MLB Player News

Crawford, who drew two walks and scored a run in his two plate appearances during Thursday's Cactus League win over the Angels, is now 0-for-9 over his first six exhibitions.

The veteran has drawn three walks, but that's been the extent of his offensive production. Crawford's early struggles aside, he's once again being counted on to hold down the fort on a near everyday basis at shortstop after slugging a career-high 19 home runs and driving in a career-best 65 RBI a season ago. The power surge helped Crawford produce a career-high .818 OPS as well, although there will be some doubt as to his ability to replicate those numbers after previously having failed to top nine homers in any season.

The Cubs optioned Vazquez to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Vazquez was added to the 40-man roster in November in order to protect him from being selected during the Rule 5 Draft, but he was unable to carve out a place on Chicago's Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old had an .809 OPS in 66 games at Triple-A last season and is a likely bet to make his MLB debut at some point in 2024.

Seager (groin) fielded some grounders and played catch Thursday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Seager has resumed some baseball activities but has not yet been cleared to swing a bat as he works his way back from sports hernia surgery. He is hoping to play in some Cactus League games before the spring schedule runs out, but it's uncertain as to when that might happen. It seems more likely that not that Seager will need some time on the injured list to start the season, but he shouldn't be out long.

Manager Dave Roberts wouldn't commit to naming Lux the Dodgers' Opening Day shortstop Thursday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers entered camp fully expecting Lux to start at shortstop on Opening Day. However, recent throwing issues have raised concerns about whether or not Lux is the best option to have in the field. It's possible Lux is simply rusty from missing the entire 2023 campaign due to a torn ACL, and Roberts stated the team is still confident in Lux's defensive abilities, but if Lux continues to struggle, his starting job may be given to Miguel Rojas instead.

Wendle (shoulder) is starting at second base for the Mets' spring training game against Washington on Thursday.

Shoulder soreness has kept Wendle out of Grapefruit League play this spring, but he is now set to make his spring debut. Wendle posted just a .610 OPS during his two seasons with Miami, and he will most likely compete for at-bats as a utility man with the Mets this year.

Barger has played a lot of right field so far in camp, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old played four different positions last season in the minors, including 20 games each at third base and shortstop, but the Blue Jays seem to view right field as Barger's best defensive fit. He won't break camp on the big-league roster, but should George Springer go down with an injury and Barger is swinging the bat well at Triple-A Buffalo, it could position him to make his MLB debut over the summer.

Clement has emerged as a favorite to win a utility job on the Blue Jays' bench, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old infielder has a modest .578 OPS through 364 career big-league plate appearances, but he's out of minor-league options and has gone 5-for-13 (.385) with a triple and a stolen base through five Grapefruit League games. Clement's main competition appears to be Santiago Espinal and veteran non-roster invitee Eduardo Escobar, but the former can be optioned to Triple-A and the latter is flailing at the plate, going 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts this spring.

Story was scratched from the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta due to neck stiffness, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox have described Story's removal as precautionary, so he'll be day-to-day and should have a good chance at returning to action at some point within the next week. David Hamilton will replace Story at shortstop Thursday, batting ninth.

Arroyo has taken advantage of infield injuries to play early in training camp, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Arroyo is getting playing time due to Jonathan India (foot) and Matt McLain (oblique) still working their way back to game action. Noelvi Marte only recently returned from injury. Arroyo, acquired along with Marte in the trade that sent Luis Castillo to Seattle, has flashed highlight-worthy defense at shortstop. The 20-year-old is 5-for-12 with two doubles, a stolen base, three RBI and more walks (three) than strikeouts (two).

Kim will be held out of action until Friday after experiencing back spasms during drills Tuesday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Acee says Kim was virtually pain-free by Tuesday evening, but he's being held out Wednesday as a precaution and the Padres are off Thursday. Xander Bogaerts slid over to his old position at shortstop to cover for Kim on Wednesday. Kim has had a nice start to Cactus League play, going 6-for-15 with a home run and two stolen bases.