MLB Player News

The Rays reassigned Simpson to minor-league camp Wednesday.

The most prolific base stealer in the minors in 2024 with 104 thefts in 121 attempts over 110 games between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery, Simpson made waves early in Grapefruit League play by going 4-for-6 with a pair of steals and runs through his first three games. He's faded badly since then, however, going 2-for-19 over his subsequent eight contests to effectively end his longshot odds of breaking camp with the Rays. Simpson's elite wheels will make him worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues, but his subpar defense and dearth of power could make it difficult for him to emerge as an everyday player in the majors.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Dezenzo (jaw) is expected to return to Grapefruit League action Thursday versus the Marlins, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dezenzo suffered a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball Tuesday. He will undergo concussion testing just to be safe, but the expectation is that he will be fine. Dezenzo is competing for a reserve role with Houston.

The Diamondbacks optioned Lawlar to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Lawlar was given the chance to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during camp, but after thumb surgery and a pair of hamstring injuries limited him to just 23 total games across three minor-league stops in 2024, the expectation all along has been that the 22-year-old infielder would begin the season at Triple-A. He remains the organization's top prospect and had previously seen big-league action in 2023, so a hot start to the season in Reno could quickly put Lawlar in the mix for a promotion to the big club. Arizona has been giving Lawlar equal exposure to both third base and shortstop this spring, giving him a couple of pathways to earning playing time in the big leagues once he's deemed ready.

The Nationals reassigned House to minor-league camp Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

House didn't get a ton of looks this spring but fared well when he played, going 7-for-21 with a 4:4 K:BB. The 21-year-old is highly thought of as a prospect but still needs seasoning in the minors after slashing just .241/.297/.402 with a 26.4 percent strikeout rate between Double-A Harrisburg and Rochester in 2024.

Berti went 3-for-4 with a run and a stolen base during Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Dodgers in Tokyo.

The 35-year-old started the first two games of the season at second base with Nico Hoerner (forearm) unavailable. Chicago didn't provide much offense during the two-game set in Japan, but Berti was able to reach base four times and steal a pair of bases. He's expected to fill a utility role once Hoerner is healthy.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday that Winn (wrist) will get several at-bats in live batting practice Wednesday and will aim to return to the Grapefruit League lineup Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Winn had to be scratched from the St. Louis lineup Tuesday due to right wrist soreness, but the move was considered precautionary and it sounds like he should be back in game action soon. The young shortstop has struggled at the plate this spring, going 4-for-41 with a 12:3 K:BB.

The Cardinals reassigned Barrero to minor-league camp Wednesday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Barrero was in the running for the final spot on the Cardinals' bench, but it's looking like that reserve job will go to Jose Fermin. The 26-year-old Barrero should play often at Triple-A Memphis between shortstop and the outfield.

Brito started at second base and went 2-for-4 with with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Rangers.

Four of Brito's six Cactus League hits have left the park, giving him a lopsided spring line of .176/.222/.529 through 13 games. He's one of a host of players competing for the open job at second base. Brito's defense and speed are mediocre, which means his power will need to carry him past those shortcomings.

Dezenzo was diagnosed with a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Washington, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Interestingly, Dezenzo's left side took the most damage even though he was hit on the right side of his face. The 24-year-old was also evaluated and cleared for a concussion, and he's slated to undergo further testing on his jaw Wednesday. Dezenzo has been great in spring training so far, slashing .378/.415/.615 with two homers and six RBI through 39 plate appearances.

Dezenzo exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after getting hit in the head by a groundball, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Dezenzo was able to walk off the field on his own, though he was visibly bothered by his jaw after getting hit. The Astros will take a look at him to make sure he didn't suffer any significant damage and should offer an update on his status relatively soon.