plate appearance.

The Red Sox didn't provide any details on Jordan's condition after the game, but it's possible that he was just lifted as a precaution. The 22-year-old first baseman slashed .261/.305/.388 over 380 plate appearances at Double-A Portland in 2024 and could be headed back to the Eastern League to begin the 2025 season.

Devers (shoulders) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday versus the Twins, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The Red Sox have been proceeding slowly with Devers as he builds up strength in both of his shoulders. Assuming he plays Wednesday, he will have plenty of time to get ready for the March 27 season opener versus the Rangers, but the question remains as to whether he'll play third base or serve as the Red Sox's designated hitter on Opening Day. Devers made it clear earlier in camp that he views himself as Boston's third baseman, even after the team signed Alex Bregman.

Caminero (back) is starting at third base and batting third in Sunday's spring game against the Blue Jays, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

The 21-year-old exited Thursday's game due to back tightness but will return to the field after taking a couple days off. Caminero is expected be a key lineup piece for the Rays in 2025 after he posted a .723 OPS in 43 games as a rookie last year.

Davis went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run Saturday in a Cactus League win over Milwaukee.

Davis plated the final two runs of the game with a blast to center field in the seventh inning. It was the first long ball of the spring for the veteran infielder, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee. Davis has struggled with a .182/.217/.364 slash line so far this spring, though he has a chance of making the Opening Day roster due in part to injuries to Anthony Rendon (hip), Zach Neto (shoulder) and Luis Rengifo (hamstring).

Bregman went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Friday's spring game against Miami.

The homer was the second of the spring for Bregman, who has been productive in the Grapefruit League. He's batting .471 with four extra-base hits and eight RBI through seven contests. He's started at third base six times (one at DH) and batted second in the order in all outings. Third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) is due back this week -- he could debut Tuesday or Wednesday -- but is expected return as the designated hitter. Boston manager Alex Cora has yet to divulge his plans for third base.

Freeman started in center field and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's spring game against the Athletics.

Freeman is raking in the Cactus League, batting .462 with a home run and three doubles through six contests. He's one of a bunch competing for a utility role and has appeared at second base (twice), shortstop, third base and center field (twice). Freeman could also find a regular gig at second base, which does not have a settled starter at this point in spring training. He's been the best among the group vying for the spot.