MLB Player News

Seager (groin) will start at shortstop and bat second in Saturday's spring training game against the Royals.

Seager underwent sports hernia surgery in late January, and the shortstop has spent spring training ramping up his activity. He has participated in live batting practice since March 18 and appears healthy enough to make his 2024 Cactus League debut. Seager slashed .327/.390/.623 with 33 home runs and 96 RBI over 536 plate appearances in 2023.

Shewmake (ankle) is starting at shortstop Saturday against the Mariners.

Shewmake was given a 2-to-4 week timeline when he was diagnosed with a left ankle sprain Sunday, but his recovery has progressed much faster than expected, and he has apparently already gotten to the point where the White Sox are comfortable playing him in the field. Shewmake is only 7-for-32 with five RBI this spring but still projects to win a bench spot on Chicago's Opening Day roster.

Seager (groin) could get at-bats during exhibition games against the Red Sox next Monday and Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Seager has been taking live batting practice since March 18, and the Rangers aren't ruling out the shortstop for Opening Day. He had a couple of injuries in 2023 and returned quickly from each. Seager only played in three games with Double-A Frisco during a rehab assignment after a hamstring strain and did not require a rehab assignment after a thumb sprain.

Iglesias was informed Saturday that he won't be making the Mets' Opening Day roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Iglesias signed a minor-league contract with the Mets in December that included an invitation to spring training. He posted a respectable .294/.333/.471 batting line over 34 at-bats in Grapefruit League play, but the Mets didn't have room for him on the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder.

Williams is expected to make the Opening Day roster after Liover Peguero was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Ji Hwan Bae (hip) is also sidelined and could be headed for an injured list stint to begin the regular season. That leaves Williams as Pittsburgh's projected primary backup in the middle infield. His primary asset is his glove, so even on days when Williams is in the lineup, he doesn't project to have much fantasy appeal.

The Pirates optioned Peguero to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Peguero entered spring camp as the Pirates' likely Opening Day second baseman, but he will instead head to the minors after going 7-for-26 with three RBI. With the 23-year-old in Triple-A, Jared Triolo figures to take over at second base, but Peguero could reclaim his spot if he gets off to a fast start in Indianapolis.

The Angels optioned Soto to minor-league camp Friday.

Soto was briefly off the Angels' 40-man roster this offseason and never had a realistic chance of making the Opening Day roster. He had a .736 OPS in 79 games at Triple-A Salt Lake last season and will likely return to the affiliate to begin 2024.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced Friday that Brayan Rocchio will begin the season as the club's primary shortstop, pushing Arias into a utility role, Tom Withers of the Associated Pressreports.

Arias had a chance to win the shortstop job but posted a .623 OPS across 37 plate appearances during spring training. The 24-year-old will still make the roster as a utility option, but he likely won't see enough playing time to be relevant in most fantasy formats.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Friday that Rocchio will begin the season receiving the "bulk" of the playing time at shortstop, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

The 23-year-old is one of Cleveland's top prospects and had a decent showing during spring training with a .270/.308/.459 slash line in 13 games. Rocchio hit just seven home runs in 116 games at Triple-A Columbus last season, but he hit .280, stole 25 bases and had a 60:66 BB:K, so he could get on base enough to provide fantasy managers some value on the basepaths.

Merrill went 2-for-5 with a double and scored two runs in Thursday's 15-11 win over the Dodgers in the second game of the Seoul Series.

After going hitless in his first MLB game Wednesday, Merrill collected his first big-league knock with a third-inning single off Michael Grove on Thursday. The rookie added a leadoff double in the fifth frame, and he came around to score following both of his hits. Merrill has gone 2-for-8 with three strikeouts through two contests, and he could have a moderately long leash in center field given the team's lack of outfield depth this season.