MLB Player News

Arraez could share the leadoff role against right-handed pitchers with Max Kepler this season, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. Arraez hit leadoff Sunday and went 2-for-3 with a walk and double. He's hitting .300 (9-for-30) this spring.

Arraez will move to a utility role this season with the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons to play shortstop and moving Jorge Polanco to second base. However, he's expected to get near everyday duty as starters are rested regularly. The Twins may not have a set lineup as manager Rocco Baldelli likes to play matchups each game, but it sounds like Arraez will be in the leadoff mix.

Castro could find himself left off the Opening Day roster, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The strong play of Rule 5 draft pick Akil Baddoo is a bad development for Castro. The Tigers have to keep Baddoo on the roster or give him back to the division-rival Twins, so he will likely be a fifth outfielder who makes the team. Detroit also has Niko Goodrum in a utility role, and Renato Nunez, Nomar Mazara and Grayson Greiner all figure to earn bench spots as well. That likely leaves Castro as the odd man out, at least to begin the season. The 27-year-old had a strong .347/.407/.429 slash line in 22 games last year, so he's capable of producing if he's able to get some time in the majors at some point in 2021.

Biggio has gone 6-for-25 (.240) through 12 Grapefruit League games with two doubles, a triple, a home run, three stolen bases in three attempts and a 6:4 BB:K.

The 25-year-old has been displaying the patience, extra-base power and intelligence on the basepaths that have made him such a sought-after commodity at the draft table. Biggio has played a full season's worth of games (159) in the majors over the last years, posting a .240/.368/.430 slash line with 24 homers, 76 RBI, 88 runs and 20 steals, and his production could take another step forward in 2021.

Polanco (thigh) will start at second base and bat cleanup in Sunday's spring game against the Orioles.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined the past few days by left adductor tightness, but he'll return to Grapefruit League action Sunday. Barring a setback, Polanco shouldn't have any issues being available for Opening Day.

Altuve batted leadoff and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's spring game against St. Louis.

Altuve batted atop the order for the fifth consecutive game, suggesting that manager Dusty Baker is settling on him as the team's leadoff hitter. Baker would like to have stability at that spot and has tried out Myles Straw and Carlos Correa in addition to Altuve, who has the most MLB experience batting leadoff of the three.

Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Estrada was competing for a depth role on the major-league roster this spring but will begin the regular season in the minors. He went 3-for-18 with one RBI and three strikeouts over 10 spring games this year.

Torres is slashing .320/.370/.600 with two homers, three RBI and a stolen base in 10 Grapefruit League games.

Torres had a down season in 2020, batting just .243 with three homers in 160 plate appearances after smashing 38 long balls in 2019. The 24-year-old will get a chance to bounce back as New York's everyday shortstop this season, and he could be a value pick in fantasy drafts if he's able to return near his numbers from two seasons ago.

Polanco hit and took grounders Friday in his first action since suffering a left adductor injury Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The adductor is a muscle by the groin/thigh area. It's a good sign that Polanco is already taking part in baseball activities and the Twins have said the injury isn't severe. Still, his status for Opening Day should be monitored over the next week. Luis Arraez would likely take over everyday duty at second base if Polanco is sidelined.

Lopez (undisclosed) is starting at second base and batting ninth in Friday's spring game against the Angels, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old was removed from Wednesday's lineup for an unspecified reason, but he's back in the starting nine Friday. Lopez is expected to open the season starting at the keystone for the Royals.

Rengifo and Franklin Barreto are competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster in a utility role, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Both players are enjoying a productive spring, with Rengifo posting a .350/.462/.550 slash line, seven RBI and a pair of steals. Meanwhile, Barreto has slashed .368/.429/.684 while collecting four extra-base hits and one stolen base. Barreto may have the leg up because he is out of minor-league options, though Rengifo has demonstrated the ability to play all over the field.