MLB Player News

Rojas started at shortstop and went 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Friday's spring game against the Reds.

Rojas has muscled up with three home runs in the last two games. The utility infielder is 5-for-15 with three homers and six RBI over five games, while playing at second base and shortstop. He also has experience in the outfield and has been mentioned as a possible fill-in for injured right fielder Kole Calhoun (knee), but he's not yet played there this spring.

Peguero reported to Pirate City on Friday after missing the first week of spring training with visa issues, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The non-roster invitee has never played above Low-A ball, but Peguero has the potential to move quickly through the system. A .970 OPS in Pioneer League play in 2019 hints at the shortstop's ceiling.

Urias was removed from Friday's spring game against the Rockies as a precaution due to left hamstring discomfort.

The 23-year-old appeared to tweak his hamstring running out a groundout during the third inning, and the Brewers aren't taking any chances by leaving him in the game. Urias received the start at shortstop and went 0-for-2 while also committing a throwing error before exiting the contest. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Gimenez is 4-for-7 with one home run, one triple and three RBI through three games in spring training.

The 22-year-old was acquired from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade during January and is making a strong first impression with his new team. Gimenez is competing for the starting job at shortstop after making his big-league debut in 2020 and delivering a .731 OPS with three homers and eight stolen bases in 132 plate appearances. Amed Rosario, who came to Cleveland in the same trade, is the primary competition at shortstop after posting a career-worst .643 OPS last season. Gimenez's defensive skillset likely gives him a leg up for the starting role, so he should be able to secure the job if he continues to hit well in spring training.

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.