MLB Player News

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Senzel (toe) is no longer in line to play in Cactus League games this week and is unlikely to be cleared for Opening Day, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Though the skipper relayed that Senzel is continuing to make progress in his recovery from November surgery to repair a fractured toe of his left foot and isn't dealing with any sort of setback, the 27-year-old seemingly hasn't made enough advances in his running program and defensive work to gain clearance for games yet. Senzel might have a chance at getting into a game during the final week of the exhibition slate, but it looks as though he'll start the regular season on the injured list. If that's the case, the Reds could take a platoon approach to center field, with Will Benson and/or TJ Friedl serving as options from the left side of the plate and Stuart Fairchild representing a short-side option.

Groshans reported improvement with his ailing left shoulder Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Groshans' shoulder was banged up after he made a pair of diving plays on Friday, but it appears he's not dealing with a significant injury. The infielder should be ready to return to Grapefruit League play later this week.

The Athletics optioned Bride to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

While seeing time at three infield spots (third base, second base and first base) as a rookie in 2022, Bride slashed an unremarkable .204/.301/.247 across 187 plate appearances with Oakland. Though high walk rates and low strikeout rates have been standard for Bride throughout his career, he may need to tap into more power or quality contact if he's to emerge as anything more than a depth or short-side platoon player at the big-league level. The 27-year-old will continue to hone his craft in Las Vegas but should be on the short list for a call-up whenever the Athletics might need a right-handed-hitting infield bat.

Hayes has three extra-base hits -- including two home runs -- across 13 at-bats in Grapefruit League action.

Hayes was briefly sidelined in early March due to a thumb injury, though he returned to the lineup Saturday and hit his second home run of the spring. He also chipped in a triple March 4 and is slugging .846 during spring training. While that number clearly won't carry forward into the regular season, it's possible that Hayes could add some more power production to his profile heading into his age-26 campaign.

Kreidler went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

Batting second, Kreidler made his presence felt. The infielder is battling for a reserve role this spring, though he'd likely make the team based on his defensive versatility, as he batted just .178 in 26 games for the Tigers in 2022. However, Kreidler looked better in the box at the Triple-A level the last two seasons, so perhaps he can improve his offensive production in the majors. Even if that happens, Kreidler will remain off the fantasy radar unless he's able to secure regular playing time.

Moustakas has gone 3-for-6 with a home run in Cactus League action this spring.

Moustakas signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies on March 5 and had been ramping up by participating in live batting practice. He's since been in the lineup twice, with one appearance coming at designated hitter and the other third base. If Moustakas can remain healthy, he should have a chance to make the team out of spring training, though he'll have to surpass at least Elehuris Montero in order to have a regular spot in the lineup.

The Rays are targeting a return for Walls (oblique) on Thursday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Walls has been out of action since the beginning of spring training with an oblique strain. The Rays and manager Kevin Cash have insisted that the infielder would be ready for the start of the regular season, and a return to the Grapefruit League lineup two weeks before the start of the campaign seems to make that likely. Walls will likely serve as a utility infielder in 2023, and his role won't have much fantasy relevance unless he earns a bigger opportunity.

Groshans is dealing with a sore shoulder, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Groshans made a pair of diving plays Friday and visited a doctor about his shoulder the next day. While that may not bode well, a specific diagnosis beyond "soreness" has yet to emerge. Groshans could win a bench spot this spring after appearing in 17 big-league games last season, though the recent addition of Yuli Gurriel could hurt his chances.

Miranda (shoulder) began a throwing progression Friday without issues, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Shoulder soreness popped up for Miranda early in camp and forced him to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic. Whether or not he'll be able to handle the hot corner by Opening Day is unclear, but he'll at least be able to serve as the designated hitter, the position he's been playing so far this spring.

Hayes (thumb) will lead off and play third base Saturday against the Yankees.

Hayes had been held out of game action since Thursday while dealing with thumb soreness, but the injury never appeared to be a major one. He'd been able to hit in the cage despite the injury and should have plenty of time to get up to full speed by Opening Day.