MLB Player News

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo and general manager Mike Hazen have discussed lineup permutations depending on what position Marte plays, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks envision the flexibility Marte affords them, bouncing between center field and second base, but the decision-makers want to get the player's input first. "The luxury it affords us is that it allows us to be even more creative with how we feel we're putting the best eight hitters on the field on a given day," Hazen said. "The downside to that is what impact does that have on Ketel, because he's always the guy who has to make the adjustment." If outfielder Tim Locastro or catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho have good springs, Marte could play second base; if infielders competing for a spot -- Josh Rojas, Josh VanMeter, Asdrubal Cabrera, Wyatt Mathisen or Andy Young -- impress this spring, then Marte could make center field his primary spot. But it all starts with Marte buying into such an arrangement.

Arraez, who struggled with left knee tendinitis last season, says a weightlifting program has his knees feeling "way better than last year" at this point, Betsy Helfland of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Knee and ankle issues limited Arraez to 32 games last season, so improved health is a good sign as spring training begins. Arraez will move to a utility role this season with the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons to play shortstop and moving Jorge Polanco to second base. Arraez essentially takes over the utility role of Marwin Gonzalez, who left via free agency. Gonzalez played in 53 of 70 games last season and 114 of 162 in 2019, so Arraez could still get several starts a week as the Twins looked to give regulars an off day most days. Arraez will likely get most of his playing time at second base, left field and third base.

Vargas was invited to the Dodgers' major-league spring training Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Vargas looked good at the Low-A and High-A levels in 2019, hitting .308/.380/.440 while stealing 13 bases, but the canceled minor-league schedules last year prevented him from continuing up the ladder. He'll need to prove himself in the upper minors before pushing for a roster spot.

Stott will join the Phillies at spring training as part of the team's minor-league mini-camp.

Stott won't technically be part of big-league camp but will get to be around the major-league team for a few weeks. He's still a year or two away from joining the team on a permanent basis, however, as he's played just 48 professional games, none of which have come in full-season ball.

Marte could see most of his time in center field in 2021 after the Diamondbacks signed Asdrubal Cabrera, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks appear to view the switch-hitting Cabrera as a third baseman, who could force Eduardo Escobar to second base on days when he starts. The domino effect of that is Marte moving off second to center field, where he primarily played in 2019. Marte played 41 of 45 games in 2020 at second base.

Jackson earned an invitation to major-league spring training Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Jackson will get the chance to work out with the Angels' big-league coaching staff, but he's highly unlikely to be auditioning for a roster spot. He has the skills necessary to one day be a power-hitting infielder and could even stick at shortstop, but he's a very long way from making good on that potential, as he's yet to play above the rookie-ball level.

The Cardinals plan to have Gorman take reps in the outfield and at second base in addition to third base during spring training, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Gorman has played exclusively at third base through his first four professional seasons, but he won't have a clear path to that position at the big-league level following the Cardinals' recent acquisition of Nolan Arenado, who would remain under contract through 2027 if he elects not to exercise opt-out clauses following the 2021 or 2022 seasons. As a result, the Cardinals are eager to expose the top prospect to other positions in order to find more playing time for him when he eventually reaches the majors. If Gorman's initial returns at outfield or second base aren't encouraging, he would still have a future with the Cardinals as a designated hitter, given the likelihood that the next collective bargaining agreement will make room for another hitter in National League lineups.

Andrus was traded from the Rangers to the Athletics on Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. The Athletics also received catcher Aramis Garcia and cash considerations from the Rangers while Texas picked up Khris Davis, catcher Jonah Heim and minor league right-handed pitcher Dane Acker in the deal.

Andrus was rumored to be an option at third base for Texas in 2021, but he'll instead be dealt to Oakland. While he won't take over for Matt Chapman at the hot corner for the Athletics, he should return to his natural shortstop role during his first season with the team. The 32-year-old dealt with back issues during the abbreviated 2020 season and posted a career-worst .582 OPS with three home runs, seven RBI and three stolen bases over 32 games.

Texas general manager Chris Young told MLB Network Radio that he expects Andrus to potentially become the starter at third base, Kennedi Landry of the Rangers' official site reports.

The Rangers' infield will take on a new look in 2021. The keystone combination of Andrus and Rougned Odor are expected to start the season as utility infielders. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who won a Gold Glove at third base in 2020, is moving one spot left to start at shortstop, leaving a competition at the hot corner. Enter Andrus, Texas' starting shortstop for the last 12 seasons, who struggled with a lower-back strain in 2020, appearing in 29 games in the shortened season and hitting .194/.252/.330. Nick Solak could challenge Andrus at third base, but he could also be the replacement for Odor. Prospects Josh Jung and Sherten Apostel are also in the mix at third.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Wednesday that Barreto (shoulder) appears on track to be ready for the start of spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Los Angeles acquired Barreto in a trade with the Athletics on Aug. 28, but he ended up appearing in only six games for his new club before requiring season-ending left shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old has seemingly progressed well in his recovery this offseason, putting him in line to enter the spring with few restrictions, if any. Barreto will likely be competing in camp with a slew of players for a utility role on the Opening Day roster.