MLB Player News

Mier had a productive spring, posting a .317/.349/.488 slash line in 41 at-bats.

Mier is coming off his best year yet and still has some promise as a prospect for the Blue Jays. He had a slash line of .258/.350/.372 with 56 RBI in Double-A New Hampshire last year and will begin 2016 at Triple-A Buffalo after a hot-hitting spring. The 25-year-old needs to improve his power if he hopes to be called up; he had just five extra-base hits this spring. Expect him to be on the Blue Jays' radar if an infield spot opens up.

The Indians designated Walters for assignment on Sunday, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Walters' removal from the 40-man roster opens up a spot for Marlon Byrd, who is expected to share right field duties with Collin Cowgill or Rajai Davis until Lonnie Chisenhall (forearm) returns from the DL. While Walters once held some promise a power-hitting utility man, his extreme issues with making contact made it too difficulty for the Indians to justify keeping him on the roster.

Navarro was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

The Angels made their final roster trim down in advance of Opening Day on Saturday, optioning Navarro and others down to Triple-A. Navarro had a decent spring with a .257 batting average to go with two doubles and eight RBI, but his inability to get on base (.263 OBP) was problematic. He'll start the year in the infield at Salt Lake.

Mondesi was optioned to Double-A on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi was batting .244 (11-for-45) for the Royals this spring before being optioned to the minors. The defending World Series champions already have Alcides Escobar and Christian Colon solidified on the depth chart so it gives them the luxury to develop Mondesi at a gradual pace. He'll likely spend most of the 2016 season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and if he plays well enough, could see a promotion to Triple-A Omaha before the year's end.

Mateo notched 1-for-2 day with 2 RBI and a run for the Yankees on Thursday against Detroit.

This was likely Mateo's best game of the spring as he only has a total of three RBI in his 10 games played. He comes into Opening Day as the Yankees top prospect, but it's hard to tell if he'll have many opportunities with Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro manning the middle of the infield.

Ciriaco was reassigned to minor league camp Tuesday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Ciriaco was playing very well this spring and had worked his way into the conversation for a roster spot as a utility infielder, but the Rangers have opted to go with Hanser Alberto for that role. The 30-year-old could make his way back up to the majors at some point if he continues to succeed in the minors, though.

Sardinas, as expected, won the utility job as Chris Taylor was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.

Sardinas had a great spring and is a better shortstop than Shawn O'Malley, who was demoted Sunday, and better third baseman than Taylor. He should play all over the infield and could get some time in center field, too.

Sardinas is expected to win the utility job after Shawn O'Malley was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday.

O'Malley had a big spring training -- .471 average, six walks, and four strikeouts -- but Sardinas played well too with 18 hits in 52 at-bats (.346). The third candidate, Chris Taylor, had not had a good spring (8-for-42). Sardinas plays a better shortstop than O'Malley, which was important to the team.

O'Malley was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.

O'Malley came up short in his efforts to win a spot as a super-utility man out of spring training, despite batting an impressive .471 and stealing five bases over 41 plate appearances in Cactus League play. It may take an injury to one of the Mariners' infielders before O'Malley gets called up to the big club.

O'Malley, who was competing for a utility job, was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, the Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Luis Sardinas is the favorite to win the utility spot. O'Malley can play outfield, third base and second base, but he was weaker at shortstop, which the Mariners prioritized. He had a good spring, with 16 hits in 34 at-bats, six walks and four strikeouts. He'll likely be called up sometime this season when injuries hit.