MLB Player News

Muncy (hand) is starting at third base and batting fourth for the Dodgers' spring training game against the Cubs on Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Muncy had been held out for the past couple of games after getting hit in the hand by a pitch during Wednesday's contest against Texas. He resumed swinging a bat Friday and was never expected to miss much time. Muncy tied a career high with 36 homers last season and has already hit one out in six at-bats this spring.

Keith (illness) is in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Keith was held out of the lineup Friday due to an illness, but it seems he made a quick recovery. Although he has yet to log an MLB at-bat, the 22-year-old is expected to open the season as the Tigers' primary second baseman after inking a six-year, $28.64 million contract extension with Detroit in January. He hit .287/.369/.521 with 13 homers in 67 games at the Triple-A level last season.

Chapman signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Chapman will make $20 million in 2024, $18 million in 2025 and $16 million in 2026, but he will have the ability to opt out of his deal after each of the first two seasons. The 30-year-old third baseman slashed .240/.330/.424 with 17 homers and 54 RBI across 581 plate appearances for the Blue Jays last year. In San Francisco, Chapman may not see quite as heavy a workload due to the presence of J.D. Davis on the roster, but he still figures to see the majority of the playing time.

Lewis went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Friday's Grapefruit League win over Boston.

Lewis is 7-for-12 with the bases loaded in his career in the regular season and was the fastest player in MLB history to hit five grand slams, needing only 66 career games. While his spring training grand slam won't add to those totals, it shows Lewis is just about in regular-season form. After missing time each of the last three seasons due to knee injuries, Lewis is fully healthy entering 2024 and could be poised for superstardom.

Peterson experienced inflammation in his right wrist Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Peterson had imaging done on his wrist that revealed no structural damage. He will be shut down for a few days, but manager Torey Lovullo said he's not worried about Peterson missing Opening Day.

Muncy (hand) took batting practice Friday and is scheduled to return to Cactus League action Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Friday marks the first time Muncy has swung a bat since he was struck in the left hand by a pitch during Wednesday's exhibition game against the Rangers. The Dodgers never seemed too concerned about Muncy's availability for the regular season, and it appears he will return to the playing field after just three days of rest. The 33-year-old has logged three hits in six at-bats so far this spring, including a home run.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Peraza is still feeling some "pinching" in his right shoulder, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

The team had been hoping Peraza could return to Grapefruit League action as soon as Friday, but he's not ready just yet. Boone doesn't believe the injury to be serious, but throwing is still problematic, particularly when Peraza would have to play third base. He's considered day-to-day.

Marte (hamstring) will make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Rockies, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Marte has been brought along methodically this spring after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in late November while playing in the Dominican Winter League. There is still time for the 22-year-old to ramp up before Opening Day, but the delayed start to his spring won't help his chances of nailing down a regular role at third base.

Devers went 2-for-3 with a homer and one RBI, scoring twice in Boston's 5-2 win against Detroit on Thursday.

The third baseman remains a linchpin in Boston's retooled lineup and certainly appears to be regular-season ready. Devers won't have much name-brand support in the order besides Trevor Story, but it's hard to imagine Devers not getting close to his 2023 season in which he tallied 33 homers and 100 RBI.

Gelof went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in the Athletics' Cactus League loss to the Padres on Thursday.

It was Gelof's second straight game with a solo shot and third extra-base hit overall in five exhibitions to date. Last season's rookie standout -- he posted a .267 average and .841 OPS with 35 extra-base hits across 69 games -- is now naturally penciled in as the starting second baseman heading into the 2024 season.