MLB Player News

Gibson tossed a three-inning live batting practice session Sunday and is soon expected to report to Triple-A Norfolk, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Because he remained a free agent throughout the offseason before signing a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Orioles less than a week ahead of Opening Day, Gibson has essentially been going through his own version of spring training. He's steadily ramped up the volume of his throwing program and should be on the cusp of pitching in minor-league games. Gibson will likely need to complete 2-to-3 starts at Norfolk before he's available as an option in the big-league rotation around May 1. The Orioles could have a pressing need for Gibson, as the team's starting depth has been tested in the first month of the season with injuries to Zach Eflin (lat), Grayson Rodriguez (elbow), Trevor Rogers (kneecap), Albert Suarez (shoulder), Chayce McDermott (lat), Tyler Wells (elbow) and Kyle Bradish (elbow).

Carter was removed Tuesday in the eighth inning of Triple-A Round Rock's 16-3 loss to Oklahoma City after his hand was struck by a pitch on a bunt attempt, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

The Rangers haven't provided word whether Carter suffered a fracture or is merely dealing with bruising and/or soreness, but even a minor injury would likely be enough to take him out of consideration for a call-up if Wyatt Langford -- who exited Texas' 10-6 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday due to oblique tightness -- requires a stint on the injured list. Even before getting hurt, Carter hadn't gained much momentum in his bid to return to the big leagues; he's gotten off to a 2-for-22 start to the season at Triple-A, though his 7:7 K:BB over 29 plate appearances has been promising.

Gonzalez started at first base and went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

Gonzalez replaced the lefty-hitting Triston Casas at first base against Toronto southpaw Easton Lucas. It was the second time this season the Red Sox have faced a left-handed starter, and Gonzalez started at first base in both games. Red Sox manager Alex Cora talked during spring training about Casas being the everyday starter -- against righties and lefties -- but it hasn't played out that way thus far in a small sampling. Gonzalez has hit in four consecutive outings (7-for-15, five runs) and has reached base safely in all five games played.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said after Tuesday's 10-4 win over the Padres that the right calf injury Soderstrom sustained earlier in the game was a contusion, Jessica Kleinschmidt of Baseball America reports.

The team initially labeled Soderstrom's injury as right calf tightness shortly after he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, but Kotsay seemed to downplay the severity of the health concern afterward. Before exiting the game, Soderstrom went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. The Athletics will conclude their series with San Diego on Wednesday with a day game after a night game, and it wouldn't be surprising if Soderstrom were held out of that contest, especially with a team off day looming Thursday.

Smith started at first base and went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored in Tuesday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

Smith's steady gig as a fill-in third baseman ended Tuesday with the return of Josh Jung; however, Texas manager Bruce Bochy wanted to keep Smith's lively bat -- 7-for-17 over the previous six games -- in the lineup. So, the manager gave Jake Burger (.105) a break at first base. Smith could reprise his temporary fill-in role at another position, as left fielder Wyatt Langford (side) was removed in the seventh inning Tuesday.

Pillar took over in left field Tuesday after Wyatt Langford (side) was removed from the Rangers' 10-6 loss to the Cubs. Pillar went 0-for-1 in his lone plate appearance.

Depending on the extent of Langford's injury, Pillar could see time in left field in the short term. Josh Smith, who was already in the game at first base, is also an option.

Clevinger (0-2) took the loss Tuesday against the Guardians after allowing a run on one hit and three walks in just one-third of an inning.

Clevinger came on in relief of Tyler Gilbert with two outs in the eighth and got to the ninth unscathed. However, the Guardians opened up the ninth with an infield single and Clevinger proceeded to eventually walk in the winning run after issuing three consecutive free passes. He has walked five batters and recorded two outs in his last two appearances and likely will find himself in some lower-leverage situations for the time being.

Morton (0-3) took the loss Tuesday, giving up four runs on four hits and five walks over five-plus innings as the Orioles fell 4-3 to the Diamondbacks. He struck out four.

The 41-year-old righty got only 51 of his 87 pitches into the strike zone as his rough start to the campaign continues. Morton has struck out 17 batters in his first 13.1 innings with Baltimore, but he's also walked eight, leading to an 8.78 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. Given the team's injury issues in the rotation, the O's have little choice but to let Morton try to work through his issues. He lines up to make his next trip to the mound at home early next week against the Guardians.

Schneemann entered Tuesday's 1-0 win over the White Sox after center fielder Lane Thomas (wrist) was removed.

After Thomas took a pitch off his right wrist, Schneemann entered as the pinch runner. When Schneemann's first plate appearance came around in the seventh inning, manager Stephen Vogt sent up pinch hitter Jhonkensy Noel. It's unclear how Vogt will manage the position if Thomas is unavailable for a period of time. Schneemann is 1-for-12 with six strikeouts through six games this season.

Smith did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Guardians, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out six over six scoreless innings.

Smith was just one out away from making it through six hitless innings until Jose Ramirez was able to reach via an infield single. Unlike in his MLB debut, Smith was able to complete the inning for his first quality start in the majors. Smith, the first pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, has now held opposing batters to a .105 average through 11.2 innings and lines up for a weekend start against Boston with the White Sox scheduled for five games over the next five days.