MLB Player News

The Yankees optioned Dominguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Dominguez had a strong spring at the plate, but with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Giancarlo Stanton entrenched in the starting lineup, Dominguez didn't have a clear path to big-league playing time. Instead, the highly talented 23-year-old will get regular reps at Triple-A. He'll likely be the first player called up should the Yankees need reinforcements in the outfield or at DH.

Valera (calf) is highly likely to start the regular season on the injured list, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Valera has been dealing with a strained left calf since early March, and it looks like the issue will put him on the sidelines to start the regular season. The 25-year-old had been competing with the likes of Chase DeLauter and CJ Kayfus for a starting spot in the Cleveland outfield.

The Guardians optioned Halpin to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Halpin was in contention for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but it looks like the 23-year-old will start the new season in the minor leagues. Halpin has gone 8-for-30 (.267) with two home runs, two doubles, eight runs scored and five RBI during spring training. He could factor into the Guardians' 2026 plans as the season progresses.

The Guardians outrighted Jones to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Jones has the choice to reject the outright assignment and become a free agent. The 27-year-old outfielder has been trending toward missing the Opening Day roster, as he slashed just .211/.296/.304 across 403 regular-season plate appearances for Cleveland last season and went 5-for-33 (.152) with 14 strikeouts this spring.

Butler (knees) will lead off and play right field for Friday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Butler made his spring debut Tuesday but was limited to DH duties. Now, he's been cleared to play the field. The 25-year-old had been recovering from surgery on his left knee and tendinitis in his right knee. While he may have some rust to shake off, Butler looks to be a full-go ahead of Opening Day.

Beavers has been scratched from Friday's spring training game against the Yankees due to right knee discomfort, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Beavers had a right knee issue pop up pregame, and it'll prevent him from playing in the contest. While more information on Beavers' health should be provided in the next 24 hours, he can be considered day-to-day for now.

Trout had precautionary X-rays come back negative after being hit by a pitch during Friday's spring game against the White Sox, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The veteran outfielder was plunked in his first plate appearance and stayed in to run the bases, but he was then pulled from the game and sent for imaging. Trout avoided a fracture, so his availability for Opening Day next week shouldn't be affected by the injury.

The Rays optioned Palacios to minor-league camp Friday.

Palacios will fall short of making the Rays' Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old utility player went 3-for-19 with a double, seven strikeouts and four walks during spring training action.

Larnach (side) is starting in left field and batting second in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The 29-year-old was scratched Sunday due to left side soreness but is good to go after taking a few days off to recover. Larnach has struggled this spring with a .171/.275/.257 slash line in 40 plate appearances but is expected to open the campaign in the strong side of a platoon between the corner outfield and designated hitter.

Thomas started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a solo homer, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League loss to the Angels.

Thomas opened the scoring by taking Yusei Kikuchi deep to center field in the first inning. The outfielder has put together a strong spring, slashing .289/.349/.579 with a double, two triples, two homers, 12 RBI and two stolen bases across 13 games, although his 4:17 BB:K is a little concerning. The 30-year-old inked a one-year deal with the Royals this offseason after undergoing right foot surgery in September and has looked healthy. Thomas doesn't project to be an everyday player for Kansas City, but his ability to handle all three outfield spots could get him semi-regular at-bats.