MLB Player News

The Blue Jays designated Jimenez for assignment Wednesday.

Jimenez had no minor-league options remaining, so after deciding not to include him on their Opening Day roster, the Blue Jays will have to expose the young infielder to the waiver process. The 24-year-old offers a capable glove at three infield spots but hasn't resembled a big-league-caliber hitter over various stints with Toronto over the past two seasons, as he's produced a .207/.303/.332 batting line (85 wRC+) across 242 career plate appearances.

Rivas is slated to start at shortstop for the Mariners on Opening Day after J.P. Crawford (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners might have considered top prospect Colt Emerson to play shortstop if Crawford's absence was going to be an extended one, but he's expected back in a couple weeks. As such, the club will turn to the defensively gifted Rivas at shortstop. Rivas has a good eye at the plate, but he's unlikely to be worthy of a roster spot in fantasy leagues even while playing regularly.

The Mariners placed Crawford (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Crawford has battled nagging right shoulder inflammation since the start of spring training and was given a cortisone injection last week. He is eligible for activation April 1 and has expressed optimism that he could return within the next couple weeks, per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. Leo Rivas will fill in at shortstop for the Mariners while Crawford is shelved.

The Orioles placed Holliday (hand) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Holliday was unable to play in any Grapefruit League games after requiring a procedure Feb. 12 to remove the fractured hamate bone from his right hand, so his move to the IL was fully expected. The 22-year-old appears to be making solid progress in his recovery, as he was able to take live batting practice last week without incident. He's likely trending toward a mid-April return from the IL.

The White Sox placed Baldwin (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

After Baldwin's right elbow injury was previously described as soreness, the White Sox are officially listing him with a right elbow sprain, suggesting that he's dealing with ligament damage. Even if Baldwin doesn't wind up requiring surgery, the utility player might be looking at an extended absence.

The Astros announced Wednesday that Pena (finger) will be part of their Opening Day roster, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena fractured his right ring finger in early March and was held out of game action until playing in an exhibition contest Tuesday. The 28-year-old slugged a home run in that game and appears ready to roll for Thursday's opener against the Angels. Pena is set to start at shortstop and bat leadoff for Houston this season.

The Rangers placed Freeman (back) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Freeman will get a late start to the season after being diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction in late February. He will be eligible for activation in early April but could be looking at an extended absence.

The Tigers placed Sweeney (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

The 25-year-old suffered the right shoulder strain at the start of camp and was unable to play in any games during spring training. Sweeney will require a rehab assignment to get some games in before returning from the IL. Even once healthy, he could be ticketed for the minors with top prospect Kevin McGonigle beginning the season as Detroit's primary shortstop.

The Astros placed Dezenzo (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Dezenzo hurt his elbow while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. There's no timetable for his return, but the fact that he was diagnosed with a sprain suggests it could be longer than a minimum absence.

The Tigers selected McGonigle's contract from Double-A Erie on Wednesday.

The transaction was merely a formality after the Tigers confirmed Tuesday that the 21-year-old star prospect would be included on the Opening Day roster. McGonigle earned the right to bypass the Triple-A level and make his MLB debut Thursday in San Diego after slashing .250/.411/.477 with two home runs and two stolen bases over 56 plate appearances in spring training. He's expected to handle an everyday role while splitting time between third base and shortstop, and he could occupy a prominent spot in the batting order right away.