MLB Player News

Marte appears to be in line to open the year as the Diamondbacks' primary second baseman and backup shortstop, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks appear inclined to favor defense to offense, which is why Nick Ahmed is the frontrunner to be the primary shortstop, while Chris Owings and Daniel Descalso appear poised to serve as utility options. Marte was a plus defender at shortstop last season, so he figures to be one of the game's best defensive second basemen. He has the speed to be more of a threat on the bases than he was last year (13 stolen-base attempts between Triple-A and MLB), and a lot of his fantasy value hinges on him being more aggressive in that regard. Marte is a good bet to improve on the .260 average he posted last season -- most projection systems have him hitting above .280. While he posted a .514 slugging percentage in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, it's unlikely that he reaches double-digit home runs, even with a full season's worth of MLB at-bats.

Chavis (oblique) took grounders and a few dry swings Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Chavis is working his way back from an oblique injury suffered in late February and is out indefinitely. He's now at least back on the field but has yet to take proper batting practice, so he is still a ways away from returning to game action.

Forsythe is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cubs, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Forsythe had been out since Wednesday with an illness. He'll have plenty of time to get his at-bats in before Opening Day and is expected to be the Dodgers' primary second baseman.

Rosario remains out of the Mets' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Astros after experiencing renewed tightness on the side of his left knee, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record. The Mets plan to reevaluate Rosario later Tuesday.

Manager Mickey Callaway was previously optimistic that Rosario would be able to return to action Tuesday after experiencing knee irritation over the weekend, but that plan was scrapped after the young shortstop dealt with renewed discomfort while trying to jog Monday, per Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News. The severity of Rosario's setback remains unclear, but the Mets may elect to send him in for an MRI to determine the extent of the knee issue. Should Rosario remain sidelined for a few more exhibition games, Jose Reyes and Gavin Cecchini would benefit from added reps at shortstop.

Barreto is swinging well enough that the A's may have a tough time keeping him off the Opening Day roster, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Manager Bob Melvin has reportedly been impressed by the 22-year-old infielder this spring, but notes that the A's don't have a roster spot for him at the moment. Barreto hit .290/.339/.456 in 111 games at Triple-A Nashville last season, but just .197/.250/.352 with a 43.4 percent strikeout rate in 25 games with the big-league club. He's 5-for-17 with two homers this spring. Jed Lowrie and Marcus Semien are currently blocking him at the middle-infield positions.

Albies went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

The 21-year-old switch hitter has come flying out of the gate this spring, slashing .400/.455/.450 through his first 20 at-bats with two steals. Albies is set to hit second this season ahead of Freddie Freeman, and after scoring 101 runs and swiping 29 bases (on 32 attempts) between Triple-A Gwinnett and the majors last year, he's got the skill set to thrive in that lineup spot.

Rosario (knee) will be held out of the Mets' Grapefruit League lineup Monday against the Tigers, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Per Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, Rosario was on the field a few hours before Monday's game, but the young shortstop wasn't permitted to take part in any baserunning drills. The lack of activity shouldn't necessarily be taken as a sign that Rosario experienced a setback with his left knee, as the Mets may simply be taking a cautious approach early in spring with the 22-year-old.

Hernandez (illness) went 0-for-2 with a walk in Sunday's win against the Giants.

Hernandez was able to return to Cactus League play after being listed day-to-day with an illness. He appears to have returned to health and should see his share of starts as he continues to prepare for Opening Day.

Rosario (knee) participated in hitting and fielding drills Sunday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Rosario was lifted from Saturday's spring game due to knee irritation that likely resulted from a HBP in his only plate appearance. He reported an improved status Sunday, though the infielder was held out of running drills as a precaution. Fortunately, this early March issue is not expected to affect Rosario's availability in the regular season.

Andrus reported feeling good after his first spring action Friday, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Andrus, who did not play Saturday, missed the first week of games due to back spasms. He should begin to play regularly soon, per assistant general manager Jayce Tingler.