Crawford (hand) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth for the Cardinals in Tuesday's exhibition game versus the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Crawford missed a little time with some soreness in his hand after being hit by a pitch, but he's on track for Opening Day now after getting one final tune-up Tuesday. The veteran infielder is poised to serve as Masyn Winn's backup at shortstop in 2024.

Crawford (hand) took batting practice Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

As long as he doesn't experience any lingering effects with the hand injury he suffered just over a week ago, Crawford will return to play in the Cardinals' exhibition finale Tuesday against the Cubs. Assuming health, he's slated to serve as a backup shortstop for the Cards this season.

Reds manager David Bell said that McLain (shoulder) will be evaluated Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The specific diagnosis and seriousness of McLain's left shoulder injury remains something of a mystery, but it sounds like more clarity should come later Monday. He's already been ruled out for Opening Day, and Bell had said previously that surgery is potentially on the table for the infielder.

Iglesias is expected to report to Triple-A Syracuse after he said Sunday that he doesn't plan to exercise the opt-out clause in his minor-league deal with the Mets, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After being informed Saturday that he wouldn't be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster, Iglesias looked like a candidate to request a release that would allow him to sign elsewhere, but he'll instead stick around in the organization a little longer to begin the season. If a promotion to the majors isn't imminent in the first few weeks of the minor-league season, however, Iglesias could change his mind and pursue an opportunity elsewhere.

Tovar agreed to a contract extension with the Rockies on Sunday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

According to Alvarez-Montes, it's a seven-year deal that's worth up to $84 million. The 22-year-old posted plus-13 defensive runs saved in 153 games as a rookie last season, and he also had a decent showing at the plate with 15 homers, 11 steals, 73 RBI, 79 runs and a .253/.287/.408 slash line.

Iglesias was informed Saturday that he won't be making the Mets' Opening Day roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Iglesias signed a minor-league contract with the Mets in December that included an invitation to spring training. He posted a respectable .294/.333/.471 batting line over 34 at-bats in Grapefruit League play, but the Mets didn't have room for him on the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder.

Williams is expected to make the Opening Day roster after Liover Peguero was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Ji Hwan Bae (hip) is also sidelined and could be headed for an injured list stint to begin the regular season. That leaves Williams as Pittsburgh's projected primary backup in the middle infield. His primary asset is his glove, so even on days when Williams is in the lineup, he doesn't project to have much fantasy appeal.

The Pirates optioned Peguero to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Peguero entered spring camp as the Pirates' likely Opening Day second baseman, but he will instead head to the minors after going 7-for-26 with three RBI. With the 23-year-old in Triple-A, Jared Triolo figures to take over at second base, but Peguero could reclaim his spot if he gets off to a fast start in Indianapolis.

Merrill went 2-for-5 with a double and scored two runs in Thursday's 15-11 win over the Dodgers in the second game of the Seoul Series.

After going hitless in his first MLB game Wednesday, Merrill collected his first big-league knock with a third-inning single off Michael Grove on Thursday. The rookie added a leadoff double in the fifth frame, and he came around to score following both of his hits. Merrill has gone 2-for-8 with three strikeouts through two contests, and he could have a moderately long leash in center field given the team's lack of outfield depth this season.

Peguero (illness) is starting at second base in Thursday's spring game against Toronto.

Peguero has been out of action since March 13 due to a virus, but his illness appears to have subsided ahead of Thursday's contest. Peguero went 7-for-24 with a homer and three RBI during Grapefruit League play before getting sick, and he remains the favorite to start at second base on Opening Day.