MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Wisdom, who hasn't seen game action since Wednesday, is dealing with a back injury, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It's not believed to be a serious injury, however, with Wisdom expected to rejoin the Cactus League lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. The 32-year-old also missed time early in camp due to quadriceps tightness, but he's hit well when available, going 6-for-16 with two homers in six spring games.

The Dodgers designated Lipcius for assignment Saturday, J.P. Hoornstra of DodgersNation.com reports.

He's the 40-man roster casualty as the Dodgers freed up a spot for Daniel Hudson. It's the second time in a little over two weeks that Lipcius has been designated for assignment, as the Tigers flipped him to the Dodgers in a trade shortly after removing him from their 40-man roster.

Busch, who primarily played second and third base the last few years, said recently he is feeling more comfortable at first, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Busch is expected to make an impact with his bat, but the Cubs would also like to get solid defense at first base. Manager Craig Counsell noted that Busch's athleticism is helping him make the transition, and the team seems to be happy with what it is seeing so far in camp. If Busch can hold his own at the position, he should be in line for a fairly steady amount of playing time this season.

Collier went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Thursday's Spring Breakout game against the Rangers.

Collier showed opposite field power in taking a fastball out to left field, then struck out twice on fastballs in his next two plate appearances. Keith Law of The Athletic said the 2022 first-round pick has gotten thick around the middle, and it could be impacting Collier's defense at third; he was slow on a grounder then rushed a throw and pulled the first baseman off the bag. Collier has appeared in two Cactus League games, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Rivera started at shortstop and went 0-for-1 with two walks in Thursday's spring game against Kansas City.

Rivera filled in for the injured Geraldo Perdomo (lower body), who missed the team's previous two Cactus League games. Jace Peterson started at shortstop Tuesday and Wednesday before Rivera. Perdomo's injury is not considered serious, and he's expected back in the lineup this weekend. There was a report early in camp that the Diamondbacks want Rivera to be the backup shortstop, but he's only played the position in winter ball and just a few innings this spring. That may partially be the reason why Arizona signed well-seasoned shortstop Elvis Andrus.

Peterson has started at shortstop in spring games Tuesday and Wednesday while Geraldo Perdomo (lower body) was rested.

Perdomo tweaked his lower half while sliding in Monday's game and has not played since, with the Diamondbacks giving him time off until the weekend. Peterson is among several players in camp capable of playing shortstop, including Elvis Andrus, Kevin Newman and Emmanuel Rivera.

Baty (back) will start at third base and bat cleanup in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The Mets scratched Baty from Wednesday's lineup due to back tightness, but the issue was described as minor and he seems to have already turned the page. Baty is sitting with a .669 OPS this spring, and while he still projects as the primary starter at third base, there have been rumors that the Mets are looking at bringing in J.D. Davis after Davis was cut loose by San Francisco.

Madrigal (hamstring) had resumed some baseball activity, including taking batting practice, Cubs.com reports.

Madrigal has been sidelined since March 4 due to the right hamstring strain, but he seems to be making progress. The utility player is expected to be back later this month, and with the Cubs beginning their year March 28 in Texas, he may not have to miss the start of the regular season. The team will likely be cautious with Madrigal for the rest of the spring schedule, however.

Baty was scratched from the Mets' lineup ahead of Wednesday's spring training game versus Houston due to minor back tightness, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Describing Baty's injury as "minor" suggests the team doesn't consider his back to be a huge issue, and Baty's availability for Opening Day shouldn't be affected. The 24-year-old infielder is 7-for-29 with a homer, three RBI and six runs scored so far this spring and projects as New York's primary third baseman despite a lack of offensive production so far in his young MLB career.

Muncy (illness) said Wednesday he will travel with the Dodgers to South Korea for the season-opening series against the Padres next week, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 33-year-old apparently lost 10 pounds while battling a virus for most of the past week, but it appears he'll be back in time for the start of the regular season. Muncy has a week to get his strength back before Opening Day next Wednesday, when he should be locked in at third base for Los Angeles.