MLB Player News

Andrus went 3-for-3 with three RBI in Thursday's spring game against Kansas City.

Andrus plated a pair of runs in the third inning on a single to right field, and he drove in another during the fifth on another single to right. The 30-year-old shortstop is looking good at the plate thus far and is now 10-for-17 with a home run, eight RBI and two runs scored in spring games.

Lopez has gone 11-for-35 (.314 average) at the plate with three stolen bases in Cactus League play entering Thursday's game against the Rangers.

The excellent bat-to-ball skills Lopez has demonstrated throughout his career have again surfaced during spring training, as the 23-year-old has struck out in just five of his plate appearances. All but one of Lopez's 11 hits have gone for extra bases, however, and his lack of power will likely put a cap on his fantasy ceiling once he reaches the big leagues. Lopez has made a compelling case for the Opening Day roster, but it's most likely the Royals will send him back to Triple-A Omaha to play on an everyday basis with Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi already entrenched as the big club's starting middle-infield tandem.

Altuve (side) completed running drills Tuesday and could appear in a game this weekend, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

Manager AJ Hinch said Altuve, who has not appeared in a Grapefruit League game since March 6, will likely begin baseball activities Wednesday.

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

Estrada played in 11 games with the Yankees this spring and went 5-for-18 (.278) with five strikeouts. The 23-year-old missed the bulk of the 2018 season due to a back injury, making only eight appearances with the RailRiders.

The Red Sox optioned Chavis to Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

With four home runs during Grapefruit League action, Chavis bolstered his claim for being the top prospect in the organization, albeit in a Red Sox system that ranks as one of baseball's weakest. According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, Chavis' main focus at this point is improving his defense while showcasing more of an ability to play multiple positions. Chavis will see most of his action at first and third base in Pawtucket but will also get some exposure to the keystone as he looks to improve his chances of earning a callup at some point in 2019.

Mendick (wrist) entered Sunday's spring game against Oakland and went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored.

Mendick was drilled by a pitch in the wrist during Friday's contest, but he avoided major injury and managed to return to action Sunday.

Semien went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a triple Monday against the Rockies.

Semien singled in the second and fourth innings and finished off his day with a triple to left field in the sixth. He's been impressive thus far in spring training, going 11-for-32 with a home run, three RBI, two stolen bases and six runs scored.

Altuve (side) remains out of the lineup Monday against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This issue of side soreness will keep Altuve sidelined for a fifth straight day. He was examined by the team physician Sunday and the team continues to label Altuve's injury as a minor concern. Altuve is still expected to be withheld from baseball activities until the weekend as the Astros attempt to aid his recovery.

Jones was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Jones was invited to major-league camp and got some valuable experience, but he'll head to minor-league spring training following this latest update. He reached Double-A Mobile last year and slashed .245/.335/.375 with two homers and 20 RBI over 48 contests.

Barreto will travel with the Athletics for the season-opening series against the Mariners in Japan, Martin Gallegos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Barreto is starting at second base in Sunday's split-squad game against the White Sox, but his transition to the outfield this spring is what's drawn heavy praise from manager Bob Melvin. The 23-year-old has been impressive at the plate as well as he is 11-for-29 (.379) with four doubles and a home run through 12 games. Barreto was a likely candidate to begin the season at Triple-A Las Vegas, but his performance this spring and increased versatility appear to have him on track to crack the Opening Day roster.