MLB Player News

Jung started at third base and went 1-for-2 in Saturday's spring game against Colorado.

Jung made his spring debut after straining his calf during infield drills in February. He participated in baseball activities recently, including a stint as a DH in a minor-league game, and the Rangers were optimistic about Jung being able to compete in a Cactus League game. He played three innings in the field before being replaced by Matt Duffy. Following an off day Sunday, Jung is expected to play both exhibition games against the Red Sox on Monday and Tuesday, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Candelario started at third base and went 3-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's spring game against the Rockies.

Candelario, who launched his first spring home run, took awhile to get the bat going, but he now appears locked in. After going 2-for-25 (.080) over his first 10 Cactus League games, Candelario is 6-for-15 with three extra-base hits in his last four appearances. At the time he signed as a free agent, the 30-year-old corner infielder was expected to bounce between first and third base (with occasional starts at DH), but the 80-game suspension handed out to Noelvi Marte means Candelario will primarily handle the hot corner for the first three months of the season.

De Los Santos cleared waivers Saturday and was returned to the Diamondbacks, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

De Los Santos was selected by the Guardians during the Rule 5 Draft in December, but he wasn't able to make the team's 26-man Opening Day roster. He'll now return to the Diamondbacks organization, losing his 40-man roster spot in the process. The 20-year-old infielder spent all of last season at Double-A Amarillo, slashing .254/.297/.431 across 481 plate appearances, but he could receive a bump to Triple-A Reno to begin 2024. The Guardians also experimented with giving De Los Santos reps in the corner outfield positions, but it's unclear whether that experiment will continue as he returns to Arizona.

De Los Santos is not listed on the Guardians' Opening Day roster, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The Guardians attempted to add left and right field to De Los Santos' defensive skill set this spring in an effort to make him easier to carry on the 26-man roster, but he will fail to make the cut after posting a .545 OPS across 44 spring plate appearances. The Guardians acquired De Los Santos via the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, so the 20-year-old prospect will now be offered back to the Diamondbacks and likely head to Double-A or Triple-A to begin the year.

Jung (calf) is starting at third base in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

Jung hasn't played in a Cactus League game this spring after straining his left calf during fielding drills in February. He was able to serve as the designated hitter in a minor-league game Monday, and the Rangers seem to be comfortable testing his calf in the field Saturday. Assuming Jung avoids any setbacks and doesn't aggravate his calf during the game, he should be set to start at the hot corner on Opening Day.

Triolo is expected to be Pittsburgh's regular second baseman after Liover Peguero was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Triolo was initially projected for a utility role this season, but he's maintained a .436 wOBA across 39 plate appearances this spring. His underlying 30.8 percent strikeout rate and .500 BABIP make it clear that Triolo won't enjoy the same success over a larger sample, but he did enough to beat out Peguero for the second base job to begin the regular season.

The White Sox released Moustakas on Friday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Moustakas joined the White Sox on a minor-league contract Feb. 14 after spending 2023 with both the Rockies and Angels. He didn't show much production during spring training as he slashed .195/.283/.317 with one home home run and two RBI over 41 at bats. Moustakas will look to catch onto another team's roster.

LeMahieu (foot) did some light running and fielded some grounders Friday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said afterward that the workout was "a good sign" for LeMahieu but added that the infielder has "still got a ways to go" before he will be ready to play in games. It's going to be a close call for LeMahieu's Opening Day readiness as he works his way back from a bone bruise in his right foot.

The Blue Jays granted Escobar his release Friday.

Escobar's .122/.143/.268 slash line over 42 plate appearances during spring training didn't give him much of a chance to make the Blue Jays' roster as a non-roster invitee. The veteran infielder also struggled with the Angels and Mets last season with a .613 OPS in 100 contests, and his days as a major leaguer could be over.

Freeman will be on the Guardians' Opening Day roster, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports Friday.

Freeman's defensive versatility likely played a big part in making the roster, as he hit a modest .286 with a .784 OPS over 11 Cactus League games. The 24-year-old provides cover around the infield and also saw ample playing time in center field during spring training. Center is one of the weak spots in the Guardians' lineup and the team is moving on from Myles Straw, who was waived. In addition to Freeman, Estevan Florial and Ramon Laureano could also see time in center, with Florial the only one of the trio who hits from the left side of the plate.