MLB Player News

Seager started at shortstop and went 2-for-2 in Saturday's spring game against the Royals.

Seager made his spring debut, which had been delayed following surgery to repair a sports hernia in January. He played three innings in the field before being replaced by Ezequiel Duran. The shortstop had been taking at-bats recently, and the Rangers were cautiously optimistic that he could get into game action. After the Rangers break camp Sunday, Seager is expected to play both exhibition games against the Red Sox on Monday and Tuesday, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Volpe is slashing .314/.364/.471 with a home run, three doubles, a triple, five RBI, eight runs, four stolen bases and a 10:4 BB:K over 55 plate appearances in Grapefruit League play.

Volpe was working to flatten his swing early in spring, and that process appears to be paying some dividends. The shortstop slugged 21 homers but batted just .209 with a 27.8 percent strikeout rate and a 37.1 percent flyball rate last season, so his growth as a hitter could depend upon his ability to hit more line drives and sell out for homers less often. Volpe is locked in as New York's starting shortstop after taking home a Gold Glove as a rookie last year, and he has spent some time this spring hitting out of the leadoff spot. There's a path to him opening the campaign in that slot against lefties, especially if DJ LeMahieu (foot) isn't ready to return by Opening Day.

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.