MLB Player News

Merrill went 0-for-3 in his major-league debut Wednesday in the first game of the Seoul Series against the Dodgers.

The 20-year-old struck the ball fairly well all three times up, but he ended with nothing to show for it in his big-league debut. Merrill had never played center field prior to spring training, but he took well enough to the position to win the job and become the fourth-youngest Opening Day center fielder in the divisional era, per MLB's Sarah Langs. He was the No. 9 hitter Wednesday, though there is always potential for upward movement in the batting order. First things first, Merrill will have to prove that he belongs at the highest level.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Wednesday that Shewmake (ankle) has not been ruled out for Opening Day, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Shewmake was given a 2-to-4 week timetable after being diagnosed Sunday with a lateral left ankle sprain. However, he has been able to field grounders each of the last two days and could make a quicker-than-expected return. Shewmake had appeared in line to win a reserve role before the injury.

Reds manager David Bell said Wednesday that "all of the options are on the table," including surgery, after McLain (shoulder) underwent an MRI on Wednesday. Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The specifics of the injury remain unclear as the full results of the MRI haven't been disclosed, but it's a concerning development after Bell initially downplayed the left shoulder soreness that scratched McLain from Monday's lineup. The 24-year-old's availability to begin the season is now up in the air, with a trip to the injured list being a distinct possibility, regardless of whether he requires surgery. McLain's status should be updated soon as he continues to be evaluated.

Allen (back) started at shortstop in a Cactus League tie with the Diamondbacks on Monday and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

The game marked Allen's first game action since March 1 due to a back strain. The fact he was able to jump right back into playing defense was certainly encouraging, and Allen appears set to play out the string of remaining Cactus League games before opening the season as the everyday shortstop.

The Giants optioned Schmitt to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Schmitt's chance at an Opening Day roster spot probably went away when the club signed Nick Ahmed, but he didn't help himself in going 3-for-26 at the dish this spring. The 25-year-old should bounce around the infield as a regular at Sacramento.

Smith (hand) is starting at shortstop and batting second in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

The 26-year-old exited Tuesday's contest after being hit by a pitch on the hand, but his return to the lineup a day later indicates it isn't a significant issue. Smith is expected to serve as a utility infielder in 2024, but he could see more action early on since Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is likely to open on the injured list and Corey Seager's (groin) status is also up in the air.

Arcia (hand) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth for Atlanta in Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Blue Jays, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Arcia exited Sunday's game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, but he merely had a contusion and is back in there a few days later. The veteran shortstop has an .836 OPS with three home runs this spring.

The Padres selected Wade from Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

After signing a minor-league contract with the Padres in November, Wade will officially join the big-league club ahead of San Diego's opening series in South Korea against the Dodgers. Wade slashed .294/.351/.471 across 37 spring plate appearances and gives the Padres another option at third base due to Manny Machado (elbow) being limited to a DH role at the moment.

The Padres selected Merrill to the 26-man active roster Tuesday.

Merrill spent last season in High-A and Double-A, slashing .277/.326/.444 between the two levels, and he seemed poised to reach Triple-A heading into spring camp. However, the 20-year-old prospect went 13-for-37 with two homers and six RBI during spring training, earning himself the job as the Padres' primary center fielder. Now that he's in the majors, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Merrill struggles to initially adjust to MLB pitching, but he certainly has the potential for a successful big-league career.

Duran started at first base and went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Tuesday's spring game against Oakland.

Duran got the start at first after a report earlier in the day indicated the Rangers' preference is to have Duran and Jared Walsh platoon at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is on the injured list to start the season. If the Rangers are floating that, it could mean Duran would not be needed to cover shortstop for Corey Seager (groin), who has started swinging a bat and has not been ruled out for Opening Day.