MLB Player News

Tomlinson started at third base Sunday and collected two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base in a win over the White Sox.

Tomlinson has been seeing starts at second base, shortstop and third base this spring in order to get ready to be the primary backup at all three of those positions. He won't have mixed league value as an infield backup, but his speed makes him an intriguing option should any of the starters go down to injury.

The Phillies optioned Sweeney to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Sweeney had a shot to make the club given his ability to play both the infield and outfield, but his .558 spring OPS prevented him from making the cut. He should garner consideration for a promotion at some point this season, however.

Hernandez (oblique) is expected to play in Monday's spring training game, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez had been dealing with some pain in his side, but was recently cleared for full-go workouts. With the status of infielders Corey Seager (knee) and Howie Kendrick (calf) uncertain for Opening Day, Hernandez appears poised to see a short-term boost in playing time over the season's opening weeks.

Espinosa made two spectacular plays at shortstop Saturday, turning a groundball deep in the hole into a Jeter-esque jump-throw to retire Tommy Pham in the second inning and then knocking down a Ruben Tejada line drive up the middle and recovering in time to gun him down at first in the fourth inning.

Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate, hitting just .111 (3-for-27) on the spring, but his defensive chops will ensure that he gets the nod at shortstop for the Nationals on Opening Day. His hold on the job may not last long, however, especially if Trea Turner gets off to a hot start at Triple-A Syracuse.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Hernandez is dealing with pain in his side but will return to action soon, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Hernandez was struck by a pitch in last Sunday's Cactus League game and is apparently still battling some residual soreness. The utility man currently shapes up as the top starting option at shortstop if Corey Seager (knee) isn't ready to play by Opening Day, so the Dodgers will continue to exercise caution by holding Hernandez out a few more days.

Solarte feels he'll be able to improve at the plate and in the field this season being able to concentrate on just one position, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "... the in-depth learning of the intricacies of the position have been difficult for a guy who's been all over the place (on the field). Now, he's locked in," manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Solarte is hitting .261 (12-for-46) with just one double and two walks this spring, but is set as San Diego's starting third baseman.

Ablies was assigned to minor league camp on Friday, the Journal-Constitution reports.

As expected, Albies will open the year at either High-A Carolina or Double-A Mississippi, but it likely won't be too long before the promising young prospect makes his major league debut. Albies and No. 1 pick Dansby Swanson could be manning the Braves' middle infield as soon as 2017.

Beckham compiled two hits, including a walk, run, and RBI apiece in Wednesday's 8-8 stalemate against St. Louis.

Last season with the White Sox, Beckham compiled a .209 average in 100 games. Underwhelming seasons like last year have become the norm for Beckham as he's now seen batting averages of .234 or lower in four of his seven MLB seasons. The 29-year-old is probably behind Adonis Garcia in the competition for the starting job at third base, but there is time left, and a short-end platoon role at second base behind Jace Peterson is likely a worst-case scenario.

Espinosa went 0-for-3 Tuesday against the Astros, and is now 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, the Washington Post reports.

Neither he nor the Nationals seem concerned, and Trea Turner isn't putting a whole lot of pressure on Espinosa with a .190 (4-for-21) start of his own. Still, if Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate over the next couple of weeks, the team may have to look at other options for their Opening Day shortstop.

Herrera was sent to minor league camp Tuesday, ESPN New York reports.

Herrera is currently in Panama for a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament, but he should be back within the next few days. He's always been a long shot to make the major league roster, and he'll likely spend most of his season with Triple-A Las Vegas.