MLB Player News

Motter went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, two runs and a walk in Monday's 9-0 Cactus League victory over the Rangers.

Motter went deep for the first time this spring with a third-inning blast to center off A.J. Griffin. In his initial exposure to major league pitching last season with the Rays, the 27-year-old utlity man slashed just .188/.290./300 with three doubles, two homers and nine RBI. However, he barely registered a blip on the bases, a notable development considering Motter had swiped 127 bags over five-plus minor league seasons. Motter is currently battling Shawn O'Malley and Mike Freeman for a utility role, with his considerable versatility -- he played every position except catcher and center field last season -- enhancing his appeal. He'll presumably need to demonstrate improvement at the plate to ultimately prevail in the three-man race, and O'Malley (.333/.400./333 over 18 at-bats) has jumped out to an early advantage in that respect. Nevertheless, the Mariners see upside in Motter's past body of work, which includes 27 homers over 215 games at the Triple-A level. "You see it in batting practice," manager Scott Servais said of Motter's punch. "Sometimes with Taylor, it's working into good counts and getting good pitches to hit. He does have sneaky power. You look at him and don't really think it's there, but he can drive the ball."

Andrus (groin) said Sunday that he expects to make his Cactus League debut at some point during the week, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has been taking it easy in camp while recovering from November sports hernia surgery, but the Rangers don't seem to fear that the shortstop is at risk of missing the start of the season. He's steadily increased his activities since spring training opened, and after doing some more running, hitting and fielding drills in the next couple of days, he should be ready to see some game action.

Giavotella says he's completely fine after taking a line drive off his palm in Friday's Grapefruit League game, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

He stayed in the game after the incident and said it was pretty painful but "nothing I couldn't play through." Expect the veteran infielder to continue getting plenty of at-bats with the absences of Jonathan Schoop and Manny Machado, both of whom are competing in the World Baseball Classic. Giavotella is competing for a reserve infield spot on the Baltimore roster this spring.

Albies (elbow) says he hopes to make his spring debut Tuesday, but the Braves will not rush his return to action, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The 20-year-old has been recovering from offseason elbow surgery this spring, but finally appears to be getting close to game action. Nonetheless, the Braves have exercised caution with their prized prospect and have little incentive to rush him back since Albies is almost certain to begin the year in the minors. Look for the young second baseman to get plenty of Grapefruit League at-bats before spring is over.

Forsythe (knee) is in the Dodgers' Cactus League lineup Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old recently received lubricant injections in his knee, and it looks like they helped. Forsythe, who hit 20 home runs last year, will lead off as he continues to compete for that role during the season. Winning it would raise his fantasy value in a deep, potentially dangerous lineup.

Albies (elbow) is set to be examined by team doctors in the coming days and could be cleared to play next week, David O'Brien of the AJC reports.

The Braves' prized prospect has been rehabbing from elbow surgery for the first few weeks of spring training, but it appears he could be nearing a return given that he'll be reevaluated in the near future with the possibility of being cleared shortly after the weekend. Still, his absence from the early portion of workouts and games coupled with Atlanta's recent acquisition of Brandon Phillips suggest that Albies is likely destined to start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Polanco went 2-for-3 with a double and home run in Thursday's tie with Baltimore, but also made his third error of the spring. "He's trying to find ways to get it done and stay accurate," manager Paul Molitor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "It hasn't happened too much here early."

The Twins appear committed to beginning the season with Polanco at shortstop and there's been little talk of Eduardo Escobar challenging for the job. However, that could change if Polanco continues to struggle in the field as his glove has been the major concern about him playing shortstop instead of second base where he played at Triple-A.

Forsythe (knee) said he's lining up to start the Dodgers' Friday Cactus League contest, though he'll miss his third consecutive game Thursday after his last knee lubricant injection, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The new acquisition received a series of those doses, so he appears ready to go. It's still smart to monitor the 30-year-old's progress in the coming days and weeks, though the candidate for leadoff hitter looks like he'll be back in the mix. Forsythe would enjoy a notable bump in runs scored if he indeed sticks as the table-setter, which makes him an attractive mixed league value pick at the keystone.

Herrera said he's cleared to return to throwing activities, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Herrera played catch Monday but was scheduled to meet with Cincinnati's medical director Thursday. That presumably went well, considering his updated status. The former prospect should continue staking his claim to remain with the Reds when they break camp.

Rosario got the start at shortstop during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, going 2-for-3.

He's hitting a tidy .364 (4-for-11) to begin the spring, as Rosario looks to build on his breakout 2016 minor league campaign. The Mets' top prospect, and the No. 14 overall fantasy prospect in RotoWire's rankings, will begin the season at Triple-A Las Vegas and could easily make his big league debut as a 21-year-old at some point this year.