MLB Player News
-
Vaughn Grissom SS | LAA
Red Sox's Vaughn Grissom: Fails to make Opening Day roster
The Red Sox optioned Grissom to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Grissom had seemingly fallen to third in line behind Kristian Campbell and David Hamilton in the second base competition, so it's not a surprise he's being cut from big-league camp. The 24-year-old has batted just .176 with a .535 OPS in 13 contests this spring.
-
Chandler Simpson CF | TB
Rays' Chandler Simpson: Sent to minor-league camp
The Rays reassigned Simpson to minor-league camp Wednesday.
The most prolific base stealer in the minors in 2024 with 104 thefts in 121 attempts over 110 games between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery, Simpson made waves early in Grapefruit League play by going 4-for-6 with a pair of steals and runs through his first three games. He's faded badly since then, however, going 2-for-19 over his subsequent eight contests to effectively end his longshot odds of breaking camp with the Rays. Simpson's elite wheels will make him worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues, but his subpar defense and dearth of power could make it difficult for him to emerge as an everyday player in the majors.
-
Zach Dezenzo SS | HOU
Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Expected to play Thursday
Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Dezenzo (jaw) is expected to return to Grapefruit League action Thursday versus the Marlins, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Dezenzo suffered a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball Tuesday. He will undergo concussion testing just to be safe, but the expectation is that he will be fine. Dezenzo is competing for a reserve role with Houston.
-
Juan Brito SS | CLE
Guardians' Juan Brito: Homers again
Brito started at second base and went 2-for-4 with with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Rangers.
Four of Brito's six Cactus League hits have left the park, giving him a lopsided spring line of .176/.222/.529 through 13 games. He's one of a host of players competing for the open job at second base. Brito's defense and speed are mediocre, which means his power will need to carry him past those shortcomings.
-
Zach Dezenzo SS | HOU
Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Suffers TMJ sprain
Dezenzo was diagnosed with a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Washington, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Interestingly, Dezenzo's left side took the most damage even though he was hit on the right side of his face. The 24-year-old was also evaluated and cleared for a concussion, and he's slated to undergo further testing on his jaw Wednesday. Dezenzo has been great in spring training so far, slashing .378/.415/.615 with two homers and six RBI through 39 plate appearances.
-
Zach Dezenzo SS | HOU
Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Hit in head, exits game
Dezenzo exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after getting hit in the head by a groundball, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Dezenzo was able to walk off the field on his own, though he was visibly bothered by his jaw after getting hit. The Astros will take a look at him to make sure he didn't suffer any significant damage and should offer an update on his status relatively soon.
-
Shay Whitcomb SS | HOU
Astros' Shay Whitcomb: Sent to minors camp
The Astros optioned Whitcomb to minor-league camp Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
The Astros have an opening at second base with Jose Altuve expected to move to left field, but Whitcomb never seemed to be under any real consideration to start at the keystone. He'll begin the season at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he played every position other than center field, catcher and pitcher last season.
-
Kyren Paris SS | LAA
Angels' Kyren Paris: Strengthens case for roster spot
Paris went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and four RBI in Monday's Cactus League win over Arizona.
Paris doubled home a run in the second inning and cleared the bases with a three-run double in the ninth. The 23-year-old struggled mightily during stints in the majors each of the past two seasons, slashing a collective .100/.214/.165 with a 32.4 percent strikeout rate over 105 plate appearances. However, Paris worked on his swing mechanics during the offseason, and the results have been promising during the exhibition slate. He leads the Angels with 12 RBI during spring play and is slashing .364/.432/.697 with two home runs, 11 runs and three stolen bases. Paris has a chance of breaking camp with the big club, as Los Angeles will need to lean upon its infield depth early with Zach Neto (shoulder) expected to begin the campaign on the IL and Yoan Moncada (thumb) uncertain to be ready for Opening Day.
-
Shotaro Morii SS | ATH
Athletics' Shotaro Morii: Will be developed as two-way player
Morrii will be developed as a two-way player after signing for $1,510,500 million - the largest signing bonus for a Japanese amateur to not play for Nippon Professional Baseball, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. He had an exit velocity of 110.1 mph of his bat in Friday's Spring Breakout game, where he served as the DH.
Morrii is an 18-year-old Japanese two-way phenom who skipped Japan's professional league (NPB) draft to come to MLB. He thows 95 mph as a pitcher as well. It's a curious and unique decision to develop him as a two-way player. He's expected to begin the season in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.
-
Javier Baez SS | DET
Tigers' Javier Baez: Likely in line for bench role
Baez is expected to open the season in a bench role with Trey Sweeney likely in line to serve as the Tigers' Opening Day starter at shortstop, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Sweeney hasn't been optioned to Triple-A Toledo yet, and if the 24-year-old sticks in the majors, the Tigers likely won't want him riding the pine instead of developing in the minors. Baez has seemingly kept himself prepared for the possibility of serving in more of a utility role this spring, as he's also been seeing time at third base in addition to his natural spot at shortstop. Baez has struggled mightily since signing a six-year, $140 million deal with Detroit in November 2021, but with three seasons still left on his contract, the Tigers may not be ready to write him off as a sunk cost just yet.