MLB Player News

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that the plan is to play Rosario some at both middle infield positions as well as the corner outfield spots, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Neander also mentioned Rosario's ability to hit left-handed pitching, and there's a good chance much of the 28-year-old's playing time ultimately comes against southpaws. Jose Caballero is still expected to open the season as Tampa Bay's primary shortstop.

The Marlins have offered Anderson a contract to be their primary shortstop this season, a source tells Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

One of the more notable unsigned free agents, Anderson has faced a cool market this winter, coming off a dismal 2023 campaign with the White Sox in which he turned in a lowly .582 OPS over 123 games. The 30-year-old shortstop is a two-time All-Star and had compiled a .288/.316/.442 slash line over his preceding seven years in the big leagues, but he may have to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency as he looks to boost his value back up on the heels of the rough season. Miami would seemingly represent a favorable rebound spot for Anderson, who wouldn't face much competition for the everyday gig at shortstop, with Jon Berti -- a utility player for most of his career -- representing the top challenger at the moment. However, after serving as the White Sox's leadoff hitter for much of his tenure in Chicago, Anderson might have to settle for a spot lower in the order if he joins the Marlins, who will be bringing back reigning NL batting champion Luis Arraez as their presumptive table setter in 2024.

Cruz is participating without restrictions in spring camp, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Cruz was able to play in only nine games before fracturing his left fibula in 2023. After suffering a few setbacks, he's been able to participate fully in all fielding and batting drills. Manager Derek Shelton has acknowledged that Cruz is battling some rust, so the team plans to get him more live reps as the spring progresses. He'll be locked in as the Pirates' starting shortstop so long as he remains healthy in 2024.

Pena overhauled his batting stance during the offseason, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena was essentially a league-average hitter in many aspects last season, but he posted just a .118 ISO across 634 plate appearances. To unlock more power in 2024, he reworked his stance to minimize movement while focusing on driving balls to all areas of the field. Manager Joe Espada has noted early in spring training that Pena looks more athletic and comfortable in the box while lifting the ball more. The latter will be a key to his potential jump in home runs, as he has only a 29.5 flyball percentage across 1,192 career plate appearances.

Martin is not moving to a full-time outfield role, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Martin has only worked as an infielder at the start of camp, but the Twins plan to play him in the outfield this spring as well.

Martin didn't make his Triple-A debut until July 3 after missing the first three months of the season while recovering from a UCL sprain in his elbow. He put up a decent, if unspectacular, .791 OPS with six homers and 16 steals over 59 games for Triple-A St. Paul. Martin could be a candidate to be a reserve center field option to begin the season if the Twins don't sign a veteran. However, this news could be seen as Minnesota not looking at him as a viable option in the outfield in the near term, though position flexibility could provide him multiple paths to reach the majors this season. He'll likely begin the season at Triple-A.

Castillo was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday after clearing outright waivers, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The Orioles DFA'd Castillo on Sunday after claiming him off waivers two days prior. He has been with five different organizations this offseason but will stay in Baltimore's system for the time being. Castillo played 124 games for the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate last season and finished with a .313/.431/.410 line, three home runs and 72 RBIs across 556 plate appearances.

Rosario signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Rays on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

It's a good fit for Rosario, who, with a career .298/.339/.467 batting line against left-handed pitching, should see plenty of action in the middle infield spots versus southpaws. The 28-year-old has slashed only .263/.296/.374 in his career against right-handers and is a poor defender, so Tampa Bay figures to use him sparingly versus same-handed pitchers.

McLain will be sidelined for the next 5-to-7 days after tweaking his right oblique, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It's the same oblique which caused a premature end to McLain's rookie season. An MRI came back clean, and Reds manager David Bell expressed confidence that McLain should be ready by the time Opening Day rolls around. However, more clarity on the young infielder's condition should be available following the 5-to-7 day shutdown period.

Chang signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Chang spent some time with the Rays in 2022 before playing for the Red Sox in 2023. The 28-year-old utility infielder sports a career .204/.265/.359 batting line over parts of five major-league seasons. Tampa Bay has an opening at shortstop, but Chang would appear far down its list of candidates.

Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said Lawlar would need consistent at-bats if he were to make the Opening Day roster, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Lawlar was left off Gilbert's initial roster projection, which generated pushback from unhappy readers. Gilbert explained his projection was based on the language used by Hazen regarding the Diamondbacks' prospect. It's natural for the organization to give Lawlar a path to consistent playing time, but that's unlikely to happen if he's backing up Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop -- manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Perdomo would be the starter last week -- and Eugenio Suarez at third base. Given that scenario, it makes sense for the Diamondbacks to have Lawlar play everyday at Triple-A Reno, where he had just 80 plate appearances in 2023.