MLB Player News

Frazier's path to playing time in left field potentially became less clear following acquisitions of both Bryce Brentz and Michael Saunders.

The team appears to be holding open tryouts for left field, with Sean Rodriguez, Jordan Luplow and Daniel Nava also included in the mix. There's also the chance that Pittsburgh still might move veteran Josh Harrison, which could open up playing time for Frazier at second base. As a result, fantasy owners will have to wait to see how things play out in March and beyond.

Drury's main focus will be third base, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

Drury played almost exclusively as a second baseman in Arizona last year, starting just one game at third, though he's appeared at six different positions in his career and is valued for his versatility. This news probably means that the Yankees view Gleyber Torres as more big-league ready than Miguel Andujar. Drury will likely enter the season as the Yankees' starting third baseman, and while his playing time may diminish once Andujar is called up, he should still earn a fair amount of starts all around the field.

Jones may get reps at second base this spring, Josh Mayhood of Halos Heaven reports.

Jones grabbed an infielder's glove for some workouts Wednesday morning, and when Rex Clevinger of Halos Heaven asked him why he needed that glove in addition to his outfield mitt, Jones replied that he might be playing some second base. A move to second base actually would make a lot of sense for Jones, who is perhaps the best athlete in the Angels' system, but at 6-foot, 215 pounds, he is built like a second baseman and his plus speed may tick down in the coming years, which would make him less of an asset in the outfield. Additionally, the Angels' other elite prospects, Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh, play the outfield, and the team already has plenty of depth there at the big-league level. A move to second base would boost Jones' dynasty-league value, as it would make it more likely that he could break through as an everyday player. After hitting .302/.368/.488 in 41 games at High-A last year, Jones might be ticketed for Double-A to begin the 2018 campaign.

Andrus will not participate in any workouts Wednesday as he continues to deal with back spasms, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus blamed the issue on the cold weather and admitted that he battles this problem every spring. There shouldn't be too much concern regarding his status, but the team will likely be cautious with the 29-year-old for the time being.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that the Dodgers "expect Logan (Forsythe) to get the lion's share of the at-bats," following the team's re-signing of veteran second baseman Chase Utley, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Forsythe had a disappointing first season with the Dodgers in 2017, posting a .224/.351/.327 slash line with six home runs in 439 plate appearances. Utley is likely to serve as a matchup-dependent starter and bench option, and Forsythe will need to improve upon his paltry .190/.315/.262 slash line against right-handed pitching from last season if he is going to remain atop the depth chart at second base in 2018, although the 31-year-old's ability and versatility in the field may garner him some additional time to turn things around should he have a slow start to the season.

The Diamondbacks agreed to trade Drury to the Yankees on Tuesday as part of a three-team deal with the Rays, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Drury's name had been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the winter. A deal finally materialized, and the landing spot is favorable as he goes to a hitter's park and his early-season role is less up in the air with the Yankees needing help at both second base and third. Drury could stand to take more walks, but he has shown he can hit for a decent average and some power when given the opportunity. He won't turn 26 until August.

Albies is expected to bat second for the Braves this season, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Manager Brian Snitker confirmed that he's planning to keep the switch-hitting Albies in the two hole, between Ender Inciarte and Freddie Freeman, after Albies' stellar debut with the big club last season. At this time a year ago, Albies was limited in camp due to an elbow injury he suffered in September of 2016, but he doesn't have any lingering questions about his health entering the 2018 campaign. Albies will take some groundballs at shortstop this spring, but there are no plans to switch him back to his old position. Snitker suggested he just wants to keep his options open in case there is a need at short at some point.

Marte is in the mix for a starting role in the middle infield, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old emerged as a decent offensive option last season, batting .260 in 73 games with the big-league club. His speed also gives him an edge as he works toward garnering the starting shortstop job for Opening Day. Nick Ahmed (wrist), Brandon Drury and Chris Owings (finger) are also in the mix for playing time up the middle, but Marte likely has a higher ceiling given his combination of youth, speed and on-base skills.

Drury will have to compete for innings at second base this spring, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Drury spent much of last season as Arizona's primary second baseman, but he faded down the stretch and settled into a part-time role by the season's end. Pair that with the offensive emergence of Ketel Marte and the defensive prowess of Nick Ahmed (wrist), and Drury is no lock to crack the Opening Day lineup. Chris Owings (finger) is also in the mix for playing time up the middle. The 24-year-old does have 100 extra-base hits to his name over the past two seasons, but his on-base numbers are lacking.

Andrus cut his morning workout short Tuesday due to back spasms, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Andrus missed out on some defensive drills as a result. It's unclear if the issue will keep him sidelined for any Cactus League action, but the Rangers will likely proceed cautiously with their stud shortstop given how early it is in camp.