MLB Player News

Hernandez has gone 1-for-7 in two games since returning from and oblique injury Monday.

The utility player's spring numbers remain horrid (.149/.212/.277), but it's good to see him back in action after missing several days with the oblique injury. He seems to be a cinch to make the Opening Day roster thanks to his defensive versatility, although it's possible Hernandez could be optioned to Triple-A when Howie Kendrick returns from a calf injury, as it may be tough to get him regular playing time. His opportunities may not match his skill level in the early going, but the fact that he can play up the middle in both the infield and the outfield should allow for him to find his way to consistent at-bats if one of the Dodgers' regulars is struggling.

The Phillies sent Nina to minor league camp Monday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Nina was 5-for-12 in 12 games this spring. He will give the Phillies some infield depth in the minors this season.

Petit was assigned to minor league camp Monday, Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register reports.

The 31-year-old has made 57 appearances in the majors over the last two seasons with the Yankees and Astros, but he won't start out the 2016 season with that same opportunity while Johnny Giavotella, Cliff Pennington, and Reynaldo Navarro are all considered better options at second base.

Tomlinson started at third base Sunday and collected two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base in a win over the White Sox.

Tomlinson has been seeing starts at second base, shortstop and third base this spring in order to get ready to be the primary backup at all three of those positions. He won't have mixed league value as an infield backup, but his speed makes him an intriguing option should any of the starters go down to injury.

The Phillies optioned Sweeney to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Sweeney had a shot to make the club given his ability to play both the infield and outfield, but his .558 spring OPS prevented him from making the cut. He should garner consideration for a promotion at some point this season, however.

The Rays optioned Motter to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

Motter lost out on one of the final outfield spots with the Rays, despite cobbling together a .250/.294/.438 line with one homer and two walks versus seven strikeouts in 32 at-bats. Following the move to Durham, where he spent the entire 2015 season, his major league debut will again be delayed.

Hernandez (oblique) is expected to play in Monday's spring training game, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez had been dealing with some pain in his side, but was recently cleared for full-go workouts. With the status of infielders Corey Seager (knee) and Howie Kendrick (calf) uncertain for Opening Day, Hernandez appears poised to see a short-term boost in playing time over the season's opening weeks.

Marte showed off his speed with an inside-the-park home run Saturday.

Marte had eight stolen bases in 57 games last season. In a full season, 20 steals should be doable.

Espinosa made two spectacular plays at shortstop Saturday, turning a groundball deep in the hole into a Jeter-esque jump-throw to retire Tommy Pham in the second inning and then knocking down a Ruben Tejada line drive up the middle and recovering in time to gun him down at first in the fourth inning.

Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate, hitting just .111 (3-for-27) on the spring, but his defensive chops will ensure that he gets the nod at shortstop for the Nationals on Opening Day. His hold on the job may not last long, however, especially if Trea Turner gets off to a hot start at Triple-A Syracuse.

Manager Kevin Cash said Sunday that Forsythe will serve as the Rays' full-time leadoff hitter this season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's quite the role change for Forsythe, who spent most of last season in the middle of the Rays' lineup. While Forsythe isn't the fleetest of foot, he still managed to steal nine bases in 2015, and should see that total increase now that he's at the top of the order against both right-handers and left-handers. In addition, Forsythe's on-base skills should allow him to improve upon last season's total of 69 runs.