MLB Player News

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.

Garcia has not seen any work at third base this spring as the Nationals focus on developing him as their long-term second baseman, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Carter Kieboom's continued struggles at the plate have generated questions about the team's contingency plans at the hot corner, but at the moment Garcia isn't among them -- at least, not directly. The 20-year-old is expected to begin the season at Triple-A to get everyday reps at second base, but if at some point the Nats decide Kieboom is not the answer, shifting Starlin Castro to third base and promoting Garcia to take over at the keystone would be on the table.

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.

Marte (ankle) is starting in center field and batting leadoff in Friday's spring game against the Brewers.

The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's matchup with the A's due to soreness in his left ankle, but he's ready to retake the field Friday. Marte seems likely to open the season as the starter in center field but could also see time at the keystone.

Rodgers will be sidelined for at least one month with a right hamstring strain, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The injury was downplayed after the 24-year-old exited Saturday's spring game against the Mariners, but he'll now be unavailable for at least the next four weeks. Rodgers will be sidelined until at least mid-April for the Rockies. Ryan McMahon could see time at second base in his absence, which would open opportunities at third base for Josh Fuentes.

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.