MLB Player News

The Rays optioned Brujan to Triple-A Durham on Monday.

Brujan was the most prominent of the seven prospects the Rays sent back to their minor-league camp Monday. The switch-hitting 22-year-old will head to the International League for the first time after posting a .735 OPS and stealing 48 bases between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery in 2019.

Haggerty is dealing with elbow soreness and is currently sitting out of game action as he awaits a second opinion, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Mariners back in January and is competing for a bench role this spring. Haggerty hasn't seen game action since Thursday, but he's made a strong impression thus far -- the infielder is hitting .357 (5-for-14) with three doubles, two RBI and one run across eight Cactus League contests. Haggerty has just four plate appearances worth of major-league regular-season experience, which came across 11 games with the Mets last season.

Barreto went 3-for-5 with three doubles, two runs and an RBI in Sunday's 11-3 win over the Brewers in Cactus League play.

Barreto's odds of making the Athletics' Opening Day roster already improved after Sheldon Neuse was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas earlier in the day, and the 23-year-old only bolstered his outlook by banging out three extra-base hits in the win. He'll continue to compete with Jorge Mateo, Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder for the top job at second base throughout the spring, though manager Bob Melvin may ultimately opt for a platoon or timeshare at the position.

Altuve (illness) is back in the lineup as expected Friday against the Mets, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve had been out of action since Tuesday, though his illness evidently wasn't too serious. He'll have plenty of chances to make up for lost time with Opening Day still nearly three weeks away.

Altuve (illness) returned to camp and is expected to play Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve, who was scratched and sent home Tuesday due to illness, worked out with teammates Wednesday. He's appeared in four spring games thus far, going 2-for-9 with a double and an RBI.

Altuve is away from the team Tuesday due to illness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve's bug is reportedly the same one that kept teammate Alex Bregman out of action for a few days. Assuming a similar timeline for Altuve's recovery, his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted.

Polanco (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat second Tuesday in the Twins' Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The Twins have brought Polanco along slowly this spring after he required surgery on his right ankle in the offseason. After Polanco made his Grapefruit League debut as a designated hitter Sunday, he'll now draw back into his normal position on the diamond, signaling that the Twins are comfortable with where he stands on the health front. Polanco is once again expected to occupy a prominent spot in one of the majors' more potent lineups in 2020.

Kemp, who went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs in a Cactus League win over the Indians on Sunday, is now hitting .444 across 21 spring plate appearances.

Kemp has been swinging a red-hot bat since the exhibition slate began, complementing his ability to fill in all over the outfield and at second base with impressive offensive contributions. The 28-year-old has toiled for the Astros and Cubs over his four major-league seasons, and he could certainly carve out an Opening Day spot if he demonstrates he can keep up his strong work at the plate during the balance of the spring.

Semien is hitting .400 with a double, four RBI, four walks and four runs across six spring games.

The shortstop will play his final year under team control on a $13 million contract, making his salary second only to Khris Davis on the Athletics. Semien could well be elsewhere in 2021, but after compiling a career-best .285/.369/.522 line last season that included new high-water marks in doubles (43), triples (seven), home runs (33) and RBI (92), he's expected to be a major contributor again this coming season.

Biggio got the start in center field during Saturday's Grapefruit League game, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

While the 24-year-old is still locked in as the Jays' starting second baseman, Biggio could find himself seeing occasional action in center or at first base depending on who else is resting or slotted in at DH during any particular game. While this might eventually result in extra position eligibility down the road in fantasy leagues with lower qualification thresholds, the most important takeaway is that manager Charlie Montoya sees Biggio as a player he needs to keep in the lineup as much as possible.