MLB Player News

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.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Hernandez is dealing with pain in his side but will return to action soon, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Hernandez was struck by a pitch in last Sunday's Cactus League game and is apparently still battling some residual soreness. The utility man currently shapes up as the top starting option at shortstop if Corey Seager (knee) isn't ready to play by Opening Day, so the Dodgers will continue to exercise caution by holding Hernandez out a few more days.

Solarte feels he'll be able to improve at the plate and in the field this season being able to concentrate on just one position, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "... the in-depth learning of the intricacies of the position have been difficult for a guy who's been all over the place (on the field). Now, he's locked in," manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Solarte is hitting .261 (12-for-46) with just one double and two walks this spring, but is set as San Diego's starting third baseman.