MLB Player News

Smith went 3-for-4 with a pair of run-scoring singles that netted three RBI, a double and a run in a Cactus League tie with the Rangers on Thursday.

Smith's torrid spring continued with his fourth multi-hit effort of Cactus League play, which pushed his average to .385 and his RBI total to 14. The 26-year-old does have 15 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances, but the upside he's flashed when putting the ball in play seemingly gives him job security as a reserve infielder who could progressively work himself into a solid amount of playing time.

Cruz has struck out 11 times in 44 at-bats during Grapefruit League play.

Cruz has only 10 hits this spring -- four of which have gone for extra bases -- but his improved ability to make contact is a positive sign. He struck out at a 34.9 percent clip across 361 plate appearances in the majors last season, but he regularly kept his punchouts within the range of 25 percent throughout his minor-league career. If his increased contact rate can carry over into the regular season, it's a good bet that Cruz will improve upon his .233 average while also providing plenty of home runs and stolen bases.

Downs was held out of the Nationals' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday due to a contusion on his left hand, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Downs suffered the injury when he was struck by a pitch earlier this week, but he should be fine within the next day or two after X-rays came back negative for any fractures. The former Red Sox prospect is fighting for the final spot on Washington's bench.

Edman is expected to receive starts in the leadoff spot for the Cardinals this season, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Denton lists Edman, Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar as options for the leadoff spot. The switch-hitting Edman has dramatic splits with a career .829 OPS versus lefties and .701 OPS against righties. He could wind up batting leadoff when a southpaw is on the mound and drop to the No. 9 spot against right-handers.

Crawford (knee) is starting at shortstop and batting third Wednesday versus the Rangers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Crawford appears like he'll be ready to go for Opening Day after he makes his return to the lineup Wednesday following a multi-game absence due to a sore left knee. The 36-year-old is set to play in his 13th season with the Giants and will remain their everyday shortstop in 2023.

Lopez (groin) will be available as a reserve in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Lopez isn't guaranteed to play Wednesday, but after resuming full baseball activities earlier this week without incident, he looks like he's made a recovery from the left groin injury he picked up while recently playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. The 24-year-old is in the mix for a spot on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster as a utility man.

Turner hit a solo homer in Tuesday's loss to Japan in the World Baseball Classic final.

Turner gave USA a 1-0 lead with a blast over the left-field wall. The shortstop homered five times in the tournament and was arguably the best player in the loaded USA lineup. Turner now returns to camp for the Phillies to get ready for his first season as a member of the Philadelphia roster.

Soto was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Tuesday.

Soto comes up short in his bid to be a bench option for the Angels to begin 2023. The infielder performed well in an 18-game sample with Los Angeles last year with a .400/.414/.582 slash line over 59 plate appearances. There's a very good chance Soto will be up with the Angels before the end of 2023, but he's likely to spend just as much time -- if not more -- with Salt Lake.

Baez rejoined the Tigers on Monday after hitting .368 with one home run, three doubles, six RBI and zero walks against three strikeouts over five games for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Baez was a standout performer for Puerto Rico in the tournament, as in addition to his exploits at the plate, he impressed with a few dazzling plays in the field at second base. He'll move back to his usual spot at shortstop now that he's back at Tigers camp, and the team brass will be hoping that the strong showing on the international stage will help invigorate Baez after he endured a rough first season in Detroit upon signing a six-year, $140 million deal last winter. Despite his excellent showing in the WBC, Baez hasn't carried that form over to the Grapefruit League, where he's slashing .136/.130/.227 with no walks and four strikeouts in eight games.

Crawford (knee) is set to return to Cactus League action this week, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Crawford received a cortisone injection in his troublesome left knee early last week, but he was able to resume baseball activities over the weekend and is aiming to be ready for Opening Day. The veteran shortstop has logged only 13 plate appearances this spring and has recorded just one hit.