MLB Player News

Busch could see his role reduced somewhat now that Cody Bellinger has agreed to return to the Cubs, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Bellinger agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal Sunday and will likely split his time between center field and first base just like he did last year. Busch is likely the top option at first whenever Bellinger is in center, but the former's role could still be reduced due to the new addition to the roster. Fantasy players will want to keep an eye on the situation, but for now, Busch may be an up-and-down option, at least in the early going as things shake out.

Bohm (neck) is expected to make his spring debut Wednesday against the Yankees, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Neck spasms have sidelined the 27-year-old for the first weekend of Grapefruit League action, but his absence shouldn't extend much beyond that. Bohm produced a .274/.327/.437 slash line with 20 home runs in 145 games last season and is poised for another campaign as Philadelphia's third baseman.

Muncy worked on improving his physical conditioning in the offseason, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Vassegh notes that both Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes have credited Muncy for improving his conditioning over the winter. The offseason conditioning may have been toward the purpose of staying healthier, as Muncy has landed on the injured list at some point each of the past three seasons, with a troublesome hamstring being the culprit last year. Los Angeles signed Muncy to a two-year extension in November, and he's set to be the team's everyday third baseman in 2024.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Sunday that Henderson (oblique) is hitting and throwing every day and could make his Grapefruit League debut by the end of this week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The 22-year-old has been delayed early in spring training by an oblique injury, but his recent progression is encouraging. The Orioles are likely to remain cautious in an attempt to avoid rushing Henderson back too soon, but a spring debut in early March now seems likely.

Machado (elbow) is starting as San Diego's designated hitter for Saturday's Cactus League matchup against the Brewers.

Machado sat out the Padres' first few spring training games as he continued to work his way back from offseason elbow surgery, but it now seems he's ready to at least serve in a DH role. It remains unclear whether or not Machado will be able to cover third base by the time the Padres open the season against the Dodgers on March 20.

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said Friday that he does not view Urshela as a strict platoon bat, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Urshela was much better against lefties than righties during an abbreviated sample in 2023, but his career splits are pretty even, as he's posted a .773 OPS versus southpaws and .734 OPS against right-handers. The 32-year-old will be in the mix to receive ample playing time at third base in Detroit and is also capable of filling in at all other infield positions. It's possible the Tigers' addition of Urshela will lead to Matt Vierling spending more time in the outfield.

Bohm won't play in any Grapefruit League games this weekend due to neck spasms, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The severity of the injury hasn't been disclosed, but for now Bohm will be held out of spring games. The 27-year-old still has plenty of time to get healthy before Opening Day as he looks to build on his strong 2023 performance.

Anderson signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Friday that includes an invite to big-league camp, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 30-year-old struggled to a .678 OPS in 96 games with Milwaukee last season and was released by the club in early October. Anderson would provide depth at third base and right field if he makes the roster, though his most likely position would be the hot corner since Luis Urias likely doesn't have a firm grip on the starting role.

De Los Santos has been working out in both corner outfield spots this spring, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reports.

A Rule 5 pick, De Los Santos has never played anywhere other than third and first base in pro ball, but the Guardians are testing out his versatility with the idea that it would make it easier to carry him on the roster. Cleveland does have clear openings both in right field and at designated hitter, but should he stick on the 26-man roster it's unlikely the 20-year-old De Los Santos will play much in the majors as he attempts to skip over the Triple-A level.

Urshela signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Tigers on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Urshela slashed .299/.329/.374 with 24 RBI in 228 plate appearances with the Angels last year before a fractured pelvis put an early end to his season in June. Now fully recovered from his injury, the 32-year-old infielder will join his fourth team in as many years. Though he primarily serves as a third baseman, Urshela has experience at all four infield positions, and he gives Detroit a bat capable of finding success versus left-handed pitchers (.790 OPS since 2021).