MLB Player News

The Giants optioned Luciano to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.

Luciano came into spring training as the favorite to win the Giants' shortstop job, but he missed some time with an injury and the club eventually signed Nick Ahmed, who ended up claiming the job. The 22-year-old could still eventually push to take over at shortstop with the big club this season, but for now, he'll go to Sacramento.

De La Cruz will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Thursday's season opener against the Nationals.

De La Cruz hit second often for the Reds this spring and manager David Bell had indicated that's where he was leaning toward putting the youngster. However, the skipper ultimately settled on Will Benson in the two hole and De La Cruz lower in the batting order. It's not great news for De La Cruz's immediate fantasy prospects, but he's certainly capable of hitting his way up higher in the lineup.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Rojas will get some starts at shortstop against left-handed pitchers, but he won't be part of a strict platoon, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rojas got the bulk of playing time at shortstop last year after Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training and was lost for the season, and he finished the campaign with a .236/.290/.322 slash line along with five homers, 31 RBI, 49 runs and eight steals. With Lux back in the fold for 2024, Rojas is slated to work in a reserve role, with Lux starting at second base and Mookie Betts taking over at shortstop. When the Dodgers go up against southpaws, Betts will sometimes slide over to second while Rojas gets an opportunity at shortstop, but Roberts' comments make it clear that this won't be more than an occasional lineup change.

Franco was placed on administrative leave Thursday through an agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The transaction removes Franco from the Rays' 40-man roster and is effective through June 1. The stay could end sooner than that if there are any developments in Franco's investigation or could be extended if there are none. Because he is on administrative leave and not the restricted list, Franco will be paid his $2 million salary.

Manager Aaron Boone said Berti could start at third base Thursday against the Astros if he arrives in Houston with enough time to prepare, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Berti was acquired from the Marlins in a three-team trade Wednesday, and it's possible he's in the lineup for the Yankees a day later for Opening Day. The super-utility player should see significant action at the hot corner early in the season with DJ LeMahieu (foot) and Oswald Peraza (shoulder) beginning the campaign on the injured list.

The Reds placed McLain (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

McLain underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and a timetable for his return remains unclear. Although it is still possible he plays this year, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 24-year-old to return to the field until at least the second half of the season. Jonathan India will likely assume the role as Cincinnati's primary second baseman while McLain is out.

Barrero was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday after clearing waivers, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Barrero will end up staying in the Texas organization and should see plenty of playing time at Round Rock this season as he makes the full-time transition to the outfield after spending most of his career to date as an infielder.

Diamondbacks farm director Shaun Larkin said that Lawlar will undergo surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and could have a "full return to baseball activity in 8-to-10 weeks," Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Lawlar, the organization's top prospect, was optioned to Triple-A Reno on March 10, but he could have put himself on the radar for an early-season call-up if he had gotten off to a hot start at the plate during the Pacific Coast League season. However, after jamming his thumb and tearing a ligament while trying to field a ball off the ground with his throwing hand during a minor-league spring training game Sunday, Lawlar now looks like he'll be sidelined until at least early June while he recovers from surgery. The injury shouldn't dramatically alter Lawlar's long-term outlook in dynasty leagues, but it makes him a tough player to stash in redraft formats since he'll be headed for a multi-month absence to begin the season.

The Yankees acquired Berti from the Marlins on Wednesday in a three-team trade involving the Rays, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. John Cruz and Shane Sasaki were sent to the Marlins and Ben Rortvedt went to the Rays in the deal.

Berti provides the Yankees with some protection in the infield with both DJ LeMahieu (foot) and Oswald Peraza (shoulder) sidelined, and he's capable of handling the outfield, as well. He could get some starts at third base early on in the season while LeMahieu is out.

Nunez is expected to begin the season on the 26-man roster after Trey Lipscomb was reassigned to minor-league camp Tuesday.

A Rule 5 pick from the Marlins, Nunez was a favorite to win a bench role when camp began, but Lipscomb's big spring created some uncertainty on how the Nationals would configure their infield. The 23-year-old Nunez stole 52 bases in 59 attempts at Double-A last season but slashed only .224/.341/.286, so he'll likely be limited to pinch-running duties in 2024 if he's able to stick on the big-league roster all year rather than being offered back to Miami.