MLB Player News

Bogaerts (ankle) hit in the cage Friday but remains a few days from getting into a game, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts has been dealing with a sore ankle since early in camp. The issue doesn't appear to be a major worry, and he still has time to get built up for Opening Day, though it would certainly be reassuring to see him looking like himself in a Grapefruit League game soon.

DeJong, who went 2-for-2 with a walk and a run in a Grapefruit League win over the Astros on Wednesday, also hit a three-run home run and drove in four runs overall in an exhibition loss to the Nationals on Tuesday.

The slugging shortstop has only logged six plate appearances through three spring games, but he's made excellent use of them. DeJong mustered career highs in extra-base hits (62) in 2019, including new high-water marks in doubles (31) and home runs (30). He drove in a career-best 78 runs, but he also produced a pedestrian .233 average, the lowest of his big-league career thus far. The timely hitting he's demonstrated over a small sample thus far in Grapefruit League play is a particularly welcome sight after DeJong hit just .193 with men in scoring position last season, and Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports manager Mike Shildt was particularly gratified to see it. "I want to see Paul hit with that runner at third, less than two outs, " Shildt said. "And today we got that situation. He got to two strikes and didn't try to do too much. What a fluid, pretty swing."

Garcia homered twice in Tuesday's spring training loss against the Angels, despite the wind blowing in, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Garcia is getting some extra playing time in spring training with Freddy Galvis out for the short-term, but he impressed manager David Bell. "He's fun to watch," Bell said. "He's a talented young player. It will be fun to see him. We'll be sure to get him some playing time this spring. It will be a good experience for him." Garcia is ticketed for Double-A after breaking out at High-A Daytona last year.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Franco will join the Rays for Thursday's split-squad game against the Tigers, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

The 18-year-old phenom is scheduled to substitute in for Willy Adames at shortstop midway through Thursday's contest before making the trip with the big club to West Palm Beach, Fla. for Friday's game against the Nationals. Franco's exposure to big-league camp at this stage of his development speaks to his elite talent, and the Rays remain open to the possibility of the switch-hitting infielder making his MLB debut at some point in 2020 if his performance warrants it. After torching the competition in stops at Low-A Bowling Green and High-A Charlotte last season, Franco could report to Double-A Montgomery to begin the campaign.

Gordon, who arrived in camp late due to the birth of his daughter, is expected to make his Cactus League debut either Wednesday or Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The veteran infielder has been busy playing catch-up after not reporting to camp until last Friday. Gordon isn't projected to open the season as the starter at second base, with Shed Long slated for the top job at the keystone. However, the 31-year-old is still expected to serve as a valuable veteran presence and a fill-in option in at both second and center field.

Interim manager Ron Roenicke said Bogaerts (ankle) would hit and field grounders Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts' ability to put in a workout for the second consecutive day offers further evidence that his sore left ankle isn't a major concern. The 27-year-old could be ready to make his Grapefruit League debut within the next few days.

Bogaerts (ankle) took batting practice on the field Monday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts won't be available for either of the Red Sox's split-squad games Monday, but his presence on the field at least represents a sign that he's beginning to move past a sore left ankle. He'll likely accelerate his activities over the next few days and could be a candidate to make his Grapefruit League debut later this week.

Crawford (illness) is in the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against Arizona, playing shortstop and leading off.

Crawford missed the first few games of spring training as he dealt with an illness, but he'll be able to make his return to the lineup Monday. The 33-year-old is likely the favorite to resume his starting role at shortstop to open the regular season.

Anderson batted leadoff Sunday, going 1-for-3 with an RBI in a spring win over the Reds.

Chicago's leadoff batter is one job yet to be determined as Cactus League games commence. Anderson and Yoan Moncada, who batted second, are expected to occupy the top two spots in the order. Anderson is not the classic top-of-the-order guy in that he's a free swinger that doesn't draw many walks (2.9 percent in 2019). That spot will give him plenty of plate appearances, which the White Sox will want from the American League's reigning batting champ (.335).

Urena cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Urena was designated for assignment by Baltimore last week but will remain in the organization after going through waivers unclaimed. The 23-year-old will continue to work in the major-league camp as a non-roster invitee.