MLB Player News

Brujan plans to be more aggressive in attempting to steal bases this season with the Cubs, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Brujan stole only five bases and was caught six times in 2024 during his lone season in Miami, and he said the Marlins "didn't give me the green light that I needed." Following an offseason trade to the Cubs, the 27-year-old decided that he's "going to be myself" and "going to steal bases." Brujan was a prolific base stealer in the minors and his sprint speed was in the 91st percentile in his rookie season with the Rays back in 2021. However, he went only 9-for-17 in stolen-base attempts over 99 regular-season games across three seasons with Tampa Bay, and last year with the Marlins his sprint speed was down in the 53rd percentile. Brujan is already 4-for-4 on stolen-base attempts this spring, so he's held true to his word so far, and he's also posted a 1.042 OPS. That said, if the career .189/.261/.270 hitter doesn't improve at the plate, his intentions on the bases could be irrelevant. Brujan is aiming to win a utility role with Chicago this season.

Garcia went 1-for-1 with two walks and a solo home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

The second baseman got hold of a Valente Bellozo offering in the fourth inning for his first homer of the spring. Garcia is 3-for-8 with three walks against only one strikeout through his first four Grapefruit League appearances in camp, as the 24-year-old looks to demonstrate that his 2024 breakout was no fluke.

Edwards hit leadoff in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, going 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored.

The speedy shortstop is almost certain to be atop the order when Opening Day rolls around after breaking out for a .328/.397/.423 slash line over 303 plate appearances with the Marlins last season. Edwards also swiped 31 bases on 35 attempts over 70 regular-season games, and he's made it his stated goal to take a run at 60 steals in 2025. If your roster or league format can accommodate his lack of power, Edwards offers some strong three-category fantasy appeal.

Kingery is among a group of infielders vying to begin the regular season as the Angels' starter at shortstop while Zach Neto continues his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Kingery didn't play in the majors last season, but he had a good campaign at the Triple-A level, slashing .273/.321/.505 with 27 homers, 70 RBI, 76 runs and 26 stolen bases. The Angels acquired the 2015 second-round draft pick in a trade with Philadelphia in November, and he was added to the team's 40-man roster a few days later. Kingery has struggled during his previous stints in the majors; he has a .667 OPS and 28.4 percent strikeout rate over 1,127 career regular-season plate appearances. Punchouts have been a problem for him this spring as well, as he's fanned seven times in 19 at-bats. Kevin Newman and Tim Anderson are other candidates to hold down the fort at shortstop until Neto is able to return to action, with Newman described by Bollinger as having a "leg up" among the group for the role.

Escobar (shin) is listed on the Philadelphia roster for its March 14 Spring Breakout game against Pittsburgh prospects, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

A 2022 signee out of Venezuela, Escobar made his debut in affiliated ball in 2024, slashing .338/.495/.481 with three home runs and nine stolen bases across 104 plate appearances in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. He developed shin splints and didn't end up playing after June 8, but Escobar looks to be back to full health this spring. The 20-year-old infield prospect could open the season with Single-A Clearwater.

Kinney (shoulder) is listed as an available bench player for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kinney's inclusion on the lineup card is an indication that he's back to full health after finishing the 2024 season on High-A Bowling Green's injured list due to a right shoulder issue. Before being shut down with the injury, the 22-year-old infielder slashed .289/.352/.494 with 10 home runs and six stolen bases across 361 plate appearances with Bowling Green.

Manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Frazier hasn't played in a spring game since Feb. 26 due to a back injury, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The 33-year-old signed a one-year, $1.525 million contract with the Pirates in January but appeared in just three Grapefruit League games before the back injury surfaced. Frazier could return to game action before the end of the week, which would put him on track for the start of the regular season.

Torres went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and two total runs scored in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Torres is off to a bit of a slow spring start with a .182 batting average through five appearances, but he is at least on the board with a home run. Even if he scuffles throughout Grapefruit League play, the 28-year-old will fill a key role with the Tigers and see regular playing time at second base.

Dubon is expected to serve as the Astros' starting second baseman to begin the 2025 season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros appear serious about playing Jose Altuve in left field, leaving a void at second base. Dubon remains best positioned to take advantage of that, though he has struggled significantly in spring training by failing to pick up a hit in 12 at-bats while striking out four times. McTaggart also noted Brendan Rodgers, Luis Guillorme and Zack Short as potential depth options at second base.

Westburg (back) said Wednesday that he's feeling much better and expects to return to the Orioles' lineup Thursday or Friday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Westburg hasn't played since his team's Grapefruit League opener due to a back issue that he blames on a mattress he slept on being too soft. The infielder has time to get back up to speed ahead of Opening Day.