MLB Player News

Kreidler was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Kreidler hit two homers and drew 10 walks in 19 Grapefruit League games, but it wasn't enough to secure a spot on Detroit's bench to begin the regular season. The 27-year-old has appeared in the majors in each of the past three seasons, topping out at 84 big-league plate appearances in 2022.

Malloy was scratched from the lineup for Friday's split-squad game against the Yankees due to an illness, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old was penciled in to bat leadoff but will instead sit out due to a stomach bug. Malloy likely isn't in danger of missing Opening Day and should be back in action within a few days.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Mead has made the Opening Day roster, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Mead has been one of the best performers during Grapefruit League play, going an absurd 19-for-35 with one home run in 13 contests. Once the regular season begins, much of Mead's playing time likely will come versus left-handed pitching, although he could play his way into at-bats against righties, too, if he's able to carry over his performance from this spring. The 24-year-old has just a 78 wRC+ across 224 big-league plate appearances.

The Athletics optioned Alexander to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Alexander was in the running for a reserve job but ultimately fell short. He will head to Las Vegas, where he'll provide depth at the corner infield and outfield spots.

Urias (hamstring) will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Yankees.

Urias was unavailable for a little over a week as he battled through some hamstring soreness but is ready to give it a go in this one. The 30-year-old could see increased reps early on in the season if Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) isn't ready.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that it's very unlikely Devers will play third base before the end of spring training, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Cora still hasn't officially announced that Alex Bregman will be his third baseman and Devers will be his designated hitter this season, but that will be the setup for the foreseeable future with Devers unable to play the field. Devers has just two games under his belt this spring, as he's been working on getting his timing down at the plate following last season's shoulder issues.

Freeman started in center field and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against Texas.

Freeman, who launched his second Cactus League homer in the sixth inning, is thriving in a super-utility role. He's appeared in 13 games and has starts at second base (three), shortstop (one), third base (one), center field (four), right field (three) and DH (one). While second base gives him the best chance for a starting gig, Freeman's versatility will keep him in the majors in 2025. He's hitting .313/.421/.656 with six extra-base hits, five RBI, five runs and a stolen base this spring.

Henderson (intercostal) took batting practice Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Recovering from a mild right intercostal muscle strain, Henderson continues to ramp up his baseball activities as he attempts to get ready in time for Opening Day. He will surely need to get some at-bats in a game setting soon in order to have a shot to be active for the opener, and it's not clear when that might happen. If Henderson has to miss some time, the Orioles would slide Jackson Holliday over to shortstop and likely use Ramon Urias at second base.

The Orioles optioned Mayo to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mayo probably wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster no matter how well he played this spring, but he didn't help himself by slashing .190/.239/.262 with a 13:2 K:BB in 46 plate appearances. The top prospect will receive everyday reps back at Norfolk while waiting for an opportunity at the big-league level.

Jordan (arm) played two innings at first base in Monday's 12-3 loss to the Orioles in Grapefruit League play.

Though he didn't make any plate appearances, Jordan's usage off the bench Monday implies that he's healthy after he was hit by a pitch and then lifted for a pinch runner in his last Grapefruit League game back on March 8. Jordan is likely to open the 2025 season at either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Worcester.