MLB Player News

Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella is hoping to make a better impression with his new club than he did with the Royals, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Giavotella, who was acquired by the Angels from the Royals in exchange for right-hander Brian Broderick this offseason, beat out Grant Green and Josh Rutledge for the second base job. He is hitting .444/.500/.444 through three games. He entered 2015 with a .238 average in 125 big-league games.

"Any time you're called up to the big leagues, it's an opportunity to show them what you can do at this level," Giavotella said. "If it's 10 at-bats or 100 at-bats, you have to utilize that to your advantage.

"Unfortunately, in Kansas City, I don't think I made a big enough impression for them to feel confident enough to put me in the lineup every day at second base, so they chose to go with other guys."

Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien had an RBI in three of the four games against the Rangers, including an RBI double during Thursday's 10-1 loss. It was his first extra-base hit of the season.

Semien is batting .308 (4 for 13) with one run, one walk, three RBI and four strikeouts in four games, after batting .288 (19 for 66) with three home runs, five doubles, 11 RBI and 14 runs in 24 games during spring training.

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius is expected to take a scheduled day of rest Friday against the Red Sox, manager Joe Girardi said, per MLB.com. The Yankees will face a left-handed starter for the second straight night, in Boston's Wade Miley, and it may open the door for Gregorio Petit to start. 

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday's batting order against the Orioles will be the standard lineup for when a left-handed starter is on the mound, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Orioles are starting Wei-Yin Chen on Tuesday.

The Rays lineup Tuesday was Brandon Guyer (LF), Steven Souza (RF), Asdrubal Cabrera (SS), Evan Longoria (3B), Desmond Jennings (CF), Logan Forsythe (DH), James Loney (1B), Rene Rivera (C) and Tim Beckham (2B).

Rays second baseman Nick Franklin took part in batting practice Tuesday, taking swings from the left side without any issue, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Franklin, who is dealing with an oblique injury, said it went well and had no issues. Franklin is on the 15-day DL and is eligible to return to the lineup Saturday.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve singled once in four at-bats during the team's 2-0 victory over the Indians on Opening day.

"I wanted to put the ball in play," Altuve said. "As soon as I got on first base, I knew Springer was hitting behind me, and if I got to second base, he can drive me in. That's what happened, and we took the lead, and that's pretty important in the inning."

Altuve was last year's batting champion finishing with a league-high batting average of .341, adding seven home runs and 59 RBI on 225 hits.

The Rays placed five players on the disabled list to set their Opening Day roster. 

Among the moves the team made on Sunday were: 

Placed P Alex Cobb (forearm), infielder Nick Franklin (oblique) and P Drew Smyly (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27. They are eligible to return on April 11, although none are expected to be ready by then.

Placed P Jake McGee (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list as of April 5.

Placed pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list as of April 5.

Added catcher Bobby Wilson to the roster. 

The Yankees have purchased the contract of infielder Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees acquired Petit from the Astros during the last week of camp. He hit .310/.375/.414 in 29 at-bats with the Astros this spring. Petit is expected to fill the utility-infielder role whil Brendan Ryan is sidelined.

Johnny Giavotella was awarded the starting second base job after the Angels optioned infielders Grant Green and Josh Rutledge down to Triple-A Salt Lake following Friday's exhibition game against the Dodgers, according to the Orange County Register.

Giavotella hit .315 (17 for 54) with one home run and seven RBI in 25 spring training games. He has slashed .238/.277/.334 over 437 big-league at-bats.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that his lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, will be the same he uses on Opening Day, and against right-handed pitchers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The club will roll with John Jaso, Steven Souza, Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria, James Loney, Desmond Jennings, Logan Forsythe, Rene Rivera and Kevin Kiermaier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Cash told reporters he will use Brandon Guyer at the leadoff spot, Jennings and Loney will flip spots in the order, Forsythe will serve as a designated hitter and Tim Beckham will be at second base, per the Tampa Tribune.