MLB Player News

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.

Escobar went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

The 35-year-old switch-hitter is trying to win a spot on Toronto's bench, and Wednesday's long ball in the seventh inning off Carmen Mlodzinski can only help his case. Escobar also struck out in his other at-bat, and through 11 spring appearances he's batting just .103 (3-for-29) with a brutal 1:12 BB:K. He may be running out of time to prove he can still make a contribution on a big-league roster.

The Tigers optioned Kennedy to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Kennedy was claimed off waivers in late February and wasn't able to push for an Opening Day roster spot. The infielder will likely bounce between second and third base while at Toledo.

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.

Kieboom cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester by the Nationals on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom is somehow still just 26 but has never come close to cashing in on the hype he had as a prospect. The fact that he passed through waivers unclaimed shows that the Nationals aren't the only organization down on his long-term outlook. Kieboom should play regularly at Rochester in hopes of earning his way back on the 40-man roster.

Pauley has been told he will be on the Padres' roster for their March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pauley seems likely to start at third base while Manny Machado (elbow) is limited to designated hitter, at least against right-handed pitching. When Machado might be ready to play the field in games again isn't clear, but Pauley will have a chance until then to show he deserves to stick around. The 23-year-old slashed .308/.393/.539 with 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases over three minor-league levels in 2023 and should be on deep-league radars.