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Yangervis Solarte 2B | SD
Rangers send out four players
The Texas Rangers further pared down their roster Saturday, moving pitchers Ben Rowen and Lisalverto Bonilla and outfielder Yangervis Solarte to their minor-league camp. Texas also released catcher Konrad Schmidt after he failed to land a backup position.
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Jose Altuve 2B | HOU
Astros tab Jose Altuve as leadoff hitter
Astros manager Bo Porter announced Wednesday that second baseman Jose Altuve will be the team's leadoff hitter. Porter said he chose Altuve as the every-day leadoff hitter after no one else took the "bull by the horns."
Porter added that Altuve is the only position player locked into a spot in the lineup. All other spots in the batting order will likely change.
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Elvis Andrus 2B | ARI
Jurickson Profar LF | ATL
Rangers could trade Elvis Andrus if multiyear deal not reached
CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports the Rangers will "make one more run" at signing shortstop Elvis Andrus to a multiyear deal, but if a deal can't be reached, the team will likely trade him in "10 to 12 months."
The Rangers rejected all trade offers for Andrus this offseason, but a deal would open up shortstop for elite prospect Jurickson Profar, who may begin this season in the minors due to the Rangers' lack of a regular starting role for him. It remains possible Profar could break camp with the team as a utility player.