MLB Player News

Manager Alex Cora said Story (personal) will play Wednesday in the Red Sox's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Since he didn't agree to his megadeal with Boston until March 20 and then didn't report to camp right away following the birth of his child, Story is behind the Red Sox's other position players as Opening Day approaches. Though Wednesday's game will mark Story's first game action, Cora expressed no concern about the 29-year-old's availability for the April 7 season opener versus the Yankees. Cora noted that Story is scheduled to play in spring games Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The heavy game load in the upcoming days should not only help Story make up for the competitive at-bats he's missed thus far during camp, but it'll also allow him to get comfortable at a new position. After playing exclusively at shortstop over his six-year career in Colorado, Story is expected to see most of his action at second base during his first season in Boston.

Smith was assigned to minor-league camp Sunday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Smith, one of the prospects acquired from the Yankees in the Joey Gallo trade, made a huge impression during his Cactus League appearances. He went 6-for-9 with two home runs, one double and five RBI over six spring games at the time he was assigned. Smith, who pressed for at-bats at third base, is expected to play all over the infield and center field while at Triple-A Round Rock.

The Nationals reassigned Urena to minor-league camp Monday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Urena joined Washington on a minor-league deal in November and was unable to show enough during spring training to warrant serious consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He's seen most of his action in the middle infield, primarily shortstop, but also saw time at third base in camp with the Nationals. Urena appeared in 92 games at the Triple-A level in 2021 and hit .272/.310/.435 with nine home runs, 41 runs and 49 RBI.

Ahmed's MRI on his right shoulder was inconclusive Monday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The shortstop battled shoulder soreness late last season, and the issue appears to have popped up again this spring. He indicated that the tests didn't reveal any significant tear or soft tissue issue, so he'll attempt to rehab the issue for now without surgery. His return timeline is unclear given that the nature of the injury itself remains murky. Geraldo Perdomo could fill in at shortstop until Ahmed returns.

The Blue Jays optioned Jimenez to their minor-league camp Monday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

One of the top low-level prospects in the Blue Jays' system, Jimenez was added to the 40-man roster over the winter despite likely being two years away from the majors. He's expected to open the 2022 campaign at High-A Vancouver after he impressed in his first taste of full-season ball at Low-A Dunedin in 2021, slashing .310/.512/.375 while striking out in only 14.5 percent of his 242 plate appearances.

The Blue Jays optioned Lopez to their minor-league camp Monday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Lopez was one of 15 players sent to minor-league camp Monday in the Jays' latest round of roster cuts. The 23-year-old infielder received a cup of coffee with the big club last August, but he otherwise spent the majority of the season in the minors. In stops at Triple-A Buffalo and Double-A New Hampshire, Lopez hit a collective .315/.379/.437 with five home runs and 22 stolen bases across 508 plate appearances.

Chang is hitting .438 with two home runs, two doubles, eight RBI and five runs scored through six Cactus League games.

Chang once again enters the 2022 campaign without a guaranteed spot in the lineup. The 26-year-old bounced between Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus last season, posting a lackluster .228/.267/.426 slash line across 251 plate appearances in the majors. He's a versatile defender capable of playing all around the infield, but his best path to playing time this season is likely a short-side platoon at either first base with Bobby Bradley or second base with Andres Gimenez. Owen Miller and Ernie Clement will also likely push Chang for a bench role for the remainder of spring training.

Martinez was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Martinez had a very productive spring with the Blue Jays, posting a .308/.400/.923 slash while hitting two homers and driving in four runs. Additionally, his 1.323 OPS ranked towards the top of his team. Jon Morosi of MLB Network notes that the club plans to use him at shortstop and third base while in the minors this season, but it's also a possibility that he could see time at second base due to there being a clearer path to the big leagues at the keystone.

Allen was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Allen made a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot this spring by going 6-for-12 with a home run, two triples, three runs, three walks and three strikeouts across seven Cactus League games. While he'll head to Las Vegas to begin the regular season, the 23-year-old is a strong candidate to make his major-league debut for the rebuilding Athletics if he performs well in the minors early in the year.

Ahmed is dealing with shoulder discomfort and will undergo an MRI to understand the extent of the injury, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

It's the same injury that caused Ahmed to miss the final two weeks of the 2021 season, which creates clear concern for his availability to begin the new campaign. He had a cortisone shot and PRP injection at some point after the initial issue arose, so he may have to undergo a procedure to ultimately return to full health. Ahmed was penciled in as the team's starting shortstop, and his absence would likely open up more opportunity for Geraldo Perdomo.