MLB Player News

Already considered one of the organization's most versatile players for his ability to play several infield positions, Padres infielder Logan Forsythe said Friday he will also work in the outfield during spring training. The goal behind the move is to provide more playing time to Forsythe after he registered a .273 batting average with 22 extra-base hits in 91 games last year. "It takes a little time to get used to tracking the ball off the bat in batting practice," he told MLB.com about the position. "I think it will take a few reps to get comfortable."

Astros manager Bo Porter said Tuesday he would like to bat second baseman Jose Altuve second in the lineup. “Just looking at the numbers, I would love to have Altuve hit second,” Porter said, per the Houston Chronicle. “But we’re going to need someone to take the bull by the horns and grab hold of that leadoff spot. We know that he’s capable of doing it if need be. … We have guys that can hit in the middle of the lineup. I’m more looking for the top of the lineup to shape itself out.”

The Washington Post reports Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa said Monday he will not play in the World Baseball Classic in order to focus on rehabbing his injured left shoulder. Espinosa added he actually feels stronger now than in the past despite a torn rotator cuff. “I feel effortless when I swing," Espinosa said. "I take BP and I don’t feel like I’m having to try to put a charge in the ball. I feel like I’m strong again. I haven’t felt this strength in my shoulder like this in forever. I’ve never done the exercises that they’ve had me doing, and the amount that they’ve had me doing. I feel strong. I feel easy when I swing. I don’t feel any pain, which is awesome. I feel good. I feel strong enough to this point that nothing is going to hold me back."

Royals infielders Chris Getz and Johnny Giavotella will battle for the starting job at second base this spring and manager Ned Yost can't wait for the competition to begin, according to the The Kansas City Star. “I think it’s really going to be interesting, the competition at second base between Chris Getz and Johnny Giavotella,” Yost said. “I think both guys are ready for the competition. Chris Getz looks tremendous. he’s healthy. He looks like he’s added some bulk, and looks like he’s ready to go. I think that Johnny is ready to break out and be the player that he’s always been in the minor leagues. I think that’s going to be very, very interesting.”

The Dallas Morning News reports since Feb. 1, 2012 through Wednesday, Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus led the major leagues in spring-training, regular-season, playoff and winter-league games played with 219. “He’s at a different stage than some of the younger guys who we’d typically influence one way or the other,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “He knows what he needs to do to get ready.” Andrus played in a career-high 158 games with the Rangers last season, but be faded down the stretch, batting .216 with a .273 on-base percentage in his last 29 games. Despite his late-season struggles, the Rangers aren't expecting to make major changes to Andrus' playing time in 2013. “We were looking to get Elvis a little more rest during the season regardless of what he did this winter,” Daniels said. “That continues to be important for us.”

Washington shortstop Danny Espinosa is dealing with a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder, reports MLB.com Saturday. The injury was described as a bone bruise in September, however, more extensive damage was found. Espinosa expects to be medically cleared before spring training.

The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that they agreed to a deal with second baseman Gordon Beckham on a one-year deal worth $2.935 million, avoiding arbitration.

The Indians re-assigned outfielder Felix Pie, catcher Matt Pagnozzi and infielder Gregorio Petit to the minors on Friday.