MLB Player News

Casas (finger) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Casas will return after missing a couple days with left fifth finger pain. The swing-and-miss in Casas' game has been prevalent this spring (11 strikeouts in 41 at-bats), but he's done damage when he's put bat to ball to the tune of five extra-base hits in exhibition play. The 23-year-old is primed to begin the season as Boston's primary first baseman.

Robert believes the intensity of the World Baseball Classic has helped him get more prepared for the regular season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Robert played for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic and went 7-for-27 with a double, two runs scored and four RBI. He returned to camp Tuesday and relayed to reporters that he feels that playing in meaningful games this spring will help him get off to a better start with the White Sox in the regular season. Robert is expected to return to the team's lineup Thursday for a Cactus League matchup against the Giants.

Ashcraft struck out 10 "B-Team" Padres in Wednesday night's spring training start over six innings. After the start he exuded about the progress he has made with his slider, a pitch he's using a new grip for, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "Everything is working how we want," Ashcraft said. "The slider is the best it's ever been for me."

Between the reports of Ashcraft hitting 100 mph and now his new-and-improved slider, he's graduated to the level of last-round dart throw intrigue. He obviously needs to face tougher competition, but he now has 25 strikeouts in 17.1 spring training innings.

Serven has struck out 20 times across 42 plate appearances during Cactus League games this spring.

Serven is all but locked into a roster spot, so even his slow spring performance isn't likely to change his status for Opening Day. However, he may lose out on playing time to Elias Diaz -- the Rockies' other catcher that will start the campaign in the majors --until he can show he can get back on track at the dish.

Montero has gone 16-for-51 with four home runs and two doubles during Cactus League action.

Montero has swung the bat well for much of spring, but that's been particularly true of late. He has tallied four multi-hit performances in his last eight contests, and he has gone deep twice in that span. After Nolan Jones was optioned to Triple-A on Monday, Montero's primary competition for the starting job at third base appears to be Mike Moustakas.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Gonsolin's (ankle) time on the injured list will span "a few weeks," Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Roberts said Friday that Gonsolin would begin the season on the IL due to his sprained ankle, and Roberts has now provided a better idea of how long the 28-year-old righty will be sidelined. While he's out, Gonsolin's spot in the rotation will be filled by either Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove.

The Dodgers reassigned Ward to minor-league camp Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ward spent all of last season with Double-A Tulsa, where he slashed .255/.318/.488 over an even 500 plate appearances. His spring numbers weren't bad either (10-for-36, 5 RBI), so there is a decent chance the Dodgers challenge the 25-year-old outfielder and bump him up to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the start of 2023.

Freitas was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Dodgers on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Freitas slashed .239/.310/.345 last season with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate before being released in early July. He's made the most of his spring training opportunities, posting a .967 OPS in 18 plate appearances, but he's not much more than an organizational depth piece behind major-leaguers Will Smith and Austin Barnes.

The Dodgers reassigned Mazeika to minor-league camp Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Mazeika slashed .253/.356/.352 in Triple-A last season, but has struggled heavily against major-league pitching since debuting with the Mets in 2021. He will most likely return to Triple-A to begin 2023, but he is a long-shot to be called up with Will Smith and Austin Barnes already on the big-league roster.

The Dodgers optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, sFabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez spent a brief period of time in the majors with Arizona last season, but spent most of the year in Triple-A with a .241/.349/.324 slash line across 298 plate appearances. Hernandez has had a very strong spring, going 8-for-30 at the plate with two RBI and three stolen bases, but will need to show more in Triple-A before he can contribute for the big-league club.