MLB Player News

Hamilton started at shortstop and went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's spring game against Tampa Bay.

Hamilton is caught up in a roster battle that also involves prospect Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom, who started at second base Saturday. Trevor Story will be the starting shortstop, so Hamilton needs to make the team either as a starter at second base or more likely as a utility infielder. A case can be made for any of the players competing at second base, but it all goes up into flames if Alex Bregman becomes the club's starter at second base. Hamilton immediately showed his value, leading off the first inning with a walk and a steal before scoring on a Marcelo Mayer single.

Bautista (elbow) threw live batting practice Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Bautista's throwing session Sunday represented the first time he has faced live hitters since he underwent Tommy John surgery in October of 2023. The 29-year-old stated last week that he's confident in his ability to be ready to pitch by Opening Day, and all signs so far point to that scenario being a legitimate possibility. However, Bautista isn't expected to appear in any Grapefruit League contests until late in spring training, and how he fares when he gets back on the mound in exhibition play could be a determining factor in his return date for regular-season action.

Andujar (abdomen) is playing left field and batting sixth in Sunday's Cactus League contest against Colorado.

Andujar ended last season on the 60-day IL due to an issue that required core muscle surgery. He appears to be fully recovered given his ability to hit and play the field Sunday. Andujar hit well in his first season with the Athletics last year, posting a .285/.320/.377 slash line with four homers and three stolen bases over 319 plate appearances, and he's slated to get regular at-bats in left field during the 2025 campaign.

Grissom started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's spring game against the Rays.

While third base has been the hot topic at the start of Boston's spring training, it has great impact on second base. That's where Grissom, Kristian Campbell and David Hamilton are competing for the starting job. Campbell came off the bench Saturday, going 0-for-1 with a walk and made a diving snare off a line drive in the seventh inning. The second-base battle becomes moot if the Red Sox opt to leave Rafael Devers at third base and have Alex Bregman start at second base.

Meadows tweaked his triceps Saturday, though the issue isn't seen as a serious concern, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Meadows started in center field Saturday and went 0-for-2 before being lifted. The triceps injury occurred while he was making a throw, and manager A.J. Hinch said Sunday that the issue doesn't appear to be significantly worrisome. Meadows isn't in the lineup for Sunday's spring contest, though that wouldn't be unusual this early in spring play regardless of an injury concern.

Carter batted leadoff and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's spring game against San Francisco.

Carter is a spring project, not just because of the back injury that limited him to 162 plate appearances in 2024, but also due to struggles against lefties. His one opportunity Saturday ended with a strikeout; it was a three-pitch at-bat during which the hitter with a reputation for discipline swung at pitches off the plate. Carter is 3-for-37 against MLB southpaws the last two seasons. If he does manage to be a competent hitter, Carter could see time as a leadoff hitter. Texas manager Bruce Bochy has offered conflicting statements about Marcus Semien being the default leadoff batter in 2025, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Manning allowed three runs on three hits and four walks across 1.1 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Manning followed starter Kenta Maeda, who tossed two scoreless innings, with a rough relief appearance to begin his spring schedule. Of particular concern is the four walks, as the righty struggled with command last season in the majors, posting a career-worst 3.9 BB/9 across 27.2 regular-season innings. The 27-year-old is vying for a roster spot during spring training, but continued struggles could relegate Manning to Triple-A Toledo, which is where he spent most of 2024.

Mahle allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two over two innings in Saturday's spring start against the the Giants.

Mahle gave up some loud contact during his Cactus League debut, including a two-run home run to former Ranger Sam Huff. After a couple of seasons marred by Tommy John elbow surgery and a shoulder injury, Mahle is expected to win a job in the Rangers' rotation.

Young has been limited so far in spring training due to a sore right arm, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Young appeared as a pinch hitter during Seattle's spring opener and remained in the game as the DH. He didn't play in the team's second Cactus League contest, though that wouldn't be unusual regardless of the arm issue. Given his ability to swing the bat, Young's injury doesn't appear to be a serious concern, though it wouldn't be surprising if the Mariners take a cautious approach with the young infielder. Young racked up 551 plate appearances at the Double-A level last season and could make his MLB debut sometime during the upcoming campaign.

Arias started at second base and went 1-for-2 in Saturday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Second base is one position battle playing out during the Guardians' spring training. Arias was given the first start of the Cactus League -- he lined a slider to center field for a single in his first at-bat -- and he'll be followed by others. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt told Steve Stockmar of MLB.com on Saturday that "four or five guys" are in the mix. The most anticipated of the bunch may be prospect Juan Brito, who slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 homers and 13 steals in 2024 at Triple-A Columbus. Over the coming weeks, expect to see Brito along with Tyler Freeman, Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann at the keystone.