MLB Player News

Short will begin the season on the Mets' 26-man roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old infielder has a strong spring at the plate, batting .308 (12-for-39) with a homer, three steals and more walks (seven) than strikeouts (six). Short offers defensive versatility to the Mets' bench, seeing action in more than 30 games at second base, third base and shortstop for the Tigers in 2023, but his most significant role to begin the current campaign is likely to come at the hot corner as a platoon partner for Brett Baty. Short's career .575 OPS over 450 plate appearances in the majors doesn't suggest he'll have much fantasy value, but he has flashed some modest power and speed in the minors.

Garcia committed his fourth error of the spring Sunday, and he could lose his starting job at second base and potentially even his roster spot to Trey Lipscomb, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Garcia hasn't had an impressive spring at the plate, batting .245 (12-for-49) with a 2:7 BB:K, but his defensive issues are the bigger issue as the Nationals finalize their Opening Day roster. Lipscomb's made a strong push for a spot, flashing a strong glove at multiple infield positions while batting a blistering .400 (20-for-50) with a 5:7 BB:K, but the organization wants him to play every day. If the Nats decide Lipscomb is ready, Garcia seems to be the most vulnerable starter on the infield, and he's out of minor-league options. The team could also elect to return Rule 5 pick Nasim Nunez to the Marlins to create a spot on the 26-man roster for Lipscomb, but Garcia doesn't have the defensive versatility to be a useful bench piece. Even if the 23-year-old keeps his starting job at the keystone to begin the season, Garcia figures to be on a very short leash.

Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Saturday's spring game against the Rockies.

Espinal made his first appearance since Cincinnati acquired him from Toronto last Wednesday. The infielder provides insurance in an infield that will be missing two projected starters at second and third base when the regular season begins.

Marte went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Marte is closing out the best spring of his career in terms of OPS (1.131). He's hit safely in 15 of 16 games, going 20-for-47 (.426) with eight extra-base hits, six RBI and 10 runs scored. The switch-hitting Marte is set to open the season as Arizona's primary second baseman and bat in the upper third of the order, likely leading off against lefties and batting second against righties.

The Brewers reassigned Arroyo to minor-league camp Friday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Arroyo was in the mix for playing time in the infield as a non-roster invitee, but he went just 4-for-22 with an 8:1 K:BB over 23 plate appearances this spring. He will give the Brewers veteran infield depth at Triple-A Nashville, assuming he doesn't opt out.

India started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Thursday's spring game against Seattle.

India was back at second base but has been deployed at several positions during Cactus League action. The plan to convert him to a utility player is still active, but a shoulder injury suffered by Matt McLain could change India's role. McLain, who was set to be the primary second baseman this season, is getting a second opinion and possibly facing surgery. Should that happen, India could become the Reds' everyday second baseman, the same role he filled in 2023.

Gonzales was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Gonzales entered camp with a chance to claim the starting job at second base, though he always appeared to be on the outside looking in. Positively, he struck out only 16.7 percent of the time across 36 plate appearances in Grapefruit League action. Gonzales should make his way back to Pittsburgh at some point in 2024, but for now, Liover Peguero and Jared Triolo are the top candidates to get plate appearances at the keystone.

Bae (hip) will begin a running progression next week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae has been doing all other baseball activities, but the running progression will be key as he comes back from a left hip flexor injury. A stint on the injured list would appear assured for the 24-year-old, with a clearer timetable available once he ramps up his running.

The Rockies reassigned Montes to minor-league camp Thursday.

Montes lost his spot on Colorado's 40-man roster toward the end of last season and was looking to re-earn a place on the team during spring training. However, he will come up short after going 7-for-26 with four RBI in the Cactus League. Montes will presumably begin the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he slashed .317/.400/.550 in 2023.

The Cubs reassigned Bote to minor-league camp Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Bote slugged five home runs during Cactus League play, but he came into camp with little chance at a roster spot. The 30-year-old spent all of the 2023 season at Triple-A Iowa and will head back there to start 2024. Bote is in the final season of a five-year, $15 million extension he signed with the Cubs in April 2019, but he hasn't seen any big-league action since 2022 after being moved off the 40-man roster.