MLB Player News

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.

Haggerty (forearm) went 0-for-2 while serving as a backup second baseman Sunday in the Mariners' 5-4 win over the Padres in Cactus League play.

Haggerty wasn't able to finish the 2020 season on the field after being placed on the injured list Sept. 7 with a left forearm strain, but he looks to have made it back to 100 percent health for the start of spring training. The 26-year-old switch-hitter will be vying for a utility role on the Mariners' Opening Day roster.

Rojas (back) will start at shortstop and bat sixth Monday in the Diamondbacks' Cactus League game against the Brewers, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Rojas ended the 2020 season on the injured list due to a bout of lower-back inflammation, but he appears to be back to full strength for spring training. He was used as a reserve in Sunday's Cactus League opener, going hitless across two at-bats in the Diamondbacks' 5-2 loss to the Rockies. Rojas will be one of several players competing this spring for a utility role on Arizona's Opening Day roster.

Hernandez started at shortstop, batted leadoff and went 1-for-2 in Sunday's spring game against the Twins.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has not yet named a leadoff hitter, but he intends to give Hernandez a chance. "I'm going to challenge him," the manager told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "This is a guy, he can impact the baseball. He can hit extra-base hits. I do believe that there's more there." Hernandez is expected to be Boston's primary second baseman in 2021 but has position versatility to be utilized by Cora.

Chavis started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's spring game against the Twins.

Chavis also played third base during the game, showing off the versatility that could be of value to fantasy teams, but he does not have a roster spot locked up entering spring training. He's never adjusted to a league that caught up to him during the summer of 2019. Contact remains the primary issue and pitchers discovered he's tempted by high heat.

Marte started at second base, batted leadoff and went 1-for-2 with a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Rockies.

Marte's position has been the subject of much discussion thus far in camp, and he's expected to see time at both second base and center field. It's unclear if he'll bat leadoff this season, but he will occupy a spot near the top of the order. Last season, he led off 16 games and batted second 29 times.

India made a lot of progress at the Reds' alternate training site last summer, but he didn't get the call to the majors due to an injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I was ready last year but I got hurt," India said. "It's really not my decision. I just have to play to the best of my ability and what I know I can do. I believe that I am a big leaguer."

India's big problem, even if he tears it up at Triple-A, is that he doesn't have an obvious place to play. He worked at both third and second base last summer, but those spots are blocked by Eugenio Suarez and Mike Moustakas, respectively.