Rangers GM Ross Fenstermaker said Tuesday that Walcott could be ready for game action in August, "if all things according to plan" in his rehab from the internal brace procedure he underwent on his right elbow, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Walcott could return to hitting within a 5-to-6 month timeline, but it'll likely be longer before he's cleared to take the field. The 19-year-old is Texas' top prospect, and getting him back into game action, even in a limited capacity, would set him up nicely heading into 2027. Walcott spent the 2025 campaign at Double-A Frisco, where he totaled 13 homers, 32 steals and a .255/.355/.386 slash line in 124 contests.

Walcott underwent internal brace surgery on his right elbow last week, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The good news is he did not require a full Tommy John surgery. The bad news is he will still be sidelined for 5-to-6 months before resuming hitting, so he could still miss the entire season. One of the game's top prospects, Walcott slashed .255/.355/.386 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases over 124 games in 2025 at Double-A Frisco. He will turn 20 in March.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Lux has been held out of Grapefruit League games due to "overall spring training soreness," Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cash added that Lux is fine, though it's unclear when the 28-year-old will be ready for his spring debut. Acquired via trade over the offseason, Lux is slated to take over as the Rays' primary second baseman this season.

Smith appears to be the favorite to win the starting job at second base, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

While the team hasn't openly announced that Smith is ahead of the competition, Corey Seager provided a hint when talking with media earlier in camp. When asked about working with someone new at the keystone, he specifically mentioned Smith, stating "I've played some games with him already so you kind of know how he operates. I'm really excited for him just to get this opportunity." Nothing is set in stone this early in camp, but Smith has now drawn two starts at second base in spring training and continues to work drills exclusively at second base outside of exhibitions, per McFarland.

Hernaiz started at shortstop and went 2-for-3 with a double in Monday's Cactus League loss to the Giants.

Hernaiz turned in a solid showing at the plate, reaching on an infield single in the first inning before lacing a 101.4 mph double to right field in the third inning. The 24-year-old slashed a modest .231/.292/.306 with eight extra-base hits and 16 RBI across 51 games with the Athletics last season and is competing this spring for a spot on the MLB roster in 2026. His ability to handle multiple infield positions works in his favor, and performances like Monday's are encouraging as Hernaiz prepares to depart to represent Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Rojas went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

Rojas received an invite to major-league spring training at just 20 years of age, and he didn't look overmatched Monday as he connected for his first Cactus League home run. The young shortstop is not on Chicago's 40-man roster and has yet to play above the Double-A level, so he's almost certainly ticketed for a return to the minors, but he could turn some heads with a strong spring. Rojas is worth keeping a close eye on in dynasty formats this season, particularly if he keeps developing his power stroke.

Montgomery was scratched from the lineup for Monday's game versus the Rockies due to illness.

It's a precautionary move, as Montgomery should be fine to return to action in a day or two. The White Sox will replace Montgomery in Monday's lineup with William Bergolla, who will cover shortstop and bat ninth.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Monday that Areinamo is slated to undergo further imaging on his right hamstring in the coming days and will likely miss "a little bit" of time, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Areinamo has had a history of soft-tissue injuries during his minor-league career, so the Rays will seemingly proceed cautiously with the 22-year-old infielder after he tweaked the hamstring during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. The Rays should have a clearer timeline for when Areinamo might be ready to play again once the results of the MRI are read. Tampa Bay added Areinamo to its 40-man roster over the winter, but he's expected to open the season at either Triple-A Durham or Double-A Montgomery.

Brito (hamstring) played five innings at second base and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout Friday in the Guardians' 4-2 win over the Reds in Cactus League play.

Brito is back to full health this spring after his 2025 season came to an early end when he underwent surgery on his left hamstring Sept. 12. The 24-year-old is expected to get exposure to three infield spots as well as right field in spring training as he aims to secure a spot on the Guardians' Opening Day roster as a utility man.

Brannigan will visit a specialist after suffering multiple injuries to the nasal complex when he was struck by a bad hop Sunday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Brannigan was re-examined by team physicians Monday and the damage appears to be confined to the nose area, but he will examined by a specialist just in case to rule out orbital fractures. The 24-year-old is also coming back from surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder, which he had last July. Brannigan should be considered day-to-day for the time being.