MLB Player News

Winn is hitting .389 (7-for-18) with a home run, a double, three stolen bases and five runs scored through seven Grapefruit League games.

Winn's strong spring comes with the caveat that he has yet to play an inning at Triple-A and will likely begin the season with at least a brief stint at Double-A Springfield. He had a .781 OPS with 11 homers and 28 steals over 86 games at that level last season, though he took a noticeable step down from his work at High-A Peoria. Winn, a natural shortstop, is on track to contend for a major-league job in 2024. Tommy Edman and Paul DeJong figure to see most of the time there in 2023.

Barrero retooled his swing over the offseason in an effort to cut down on his swings and misses, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "When guys make adjustments and they're at a point where it needs to show up in a game, spring training can be really big," Reds manager David Bell said. "You can prove it to yourself a little bit. That's what Jose's doing right now. He's starting to trust the adjustments he has made."

Barrero had an astounding 43.7 K% in 174 big-league plate appearances last season. While he's improved so far this spring, that improvement still has translated into a 31.3 K%. This is likely to be Barrero's last hurrah until the Reds' wave of shortstops is ready for the big club.

Ahmed went 1-for-3 in Monday's spring game against the Royals.

Ahmed made his Cactus League debut after missing a week due to forearm tightness. He struck out in his first two plate appearances before singling his third time through. His return to game action kicks off shortstop watch in camp. Ahmed, who turns 33 next week, and the 23-year-old Geraldo Perdomo will share the position, though it's unclear how the playing time will be divided.

DeJong, who has been dealing with fatigue in his right arm, will be back at shortstop Tuesday for a Grapefruit League contest against the Tigers, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong has been limited to designated hitter as of late while dealing with the fatigue, but he's been cleared to return to the infield. The 29-year-old is attempting to win a utility role with St. Louis to begin the 2023 season with Tommy Edman expected to get most of the reps at shortstop this season.

Ahmed (forearm) is starting at shortstop and batting sixth Monday versus the Royals.

Ahmed will make his spring training debut Monday after experiencing some inflammation in his right forearm, forcing him to miss the first week-and-a-half of action. The 32-year-old only played in 17 games last season while dealing with injury, producing a .231 average with three homers, seven RBI and seven runs scored over 52 at-bats.

Ahmed (forearm) will most likely start at shortstop Monday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Monday would be Ahmed's debut after he missed the first week-and-a-half of Cactus League action with a forearm/wrist injury. He entered camp coming off shoulder surgery, but that was not considered a major issue prior to the latest injury.

De La Cruz tripled against the Royals' Aroldis Chapman on Saturday, and later homered in the Reds' spring training loss, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz hit the triple from the right-hand side and then later hit the homer left-handed. He's not going to make the Reds out of spring training most likely, given his age and lack of experience, but if he comes out firing right out of the chute, he could push for a midseason promotion.

Luciano (back) fielded grounders and took on-field batting practice without issue Thursday, Danny Emerman of KNBR reports.

Luciano suffered a stress fracture in his lower back while playing in the Dominican Winter League, but he is on track now to be a regular for Double-A Richmond at the start of their 2023 campaign. The 21-year-old shortstop ranks as a top-50 overall prospect and is a big part of the long-term blueprint in San Francisco.

Rojas has withdrawn from the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rojas was planning to suit up for Team Venezuela, but he became a far more important presence in Dodgers camp this week after Gavin Lux went down with a torn ACL. Rojas is expected to serve as the primary shortstop in Los Angeles to begin the 2023 season, with Chris Taylor also getting looks at the position.

DeJong (arm) was cleared to resume full throwing Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong has been limited to designated hitter so far in Grapefruit League games because of some right arm fatigue, but it appears he's now received full clearance. With Tommy Edman slated to serve as the Cardinals' everyday shortstop in 2023, DeJong is looking at a utility infielder role.