MLB Player News

The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old inked a one-year, $975,000 deal with Baltimore in January and had a 1.071 OPS in 18 games during spring training, but he'll be the odd man out of the outfield to begin the season. Carlson will begin the season at Norfolk while Ramon Laureano opens as the Orioles' No. 5 outfielder.

The Rangers placed Dunning on outright waivers Sunday, allowing him to be claimed by other teams, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The right-hander remains on the 40-man roster for now, but he could be outrighted to the minors if he goes unclaimed on waivers. Dunning posted a 5.31 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 91:40 K:BB across 95 innings last season, and he struggled during spring training with 10 runs allow over 11 frames.

Judge went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a sacrifice fly Saturday in a Grapefruit League loss to Philadelphia.

It's been a rough spring for Judge, who is slashing just .138/.278/.276 over 36 plate appearances. However, the slugger was at least able to avoid going through the exhibition slate without a long ball when he belted a 381-foot, two-run blast to left field in the third inning Saturday. Fantasy managers may remember that Judge had an awful first month last season, batting just .180 with three long balls, but he still finished the campaign with a career-best 1.159 OPS, along with 58 homers and a career-high 144 RBI, so there's no reason to fret about his tepid Grapefruit League stats.

Rasmussen threw 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out three in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Rasmussen continues to ramp up, with Friday's outing marking his longest of the spring. He's been in a battle for the rotation spot for the last month, though Joe Boyle was demoted to Triple-A Durham on Saturday while Shane McClanahan (triceps) won't be ready to begin the season. That seemingly sets up Rasmussen to occupy a rotation spot.

McCormick could be optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

McCormick has slashed .161/.409/.290 across 31 Grapefruit League at-bats, leading Rome to describe McCormick's role as the team's starter in right field as "tenuous at best." Several alternatives also appear to be on the table, including a demotion to Triple-A Sugar Land or being pushed to a reserve role. If McCormick loses playing time, Zach Dezenzo or Cam Smith would benefit.

Muncy could begin the season in the majors if Zack Gelof begins the season on the injured list due to a hand injury, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "Muncy has done a great job," said manager Mark Kotsay. "He's leaving a great impression and building confidence that he's knocking on the door to be here with this group."

Muncy is hitting .314 (11-for-35) this spring. It's still likely a longshot that he makes the roster since Gelof may only be out a short time, but the comments from the manager are notable. The A's more likely will want one of their top prospects playing every day at Triple-A.

Hernandez will not make the Kansas City bullpen and is set to be put on outright waivers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He's out of minor-league options and is likely to be claimed by another team. While he had a 6.97 ERA this spring with a 8:5 K:BB ratio in 10.1 innings, another team may take a chance on his near 100-mph fastball.

Marsh (shoulder) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh experienced tightness in his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program and has been eased back into action this spring. He recently threw in a minor league game, so he is making progress. However, there's no clear timetable for his return.

McArthur (elbow) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McArthur underwent surgery in the offseason to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow. He's been throwing this spring, but there's no timetable for his return. It may take several months before he's ready to pitch in a game.

Bubic has won the fifth starter role for the Royals with Daniel Lynch moving to the bullpen, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Bubic looks set to make his first regular season start against the Brewers in the second series of the season. Bubic has yielded six runs with a 13:3 K:BB over 13 innings this spring and will look to carry over his success last season as a reliever (32.2 percent strikeout rate over 30.1 regular-season innings) into the rotation.