MLB Player News

Lipcius went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

Lipcius has had an impressive start to his spring, as he now has three home runs and a 1.600 OPS across 15 at-bats. The 24-year-old was added to the 40-man roster in November, and after a productive 2022 split between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, Lipcius could be in line for his MLB debut at some point in 2023. He figures to play some at second base and third base whenever he reaches the majors.

Maton went 3-for-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

Maton was off to a slow start before Tuesday's outburst, but he's now batting .294 this spring. The versatile 26-year-old is competing for an everyday role at third base, though he can also play some in the middle infield and the outfield. Maton should see a decent number of at-bats for the Tigers this season and could emerge as a moderately useful fantasy option.

Jung went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Cubs.

Jung is 5-for-20 in nine Cactus League games, but the main thing is that he's healthy and playing spring ball. He didn't play in 2020 due to the pandemic, then had a foot injury in 2021 and shoulder surgery in 2022. Jung is taking on the challenge of being the Rangers' starting third baseman, an unsettled position for much of 2022 until he was added to the roster in September.

Mead and the Rays have explored a long-term contract extension this spring, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Mead, a 22-year-old native of Australia, has delivered a sparkling .306/.376/.517 career batting line through 970 minor-league plate appearances. He posted a .922 OPS with 13 home runs and 27 doubles in 76 games last summer between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. Even if the extension talks ultimately fail, the young infielder should rise to the major-league level with Tampa Bay in 2023. Most of his defensive experience has come at third base, though he's also played some shortstop, second base and first base.

Miranda (shoulder) has a "very realistic chance" of being ready to play third base on Opening Day, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com on Tuesday.

Miranda tested out his right shoulder with a plyo ball Tuesday and expects to be ready to throw a regular baseball in 2-3 days. If he can avoid setbacks, it sounds like he should be ready to handle the hot corner come March 30. Even if he's not quite ready to play the field, Miranda could serve as the first baseman or designated hitter for a bit. He's already homered three times out of the DH spot this spring.

Miranda tested out his right shoulder by throwing a plyo ball Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

It went well, and the next step will be for Miranda to throw with a regular ball in a few days. His shoulder does not bother him at the plate, which he showed Tuesday with a home run -- his third already this spring -- out of the designated hitter spot.

Peraza is currently out of the lineup with a minor foot injury, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Peraza is currently battling for the starting shortstop gig with the Yankees, and fortunately for him the injury is not considered significant. In fact, Kirschner reports that Peraza is expected back in the lineup Thursday for Grapefruit League action against the Red Sox. With the ability to steal bases and sneaky power, Peraza has a real chance for fantasy success if he can secure enough playing time.

Maton went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays and is now batting just .182 this spring.

It's a small sample size of just 11 at-bats, so Maton has time to get going before the regular season begins. The 26-year-old came to the Tigers as part of the Gregory Soto trade in the offseason and is competing for regular playing time, possibly at third base. Tyler Nevin is also in the mix at the hot corner, and the two could alternate starts, at least until one of them emerges as a preferred option. Maton also has the versatility to play at shortstop and second base as well as in the outfield, so he could be a utility player for the Tigers as well.

Miranda (shoulder) is in the lineup as the designated hitter and hitting second in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

Miranda has been dealing with a sore shoulder that has kept him out of the lineup for the past few days. The infielder is expected to be ready for Opening Day, but he may be limited to first base and designated hitter in the early part of the campaign.

Mead went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

The two homers accounted for Mead's first hits of spring training through 10 at-bats. He's also struck out four times in that span, as he looks to impress the Rays enough to earn a chance to make his big-league debut at some point in 2023. Despite the slow start to the exhibition season, Mead had an impressive 2022 campaign by posting a 146 wRC+ across 246 plate appearances with Double-A Montgomery before being promoted to Triple-A Durham to close the campaign.