MLB Player News

Grissom is not starting for Atlanta for the third straight Grapefruit League game Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Grissom is healthy and is expected to play Saturday, per manager Brian Snitker. It seems notable that he's started just two of the last seven games at shortstop though, while Braden Shewmake gets another start there Friday. Shewmake has been Atlanta's best defender at the position this spring and has also posted an .805 OPS, although his minor-league track record doesn't suggest he would offer much at the plate with regular playing time. Per Bowman, it will be either Grissom or Shewmake making the roster, with the other playing regularly at Triple-A Gwinnett. It's something to monitor over the final 10 days of camp.

Abrams has been held out of Grapefruit League action for a few days because of back tightness, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Abrams is still able to go through drills, including hitting and fielding. It doesn't appear to be anything that could keep him out of commission much longer. Expect Abrams to be able to return to games within the next few days.

Anderson visited Driveline immediately before spring training to work on his swing, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Anderson got off to a scorching start in 2022 but faltered to only a .259 average and .257 wOBA across the second half of the season. That dip in production was at least in part due to a groin injury that prevented him being comfortable at the plate, though Anderson is confident he regained his form this offseason. Encouragingly, Anderson has hit well with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, maintaining a .364 average with two extra-base hits and a stolen base.

Tovar is expected to serve as the Rockies' everyday shortstop in 2023, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Tovar was promoted aggressively in 2022 and earned 35 plate appearances in the majors to close the season. His surface stats weren't good in that span, and Tovar also hasn't had a particularly compelling performance this spring by collecting only seven hits -- two for extra bases -- across 31 at-bats. Nevertheless, the Rockies appear committed to giving their top prospect time to learn on the job, and he should be in line for plenty of plate appearances as a result.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that Castillo (neck) could return to Arizona's lineup within the next couple of days, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After colliding with Geraldo Perdomo (chest) while fielding a ground ball Wednesday against the Brewers, Castillo and Perdomo each were removed from the game. Luckily, both of their injuries seem to be minor and won't impact their status for Opening Day. Castillo is currently 9-for-33 at the plate this spring with two RBI and a stolen base.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that Perdomo (chest) could return to Arizona's lineup "in the next day or so," Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Perdomo suffered a chest contusion after colliding with Diego Castillo (neck) during Wednesday's game against Milwaukee. Both players were removed from the game, but each of their injuries seem to be minor. Perdomo is slashing .261/.414/.435 with three RBI through 30 plate appearances this spring.

Camargo was scratched from the Royals' Cactus League lineup Thursday due to left side tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

It's terrible timing for Camargo, who appeared to have a good shot to make the Opening Day roster. Now, he might be dealing with an oblique injury which could sideline him for a while. Clay Dungan has replaced him at shortstop in Thursday's contest.

Edman thinks playing for South Korea at the World Baseball Classic helped his mental preparation for the regular season, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

South Korea didn't advance out of pool play, and Edman went just 2-for-11 with two RBI and a run scored while at the tournament. Nonetheless, it sounds like the veteran infielder has gained some benefit from competing on the international stage. Edman hit .265 with a .724 OPS, 13 home runs, 32 stolen bases, 57 RBI and 95 runs scored over 153 games last season. He can play a variety of positions for the Cardinals, but he's most likely to see time at shortstop and second base.

Mateo is hitting .217 (5-for-23) through nine Grapefruit League games.

Mateo's got two things going for him -- defense and speed, though he's yet to attempt a steal in spring training. The shortstop went 35-for-44 on the basepaths in 2022, but his .221/.267/.379 slash line didn't inspire much confidence. He opens 2023 atop the depth chart at shortstop, but a cold spell at the plate could see him slip into a short-side platoon role if Gunnar Henderson, Ramon Urias and Adam Frazier are all hitting well. Mateo should still get his looks for steals, but he's never posted an OPS higher than .670 in the majors, so he can't be counted on for a ton of category coverage.

Crawford (shoulder) hopes to return to playing shortstop on Sunday or Monday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Crawford is serving as the Mariners' designated hitter again Thursday in Cactus League play as he protects his achy right shoulder. He seems to be feeling better, though, and hopes to be able to play the field in a few days.