MLB Player News

Frazier is likely to see plenty of action in left field while batting leadoff in 2018, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The 26-year-old could move back to second base if the team trades Josh Harrison, but for now it looks like he'll rotate with Sean Rodriguez and Daniel Nava in left field. A career .300 hitter in the minor leagues, the lefty has batted for a higher average against southpaws (.338 in 89 plate appearances) than righties (.265 in 502 PA), a trend which has carried over from the minors. The natural infielder, who saw time at six different positions in 2017, may finally get a chance to settle in at one position (left field). As a result, Frazier could provide fantasy contributions in both batting average and runs scored.

Joseph signed a minor-league contract with the Orioles on Monday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The 29-year-old infielder had previously been a member of the Orioles' organization back in 2015 and 2016, spending time at Double-A and Triple-A. His only major-league experience came in a two-game stint for the Yankees back in 2013. He's unlikely to be more than organizational depth for Baltimore.

Herrera's shoulder injury that ended his 2017 has fully healed, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports. "Everything is good," Herrera said Friday. "I am feeling really better, much better than last year. I'm ready to work."

Herrera is hoping to land a utility role with the Reds on Opening Day. The path to future playing time is a bit muddled, however. Jose Peraza and Scooter Gennett have shortstop and second base covered, plus the Reds just signed Cliff Pennington. Add in that eventually the Reds want to get Nick Senzel up with the big club, and it's hard to see much of a chance for Herrera.

Manager Aaron Boone said Torres (elbow) is expected to be a "full go" when spring games begin, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

This isn't all too surprising, as Torres, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June, has been working out in Florida for over a month now and recently said he's feeling 100 percent, per Erik Boland of Newsday. The highly touted prospect is expected to push for an Opening Day roster spot as the team's starting second baseman, though he may ultimately open the year in the minors in order to secure the Yankees an extra year of team control. Either way, the job should be his sooner than later.

Manager Aaron Boone said that Estrada was shot in the right hip during a robbery attempt in Venezuela a few weeks ago but has already reported to camp and should be able to play the "bulk" of the season, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

It's obviously a good sign that Estrada is getting back into the swing of things at camp, although there was no word on his current condition outside of Boone's statement that he's "in a good frame of mind right now." The 21-year-old will begin ramping up his cardio within the next week by doing some stationary bike work, and there should be an update on his status once he's able to begin baseball activities. In 2017, Estrada slashed .301/.353/.392 with six home runs. 48 RBI and eight stolen bases in 122 games with Double-A Trenton.

Franklin agreed to a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Franklin, a 2009 first-round draft pick of the Mariners, will make a return trip to Milwaukee after being designated for assignment by the team over the summer. He failed to bat over the Mendoza Line with the Brewers or the Angels, so he'll likely just act as organizational depth for the team given his expansive positional utility.

Herrera (shoulder) is out of options heading into the 2018 season and thus is potentially a favorite to make the Reds' Opening Day roster, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Dilson's 2017 season ended in July with a shoulder injury that required surgery. The major return from the 2016 Jay Bruce trade, Herrera's Reds tenure has been marred with injury and disappointing numbers. In 239 at-bats Herrera hit .264/.312/.397 with seven homers at Triple-A Louisville last year. That said, he turns just 24 in March, so there's still time for him to realize his full potential.

Diaz was invited to the Marlins' big-league camp for spring training, Jerry Crasnick of MLB.com reports.

Diaz was one of four prospects traded to Miami in exchange for Christian Yelich just two weeks ago. The 20-year-old infielder also competed in major-league spring training last year with Milwaukee, and although he impressed the club, he had a tough time finding a groove with High-A Carolina once the season began. In 110 games, he slashed .222/.334/.376 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI and nine stolen bases. He will look to get back on track this spring, and will likely begin the 2018 campaign back at the High-A level.

Elmore agreed to a minor-league deal with the White Sox which includes an invitation to spring training, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports.

Elmore spent the entire 2017 campaign at the Triple-A level, compiling a .236 batting average with one home run, 41 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 110 games split between New Orleans and Buffalo. The 30-year-old most recently played in the big leagues with Milwaukee in 2016, earning 78 at-bats, but slashed just .218/.371/.244 during 59 contests. He will add some extra organizational depth to the White Sox's infield moving forward.

Jones was invited to the Angels' spring training as a non-roster invitee, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

A strong start at Low-A Burlington earned Jones a promotion to High-A Inland Empire during the 2017 season. Over 41 games with Inland Empire he hit .302 with an .856 OPS. His speed was on display at the two levels as well, as he combined to steal 27 bases. However, he was also caught stealing on 13 occasions.