MLB Player News

The Rangers optioned Blanco to Triple-A Round Rock after claiming him off waivers from the Royals on Sunday.

The right-handed-hitting Blanco looked like a potential candidate to fill out a short-side platoon role in the Texas outfield, but he won't end up reporting to big-league camp and will instead head to Triple-A to begin the upcoming season. Though Blanco has been a near-league-average hitter over his first four MLB seasons with a 99 wRC+, he fell out of favor with the Royals in 2025, logging just eight plate appearances in the majors while mustering a middling .253/.332/.405 slash line over 77 games at Triple-A Omaha. The Rangers may want to see Blanco show some improvement as a hitter at the Triple-A level before giving him another look in the big leagues.

Casas (knee) conceded Monday that he won't play in any Grapefruit League games, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Casas had hoped to play in some spring training contests before the schedule concluded, but he will run out of time. He has yet to do any baserunning or sliding, and a clearer timetable for his game readiness won't be available until he checks off those boxes. Casas is working his way back from patellar tendon surgery on his left knee, which he underwent back on May 4.

Brown pitched four scoreless innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, issuing just two walks while striking out nine.

Brown was nearly untouchable Sunday as he struck out nine of the 11 batters he faced. So far this spring, Brown's allowed just one run over 8.2 innings while racking up 14 strikeouts. The right-hander, who's already been announced as the Astros' Opening Day starter, is expected to anchor Houston's rotation in 2026 after pitching to a 2.43 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP and 206 strikeouts in 31 starts (185.1 innings) last season.

Pereira (oblique) will start in right field and bat second in Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Pereira will be making his spring debut after he was initially scheduled to play Feb. 20 before being scratched due to right oblique soreness. The outfielder had been able to take part in running and core-strengthening workouts throughout the duration of his absence, but after recently resuming hitting and experiencing no discomfort, he's been given the green light to play in games. Pereira still has a chance to stake his claim to a spot on the White Sox's Opening Day roster, and the fact that he has no minor-league options remaining is a factor that may work in his favor.

Smith went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Nationals.

Smith opened the scoring Sunday with a 440-foot blast off Orlando Ribalta, his first long ball this spring. After going 2-for-13 in his first six Grapefruit League contests, Smith has gone 3-for-6 with a pair of extra-base hits in his last two games. It's certainly a positive sign for the 23-year-old, as he looks to claim a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Monday that Mullins (back) will return to the Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mullins hasn't played since last Tuesday while managing a sore back, but the Rays never viewed the injury as a long-term concern. He should have plenty of time to pick up at-bats during spring training in advance of Opening Day. The 31-year-old appears likely to open the season in the strong side of a platoon in center field.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Monday that Simpson (hamstring) will return to the Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson hasn't played since last Tuesday after experiencing renewed soreness in his left hamstring, which had previously been bothering earlier in camp. After a week-long layoff, Simpson is feeling better and ready to return to game action. Despite being limited to just four spring appearances thus far, Simpson should still have plenty of time to stockpile plate appearances in preparation for the start of the regular season.

Gelof (shoulder) will start at designated hitter and bat fifth in Monday's Cactus League tilt against the Reds.

Gelof has been brought along slowly in Athletics camp following surgery last September to repair a dislocated left shoulder. The 26-year-old is in competition for a reserve role, but with the late start to spring training he is likely ticketed for Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the campaign.

Soriano (illness) will start Monday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

Soriano missed his last turn because he was battling an illness, but he's been cleared to return to action after more than a week of rest. The right-hander will be looking to get back on track after being knocked around for seven runs over 3.2 innings in his first two starts this spring.

Crawford (shoulder) will start at shortstop and bat fifth in Monday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Crawford will be included in the Cactus League lineup for the sixth time this spring, but he'll be making just his second start at shortstop and his first since Feb. 20. The 31-year-old has been battling a cranky shoulder during camp, which prompted the Mariners to use him as a designated hitter for his last four starts. Crawford should be ready to play shortstop on an everyday basis once the regular season gets underway; the Mariners appear to have simply exercised caution this spring by limiting his usage in the infield early on.