MLB Player News

Rodgers went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI against the Mariners on Thursday.

Rodgers entered the game hitless in four exhibition at-bats. However, he ended any concerns about a slow start by singling in a run in the fourth inning, then blasting a solo homer in the sixth. The 24-year-old was caught stealing in the fourth inning and said after the game that he wants to be a part of the team's emphasis on utilizing more speed this year, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports. "I want 20 (stolen bases) this year," Rodgers said. "You heard it here first." Whether he's able to do so remains to be seen, as he converted on just 24 of his 36 stolen-base attempts across five seasons in the minors, but it appears as though he'll be given opportunities to showcase his speed if he gets enough playing time in 2021. Most importantly, Rodgers has been cleared medically after battling a shoulder injury during the 2020 season, and he'll look to secure regular playing time at second base this spring.

Manager A.J. Hinch said that Short (head) checked out fine after leaving Thursday's spring game against Toronto early due to injury, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Short was evaluated for concussion symptoms after being hit in the head by a pitch Thursday, but Hinch didn't express any concerns regarding his status. It's not yet clear when the 25-year-old will return, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury.

Short left Thursday's game against Toronto after getting hit in the head by a pitch, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Short remained down on one knee briefly before walking off with team trainers. The severity of the injury is not yet clear.

The Red Sox scratched Chavis from their lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to back tightness, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The injury is likely only a minor concern for Chavis, but he'll still need to move past the back issue quickly if he hopes to build his case for playing time early on during the campaign. With Boston adding Enrique Hernandez, Marwin Gonzalez, Hunter Renfroe and Franchy Cordero during the offseason, Chavis could have to settle for a bench role to begin 2021 following a disappointing 2020 campaign in which he posted a .636 OPS while striking out in 31.6 percent of his 158 plate appearances.

Manager Dave Roberts said Lux will play regularly this season, and the team isn't "too concerned" with him facing left-handed pitching, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 23-year-old appeared to be in line for the starting spot at the keystone in 2020, but he didn't make the Opening Day roster and ended up with a .595 OPS in only 69 plate appearances. The offseason departures of Enrique Hernandez and Joc Pederson opened up significant playing time in Los Angeles, and if Roberts' comments are any indication, Lux will have the chance to earn the starting job at second base to open 2021. Early success against left-handers could keep him in an everyday role rather than being limited to the strong side of a platoon.

Brujan is starting in center field and batting ninth Wednesday against the Pirates, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

This is further proof that Brujan can play anywhere up the middle for the Rays -- something that could prove critical if he is to break through with the big-league club this year. Fellow prospects Wander Franco and Josh Lowe are starting at shortstop and in right field, respectively.

Hernandez went 1-for-1 with two walks and a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against Tampa Bay.

Hernandez served as the leadoff hitter for the second time this spring. Red Sox manager Alex Cora believes Hernandez can be a more authoritative hitter, per Ian Browne of MLB.com, and the manager is giving him a good look atop the order early in camp. "I'm going to keep pushing him, challenging him to be better. And if he's up to the challenge and he does his thing, I think he can help us [with] mixing up things and helping me build kind of like the 'perfect lineup','" said Cora. Hernandez can play multiple positions but could serve as the primary starter at second base.

Peguero who remains in the Dominican Republic with visa issues, is hopeful to be in camp by the weekend, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Acquired from Arizona as part of the Starling Marte trade return, Peguero spent 2020 in Altoona at the Pirates' alternative training site. He hit five homers and compiled an .866 OPS in 227 at-bats split between the Pioneer League and Low-A ball in 2019. The 20-year-old is looking to improve upon his power numbers in 2021. "I honestly have a little more power with my hands a little bit higher," Peguero said. "I've been trying to control that, getting the bat 100 percent into it." As a quick riser within the system, he could reach the majors as soon as 2022.

Hoerner made his Cactus League debut Tuesday and went 2-for-3 with a double in a 3-2 win over the Royals.

Hoerner is competing with David Bote and Ildemaro Vargas for playing time at second base, so it's important for him to get off to a good start. The 23-year-old probably has the most upside of the three players, but the Cubs may also elect to get him a little more seasoning at the Triple-A level to begin the campaign.

Diaz has been impressive defensively to begin spring training, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports. "He seems sure of himself," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after Monday's Grapefruit League game. "Just that confidence and feeling comfortable."

Diaz is battling Jazz Chisholm for the starting job at second base, with the loser expected to begin the season at Triple-A. While Chisholm is perceived to have the higher upside at the plate, the team also views him as its shortstop of the future. If Diaz can shine with his glove this spring while also proving he can make some contributions at the plate, it could be enough to win the job at the keystone.