MLB Player News

De La Cruz tripled against the Royals' Aroldis Chapman on Saturday, and later homered in the Reds' spring training loss, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz hit the triple from the right-hand side and then later hit the homer left-handed. He's not going to make the Reds out of spring training most likely, given his age and lack of experience, but if he comes out firing right out of the chute, he could push for a midseason promotion.

Bichette drew walks in his only two plate appearances during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, scoring two runs and stealing a base.

It was the 24-year-old shortstop's first stolen base of the spring. Bichette has swiped 38 bags on 47 attempts over the last two years for the Blue Jays and has emerged as a true five-category fantasy asset. With MLB limiting pickoff attempts from the pitcher and introducing larger bases this season, it's not outrageous to think Bichette could set a new career high in steals in 2023.

Luciano (back) fielded grounders and took on-field batting practice without issue Thursday, Danny Emerman of KNBR reports.

Luciano suffered a stress fracture in his lower back while playing in the Dominican Winter League, but he is on track now to be a regular for Double-A Richmond at the start of their 2023 campaign. The 21-year-old shortstop ranks as a top-50 overall prospect and is a big part of the long-term blueprint in San Francisco.

Rojas has withdrawn from the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rojas was planning to suit up for Team Venezuela, but he became a far more important presence in Dodgers camp this week after Gavin Lux went down with a torn ACL. Rojas is expected to serve as the primary shortstop in Los Angeles to begin the 2023 season, with Chris Taylor also getting looks at the position.

DeJong (arm) was cleared to resume full throwing Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong has been limited to designated hitter so far in Grapefruit League games because of some right arm fatigue, but it appears he's now received full clearance. With Tommy Edman slated to serve as the Cardinals' everyday shortstop in 2023, DeJong is looking at a utility infielder role.

Mauricio launched a two-run home run in his only plate appearance during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Entering the game in the ninth inning at second base, the Mets prospect took minor-league pitcher Sean Reynolds deep to right field. Mauricio has slugged three homers in seven at-bats to begin his spring, but he remains a long shot to break camp on the big-league roster. After hitting 26 home runs in 123 Double-A games in 2022, however, the 21-year-old's power is legit, and he could make his big-league debut sometime this summer if injuries open up a spot in the New York infield.

Lindor went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

The shortstop took Dylan Floro deep to right field in the third inning for his first homer of the spring. Lindor saw his numbers rise in his second season with the Mets last year as he drove in a career-high 107 RBI, but his .788 OPS was still a notch below the production he was flashing with Cleveland a few years ago. The 29-year-old should again hit in the heart of the Mets' order in 2023.

Luciano (back) has progressed to taking regular rounds of batting practice in Giants camp, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Luciano appears to be nearing the end of his recovery from the back injury he sustained while playing in the Dominican Winter League. If all continues to go well, the 21-year-old shortstop prospect should be ready for the start of Double-A Richmond's regular-season schedule. He put up an .817 OPS in 65 games last year between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and High-A Eugene.

Velazquez said Monday he will no longer switch hit and will instead exclusively bat right-handed, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Velazquez briefly dropped switch hitting last season before a season-ending knee injury, and he'll now hit exclusively right-handed going forward. The 28-year-old had a .540 OPS across 125 games last season, with similarly poor results against both types of pitcher. Velazquez isn't guaranteed a spot on the Halos' Opening Day roster, though his elite defense at shortstop and speed could make him a solid bench piece.

Grissom went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

The 22-year-old got the start at shortstop and hit second in the order, but Atlanta has few concerns about his bat. Whether Grissom emerges as the Opening Day starter at short will depend largely on the progress he makes with his defense, but so far so good with the glove in the early part of spring training. If he proves to need more work with that part of his game, Orlando Arcia would get the nod while the younger infielder begins the season at Triple-A, but the job seems to be Grissom's to lose.