MLB Player News

Keaschall went 1-for-2 in Minnesota's spring training opener Saturday. He appeared as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at DH as he isn't able to play in the field due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last August.

Keaschall has been taking grounders at second base but not throwing once he gets the ball. He could be cleared to begin throwing by the middle of March, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Keaschall almost surely isn't going to make the Opening Day roster, but he should debut during the 2025 season after slashing .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.

Campbell started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Friday's spring game against Northeastern University.

Campbell was one of several prospects and minors leaguers dotting Boston's lineup in the team's traditional spring kickoff against the Huskies. He's competing for a starting job at second base, but the Alex Bregman acquisition could influence the decision regarding the starter at the keystone. If Bregman plays third base, then Campbell has a real shot; if Rafael Devers stays at third base, then Bregman is expected to start at second base. That latter scenario means Campbell would likely open the season at Triple-A Worcester.

India is starting in left field and batting leadoff Friday versus the Rangers in the Royals' Cactus League opener.

It was known that India would be getting reps in the outfield during camp, but it's interesting that his first start this spring is in left field. India has never played anywhere other than second base at the major-league level, and the keystone could still be his primary position this season. However, India getting starts in left field opens up second base for Michael Massey, who will start at that position Friday.

Dubon is an option to start at second base if Jose Altuve plays in left field, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros have been coy about their plans for Altuve, though Rome notes that he has only observed Altuve in the outfield early in spring training. Given that, current signs point to him getting at least some time in left field during the regular season, with the goal of Yordan Alvarez being the full-time designated hitter. In turn, playing time will open at second base, with Dubon and Brendan Rodgers seemingly the top candidates to fill the spot. Dubon has served as a utility player for Houston across the last two seasons and would be a candidate to post double-digit homers and steals with more regular at-bats.

Polanco (knee) was spotted taking swings off a pitching machine during Wednesday's full-squad workout, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Polanco is heading into his second season in Seattle after he re-signed with the Mariners in late January on a one-year, $7.75 million deal that includes a $6 million mutual option for 2026. The 31-year-old endured a rough debut season in Seattle, slashing .213/.296/.355 while striking out in a career-worst 29.2 percent of his 469 plate appearances. He was limited to 118 games due to hamstring and knee injuries and needed surgery in October to repair damage to the patellar tendon of his left knee, but reports earlier in the offseason suggested that he would be fully cleared for baseball activities by January. Polanco seems to have recovered as anticipated and isn't operating with any reported restrictions in the first week of camp, but like many veteran players, he may not be immediately rushed into game action when the Mariners open their Cactus League schedule Friday. In addition to easing himself back from the injury, Polanco will also be adjusting to a position change this spring. In an effort to keep him healthier this season, the Mariners will move Polanco to third base after he played exclusively in the field at second base in 2024.

Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Altuve will play left field in first Grapefruit League game this spring, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve has seen significant reps in the outfield in the early days of camp and will work with the outfielders exclusively over the next 4-to-5 days. It's becoming clear at this point that the Astros are serious about potentially moving Altuve to left field, although the 34-year-old will have to show he's comfortable out there before the team commits to it. If Altuve does shift to the outfield, Mauricio Dubon looks to be the current favorite to start at second base. Houston also just agreed to a minor-league deal with Brendan Rodgers, who will be a threat to win the second base job.

Rodgers signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Rodgers slashed .267/.314/.407 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI over 539 plate appearances with the Rockies last season. However, his OPS dropped to .571 when he wasn't hitting at Coors Field, which likely factored into Colorado's decision to non-tender him in November. Now in Houston, he figures to have a better chance of making the Opening Day roster with Jose Altuve moving to left field, though Rodgers will still have plenty of competition for the second-base job during spring training from Mauricio Dubon and Shay Whitcomb, among others.

Torres is expected to play nearly every day at second base and bat in the top half of Detroit's lineup, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Torres seemed set for a key role when he agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal back in December, and early reports out of camp support this notion. He was the only player taking reps at second base Monday and the team expects him to hit high in the order. Torres served as the Yankees' leadoff man for 56 games during the 2024 regular season, though he also regularly batted fifth or lower in New York's stacked lineup. The Tigers may install Torres as their leadoff hitter, but even if he's not hitting first, the 28-year-old appears primed to fill a key run-producing spot most days. He could be poised for a big season with his new club.

Rengifo (wrist) said Tuesday that he began his normal offseason training in late December and is entering spring training without limitations, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Rengifo underwent right wrist surgery last August but appears to be 100 percent recovered at the beginning of camp. The switch hitter should be an everyday player for the Angels in 2025, although it might not necessarily be at one position. Rengifo saw most of his action in 2024 at second and third base, but he's also expected to get a look in the outfield this spring. Manager Ron Washington said he prefers Rengifo at third base over second base, but that he will see time again at both spots.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that Westburg will get some reps at second base but will focus mostly on third base during spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg would seem to be the most likely candidate to handle second base if Jackson Holliday flops, but the Orioles are giving Holliday plenty of runway to capture the starting job at the keystone. The 26-year-old Westburg collected a .792 OPS with 18 home runs over 107 regular-season games in 2024 and could take another step forward in 2025.