MLB Player News

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.

Chavis (oblique) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring opener, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Chavis ended last season battling an oblique injury and did not play winter ball as a result. However, he has put the injury behind him and will take the field in Boston's first exhibition game. Chavis will man first base and hit cleanup in Saturday's batting order.

Rengifo is "noticeably bigger" than last year, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Per Ardaya, Rengifo went deep four consecutive times during batting practice Thursday. The added muscle may come in handy as Rengifo seeks to earn a starting spot at second base this spring. The second baseman hit only 12 home runs in 467 combined at-bats between the majors and minors last season.

Barreto has his best opportunity to nab a major-league roster spot this spring with prior second-base occupants elsewhere, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "He has an opportunity where, if he has the type of spring that he has had before, it's going to be tough not to have him be part of that dynamic, whether it's a left-right dynamic or an everyday role," said manager Bob Melvin. "There's not one particular guy in front of him right now. This is his best shot."

Barreto has scuffled during his three prior major-league stints, as his career .189/.220/.378 line across 69 plate appearances illustrates. However, the departures of Jed Lowrie and Jurickson Profar over the last two offseasons offer Barreto the least veteran resistance to a roster spot he's encountered yet, and the fact he's now out of minor-league options could certainly work in his favor if he puts together a strong spring. The 23-year-old has proven capable of making a favorable impression during the exhibition slate in the past, but he will have to hold his own against fellow capable prospects Jorge Mateo, Sheldon Neuse and Vimael Machin to lock in an Opening Day roster spot this time around.