MLB Player News

Duffy has been informed that he's made the Opening Day roster for the Royals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Duffy was signed to a minor-league contract and invited to spring training back in January. The veteran infielder struggled last year with the Cubs with a .619 OPS across 247 plate appearances. He's likely to be a bench option for the Royals to begin the 2023 campaign.

Peraza will play both shortstop and second base with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman ruled out third base for Peraza, but the young infielder will be used at both middle infield spots as he awaits a return to the majors. Peraza may have lost out to Anthony Volpe for the shortstop job, but he could still very well play an important part for the Yankees this season before all is said and done.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Monday that he expects Moncada (back) to be ready to play in Thursday's season opener versus the Astros, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. "That's the expectation right now, yeah. We have an optional workout in Houston on a Wednesday. And hoping that he'll be there," Grifol said of Moncada. "Probably will, needs to get some treatment and do some stuff. Everything checks out, he'll be ready."

Though Moncada looks like he'll remain out of the lineup for the White Sox's final two Cactus League games Monday and Tuesday, he should get the green light for the Opening Day start at third base if he checks out fine following Wednesday's optional workout. Grifol noted that Moncada is still nursing some lower-back soreness, and even though the issue isn't expected to keep the 27-year-old from playing in the opener, he could get his first day off of the season fairly early.

Peterson played at third base in both Friday's and Sunday's spring training games against the White Sox and Giants, respectively, after being hit by a pitch Wednesday.

Peterson went a combined 2-for-5 in that pair of exhibitions, and although he didn't play a full nine innings in either, it's clear he's unaffected from having been plunked. The veteran appears set to open the season as the everyday third baseman.

Peraza was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

Peraza opened camp as the favorite to serve as the Yankees' starting shortstop, but the team made it clear that would be an open competition during spring training. Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera were informed Sunday that they made the team's Opening Day roster, which put Peraza on the roster bubble. The 22-year-old hit .190 with a homer, nine runs and two stolen bases across 15 Grapefruit League games this year but will get consistent at-bats in the minors and should be one of the first names on the list of potential call-ups if the Yankees need assistance in the infield at some point during the regular season.

The Yankees indicated Sunday that a decision has yet to be made on whether Peraza will be on the Opening Day roster, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera were both informed they made the Opening Day roster Sunday, but Peraza's status remains in limbo. Peraza played in 18 games during his first taste of the big leagues last year and had an .833 OPS in 57 plate appearances, but he batted just .205 over 14 games during spring training. The 22-year-old would likely fill a bench role if on the MLB roster, so the Yankees could prioritize getting him consistent playing time in the minors.

Moncada exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the Rockies due to lower back stiffness.

Moncada struck out in his lone at-bat prior to being removed from Sunday's spring matchup, and he's considered day-to-day following his departure. It's unclear whether he'll be available for Chicago's final two Cactus League matchup or whether the issue will impact his availability for the team's Opening Day matchup against the Astros on Thursday.

Manager Aaron Boone said Sunday in an interview with Jomboy Media's "Talkin' Yanks" podcast that LeMahieu will be the Yankees' Opening Day leadoff hitter.

Though LeMahieu isn't expected to be the primary starter at any one position, his ability to play either corner-infield spot as well as second base essentially guarantees him a near-everyday role while the Yankees rotate off days between him, Josh Donaldson, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo. LeMahieu's production at the plate has taken a step back the past two seasons, but he reported to spring training 100 percent healthy and has looked the part during Grapefruit League play. In 12 games this spring, LeMahieu has slashed .371/.421/.486 while striking out in only seven of his 38 plate appearances (18.4 percent). LeMahieu doesn't project to run much or hit for much power at this stage of his career, but he should be a strong source of runs and batting average if health prevails and he can stick as the Yankees' leadoff man for the bulk of the season.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Sunday that Nevin (oblique) will begin the season on the injured list, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. "He will open up on a rehab assignment if all goes well this week," Hinch said.

Nevin has been dealing with an oblique injury through much of camp. The 26-year-old shouldn't need a long stay on the injured list before returning to the Detroit lineup, and he is expected to serve as a bench option who can fill in at the corner infield positions.

Burger is in the running to earn a roster spot to begin the season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burger has made a strong case for a roster spot with both his bat and glove this spring. He's slugged four home runs and a double across 59 plate appearances during Cactus League action, though that's been offset by 18 strikeouts. Adding to Burger's appeal is that he added first base to his defensive repertoire, giving him some additional versatility as compared to the 2022 campaign.