MLB Player News

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was able to play through lingering back issues Thursday, in the team's spring opener against the Royals. He went 0 for 2 with one strikeout before being replaced, and had little issue playing the field in an 11-7 win.

Andrus was considered day to day due to the injury, so it isn't much of a surprise that he was able to play. This is not expected to be an issue that troubles him moving forward.  

Rookie middle infielder Yangervis Solarte has been the MVP of Yankees spring training so far, according to the YESNetwork. Solarte continued his brilliant play Wednesday with a spectacular bare-handed play in the first and two-run homer in the second inning of the exhibition opener against against Pittsburgh.

The Mets aren't the only team interested in trading for Mariners infielder Nick Franklin. The Rays are also looking at possible trades involving Franklin, sources told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is dealing with a back issue, according to the Star-Telegram.

Andrus is considered day to day due to the injury. Last season, Andrus hit .271/.328/.331 in 620 at-bats.

A Mets insider confirmed an ESPN report that New York could be a team the Mariners might engage in trade talks regarding infielder Nick Franklin.

The source said the two sides talked at the winter meetings about a deal involving Franklin. The talks are expected to resume in the next month with Seattle having an excess infielder and the Mets having the type of pitching talent the Mariners would want in a trade.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday he's considering batting Gordon Beckham second, even though he struggled in that spot in the lineup last season.

"It’s a possibility the way it’s shaking out right now," Ventura said of Beckham batting second. "That’s a possibility. You could have Alexei (Ramirez) there too. There’s a few options to think about, we can tinker with."

Beckham hit just .190 in 36 games batting second last season. In his career hitting second, Beckham has a .227 average with a .295 on-base percentage. Beckham could be better off batting eighth, where he owns a career .302 average in 130 games.

"Everybody is going to be playing and moving around in the lineup so we’ll see what works," Ventura said, per ESPN. "We had periods where (Beckham) batted eighth and did pretty good and went to second and wasn’t so good and back to eighth. It’s a natural spot for him. The way he plays and what he does that plate, I think it’d be a good spot for him."

Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa could see some time at short during the regular season, according to MASN.

Manager Matt Williams talked about the decision to utilize Espinosa at short during spring drills, saying he sees Espinosa as capable of playing both spots. Williams added that he envisions Espinosa doing that during the season. If Ian Desmond needs time, Espinosa could replace him, Williams said.

Espinosa seemed happy about the change, saying it was fun and more challenging to take balls at short. He added that he's been told he's going to get a lot of at-bats during the spring. Last season, he hit .158 in 158 at-bats.

Mariners middle infielder Nick Franklin could be on the trading block, the Seattle Times has speculated. He lost his starting second base job upon the offseason signing of free agent Robinson Cano.

Franklin, who expressed excitement over the signing because he could learn from Cano, added that he will not play that position. He will compete with Brad Miller for the starting job at shortstop. He could also be sent to Triple-A Tacoma or traded.

His lack of productivity helped pave the way for Cano. Franklin batted just .225 last year in 369 at-bats, though he did slug 12 home runs and 20 doubles with 45 RBI.

Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa is getting time at shortstop during camp, according to The Washington Post. 

Espinosa is expected to compete for the starting job at second base, but also has experience playing shortstop. If he loses out to Anthony Rendon, Espinosa could be used as a utility infielder. His glove has typically been his biggest asset, and some scouts believe he can handle short defensively. The team could also be trying to boost his value in order to deal him.

Espinosa hit .158/.193/.272 in 158 at-bats in the majors last season.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon reiterated Wednesday the competition for the starting shortstop job is wide open between Brad Miller and Nick Franklin. McClendon made sure to convey that message to Franklin, who primarily played second base last season.

"I said, 'Look we have a Hall of Fame second baseman, that’s just the way it is," McClendon said, per The Seattle Times. "This is a new chapter in your career. One door is closing and another one is opening so it’s an opportunity for you and I’m going into this with my wide eyes open and you have the opportunity to compete for the shortstop position. I don’t have any preconceived notions."

McClendon said whoever stars defensively will likely walk away with the starting job.

"You gotta be able to catch the ball," he said."I’m looking for a guy that’s going to make all the routine plays."