MLB Player News

Franklin (illness) will start at second base and bat eighth in the order in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franklin was scratched from Tuesday's lineup while he dealt with the illness, but the Rays never expected him to require much recovery time. Though he'll start Wednesday, Franklin won't have a path to an everyday role to begin the season with Brad Miller expected to occupy the keystone more often than not. However, Franklin's ability to play just about everywhere on the diamond as well as the corner outfield should help him find a handful of at-bats every week.

X-ray results on Hernandez's injured right wrist came back negative Tuesday, Bill Plunkett os the Orange County Register reports.

It appears that Hernandez and the Dodgers dodged a bullet after the utility man was hit by a pitch on the wrist during Tuesday's game. It's possible that he'll experience some bruising or discomfort, but likely won't need to miss extended time. He'll remain a valuable reserve piece for the Dodgers entering the 2017 season.

Hernandez exited Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Pirates early after being hit by a pitch on the right wrist, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Gurnick also reported that Hernandez is undergoing X-rays Tuesday to determine if any structural damage occurred. Until additional news becomes available, the Dodgers' utility man will be considered day-to-day.

Ngoepe was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Despite an outstanding spring showing that saw him go 18-for-42 (.429) over 21 games, Ngoepe will start the season with Indianapolis. However, while the possibility exists that he could be called up to the majors at some point in 2017, Ngoepe's fantasy value will remain limited barring an injury to Jordy Mercer.

Renda was reassigned to minor-league camp Tuesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

A .295/.404/.523 showing in the Cactus League wasn't enough for Renda to force his way back onto the 40-man roster after being outrighted in December. The 26-year-old Renda appeared to hurt himself on a diving play last weekend but there has been no indication that it will keep him off the field to begin the minor-league season. He figures to spend most of the year at Triple-A Louisville.

Marte was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Marte's banishment to Triple-A leaves Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed to battle it out for the starting job at shorstop. The 23-year-old Marte, who came over from the Mariners in November as part of the Jean Segura/Taijuan Walker trade, will presumably see a full-time role at Triple-A and could reemerge as a regular option in the infield later in the season if he's able to find some more success with Reno than he enjoyed during spring training. Marte slashed .250/.321/.375 over 48 at-bats in Cactus League play and was nabbed on his only stolen-base attempt.

Franklin was scratched from the Rays' Grapefruit League lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins due to an illness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franklin's removal from the lineup looks precautionary, so he shouldn't need more than a day or two to recover. The 26-year-old won't have an everyday starting role to begin the season, but with the ability to play every position save for catcher and center field, Franklin could still find his way to two or three starts per week, even when the team is relatively healthy.

Semien (illness) will start at shorstop and bat in the cleanup spot for Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

Semien was held out the past two days with an illness, but there was never much concern that he'd be sidelined for long. The 26-year-old is expected to lock down a spot in the heart of the order for the Athletics after slugging 27 homers and 27 doubles in 2016.

Gonzalez has been told he won't make Minnesota's final 25-man roster, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Gonzalez hit .371 (13-for-35) and made a strong impression in spring training. He could be called up early in the season if the Twins need a utility infielder.

Marte flew out in his only at-bat in Saturday's spring training loss to the Angels. He's hitting .261 (12-for-46) this spring and remains in the shortstop competition with Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed.

Owings is hitting .409 and looks like the leading candidate for the starting job, but a decision may not come until next week. If he can show signs of getting on base at a clip closer to his 2015 level in Seattle, Marte could become a threat to overtake Owings for the starting job at short at some point this season.