MLB Player News

Abrams went 1-for-2 with a run scored and two stolen bases in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

The shortstop batted sixth in this one with catcher Keibert Ruiz getting a look in the leadoff spot, an arrangement that doesn't seem likely to happen much during the regular season. Abrams has gone 7-for-26 at the plate this spring with a rough 0:10 BB:K, and there's no guarantee he hits near the top of the order if he can't get on base more often, but he's a perfect 4-for-4 on steal attempts during Grapefruit League action. The 22-year-old swiped 21 bags on 29 attempts across all levels in 2022, and with a consistent starting spot for the rebuilding Nationals, he could crack 20 steals in the majors this season.

Cruz has his contract renewed for the 2023 season by the Pirates on Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Cruz will make the league minimum $720,000 as he participates in his first full season of MLB action in 2023. The uber-athletic shortstop is expected to make a major leap forward in his development this year and will look to flex both his power at the plate and his speed on the bases. Cruz said late last month that he expects to have a 30-homer, 30-steal season for the Pirates, a lofty goal for the 24-year-old. He'll look to improve upon the uninspiring .233 average and 34.9 strikeout percentage he produced over 331 at-bats in 87 games last year.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said DeJong will be "sidelined for a few days" while the shortstop contends with back tightness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong was pulled from the lineup ahead of the Cardinals' Grapefruit League game Tuesday versus the Astros due to the injury, which Marmol said is bothering the 29-year-old when he's bending over to field grounders. The skipper noted that the issue isn't bothering DeJong at the plate, so it's possible that he'll still be able to get at-bats in spring games as designated hitter while he waits for the back tightness to dissipate.

The Angels reassigned Neto to minor-league camp Tuesday.

The 2022 first-round selection quickly rose to Double-A ball in 2022, slashing .320/.382/.492 over 136 plate appearances. Neto will likely return to Double-A to start the 2023 campaign, and at his current pace, he could find himself in Triple-A before the end of the season.

De La Cruz was sent to minor-league camp by the Reds on Tuesday.

De La Cruz split time last season between High-A and Double-A, slashing .304/.359/.586 between the two levels. The Reds' top prospect will open the season with Triple-A Louisville and could crack the majors later in the year if he continues to tear through minor-league pitching.

McLain was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Reds camp.

McLain had been one of the standouts this spring in major-league camp, but he'll get at least a little seasoning at Triple-A Louisville before the Reds consider calling him up to the big leagues. He finished out the 2022 campaign at Double-A Chattanooga. The 23-year-old infielder went as the No. 17 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of UCLA.

Bichette went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The blasts didn't come against the stiffest competition, as Bichette took minor-leaguer Chris Murphy deep in the first inning before tagging Boston prospect Brandon Walter in the fourth, but it was still a strong performance from the shortstop. The homers were the first two of the spring for Bichette, but he's gone 11-for-28 (.393) overall with a 3:5 BB:K and appears more than ready for the games to begin to count.

DeJong is being evaluated for lower-back tightness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

That's the reason for his late removal from the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday. DeJong is considered day-to-day for now. Masyn Winn will start at shortstop and bat eighth against the Astros.

Brito was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Although he went just 2-for-13 this spring, Brito showed off his excellent eye at the plate with 10 walks to just one strikeout. The 21-year-old was acquired from the Rockies for Nolan Jones in November.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Martinez just turned 21 in January, so he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster. He's shown well in spring training, though, collecting an .825 OPS with one homer and one steal.