MLB Player News

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Wednesday that Shewmake (ankle) has not been ruled out for Opening Day, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Shewmake was given a 2-to-4 week timetable after being diagnosed Sunday with a lateral left ankle sprain. However, he has been able to field grounders each of the last two days and could make a quicker-than-expected return. Shewmake had appeared in line to win a reserve role before the injury.

Allen (back) started at shortstop in a Cactus League tie with the Diamondbacks on Monday and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

The game marked Allen's first game action since March 1 due to a back strain. The fact he was able to jump right back into playing defense was certainly encouraging, and Allen appears set to play out the string of remaining Cactus League games before opening the season as the everyday shortstop.

Smith (hand) is starting at shortstop and batting second in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

The 26-year-old exited Tuesday's contest after being hit by a pitch on the hand, but his return to the lineup a day later indicates it isn't a significant issue. Smith is expected to serve as a utility infielder in 2024, but he could see more action early on since Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is likely to open on the injured list and Corey Seager's (groin) status is also up in the air.

Duran started at first base and went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Tuesday's spring game against Oakland.

Duran got the start at first after a report earlier in the day indicated the Rangers' preference is to have Duran and Jared Walsh platoon at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is on the injured list to start the season. If the Rangers are floating that, it could mean Duran would not be needed to cover shortstop for Corey Seager (groin), who has started swinging a bat and has not been ruled out for Opening Day.

Smith got hit by a pitch on his hand and left Tuesday's Cactus League game against the A's, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

After getting hit by the pitch, Smith was pulled from the game, with Sebastian Walcott entering to pinch run. The shortstop is competing for a bench role, though he has minor-league options remaining. The 26-year-old now has a .231/.447/.385 slash line in 14 games this spring with four doubles and eight walks against nine strikeouts.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Kessinger (hamstring) will be held out of activities for a few days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kessinger strained his right hamstring during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins and remained sore Tuesday. While Espada hasn't ruled the 26-year-old out for Opening Day, a stint on the injured list is distinctly possible.

Duran could open the season in the short side of a platoon at first base with Jared Walsh while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is out, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Duran might be needed at shortstop instead if Corey Seager (groin) isn't ready, but for now there seems to be optimism Seager can avoid the injured list. The 24-year-old Duran saw action at six different positions for the Rangers in 2023, not including designated hitter, and will fill a utility role again when the rest of the roster is healthy.

Kessinger suffered a right hamstring strain during Monday's exhibition against Miami, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Kessinger suffered the injury while running the bases, and his availability for the start of the regular season is in jeopardy following this diagnosis. The 26-year-old is expected to be re-evaluated within the next few days to determine his next steps and a potential timetable for a return.

The Rays optioned Basabe to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Basabe was in competition for a reserve infielder role but never got going this spring (5-for-26). He still figures to spend a good amount of time with the big club this season but for now will go to Durham where he will play with regularity.

Kessinger was pulled from Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to right hamstring discomfort, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

He tweaked his hamstring while running the bases. It's unclear at this point whether additional testing is planned, but consider him day-to-day for now. Kissinger is competing for a reserve infielder role with Houston.