MLB Player News

Andrus made his Cactus League debut Tuesday, going 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts in a game against the Royals.

Andrus was the last of the Rangers' regulars to appear in a spring game. He's coming off a pair of mediocre seasons, and the 31-year-old shortstop needs to change the narrative in 2020. There isn't an in-house candidate ready to step in to replace Andrus, but the Rangers have noted his drop in production.

Lowe (personal) is in the lineup for Tuesday's spring game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe was excused Monday to tend to his spring training home with a brush fire in the area, but that will be the extent of his absence. He will man second base and hit cleanup in Tuesday's batting order.

Andrus has been taking extra work in live batting practice sessions and the indoor cages, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Andrus has not yet played a spring game, but there is no injury involved. "I'll play," Andrus said. "Not now but I will get the at-bats that I need to get ready. I'm working hard in the cage on some things I want to do offensively. As soon as I get that done I will play." Texas' starting shortstop was put on notice during the offseason by general manager Jon Daniels after a down season in 2019.

Altuve batted second and went 1-for-2, was hit by a pitch, and knocked in a run during Monday's spring game against the Tigers.

Altuve took a pitch off the foot in the fifth inning and was replaced by a pinch runner, but there was no indication that the HBP did any damage. The entire starting infield made its debut Monday with Altuve hitting ahead of third baseman Alex Bregman, shortstop Carlos Correa and first baseman Yuli Gurriel in the order. The 29-year-old is still one of the best at his position and established a new career high with 31 home runs in 2019. That added power is helpful, but fantasy owners would like to see the old Altuve that stole bases at a healthy clip. He swiped just six bags (11 attempts), his first single-digit season in the category since 2011.

Marte went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 7-3 spring win over Oakland.

Marte wasted little time, jumping on a mistake from Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt during his first spring at-bat. Marte, who had a breakout campaign in 2019, started at second base in Arizona's first Cactus League game. That's likely the position he'll occupy most frequently in 2020 after the Diamondbacks acquired Starling Marte to man center field. Ketel Marte led the Diamondbacks in 2019 with 96 starts in center.

Lux has not yet cemented a role as the Dodgers' primary second baseman, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Although Lux remains the favorite to handle starting duties at the keystone, manager Dave Roberts "stopped short" of handing the role to the 22-year-old at this point in spring training. Los Angeles has a number of alternate options at the position -- including veterans Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez -- should Lux falter.

Arraez started at second base and batted leadoff in his first appearance of spring training in Saturday's win over Pittsburgh, going 1-for-3. He is a candidate to lead off this season, manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

It's not clear if the Twins will move Max Kepler out of the leadoff spot after he had a breakout season in the role last year, but Arraez's skillset in making contact and getting on base, along with Kepler's power perhaps being utilized later in the order, could make sense. It's possible the Twins may mix and match their leadoff hitters as well. Either way, Arraez is set to start at second base with the departure of Jonathan Schoop via free agency.

Arroyo (elbow) is in the Indians' lineup for Sunday's spring opener against the Royals.

Arroyo had been sidelined since last June with an elbow injury, but he'll be ready to return to action for the first game of spring training. The 24-year-old was traded to Cleveland in July and could compete for a major-league depth role to begin the season.

Rodgers (shoulder) could play in the field before the end of spring training, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Rodgers underwent right labrum surgery in July and was expected to see some at-bats as a designated hitter this spring, but manager Bud Black said Saturday that his recovery is going faster than expected, and he could be ready to play in the field prior to the end of spring training. Rodgers' recovery will still likely extend into the regular season, but Saturday's update is encouraging for his eventual return.

Urias (wrist) was cleared to resume some baseball activity Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Urias underwent surgery on his left wrist in late January that carries an eight-week recovery timeline, but he was able to begin some activity Saturday. It's still unclear whether the 22-year-old will be able to open the season on the active roster, but Saturday's update could be a step in the right direction.