MLB Player News

Escobar left Tuesday's game after being struck by a hard hit foul ball, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Escobar was hit on his right forearm causing the Twins to pull him from the game, but early reports are that he is fine and it is nothing serious. It is still worth monitoring his situation over the next couple days just to be safe.

Alvarez agreed on a one-year, $5.75 million deal with the Orioles on Monday that includes $1.5 million in playing incentives, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Alvarez figures to be Baltimore's designated hitter while also spending time at first when Chris Davis is given a game off. This dynamic likely will limit Mark Trumbo's usage in 2016, as Alvarez will be the clear favorite to be a daily starter with the Orioles after spending his first six seasons in Pittsburgh.

Olt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Olt was designated for assignment Sunday to make room for the recently-acquired Austin Jackson, so this move just finishes the process as he accepts the move to Triple-A rather than becoming a free agent. Now that he's in the minors, he'll slot in as the third baseman for the Triple-A club, acting as organizational depth at the hot corner.

The White Sox designated Olt for assignment Sunday to clear room on the 40-man roster for the newly-signed Austin Jackson, WGN TV reports.

The White Sox's third base depth improved significantly in the offseason with the signing of Todd Frazier, so Olt was a longshot to make the 25-man roster. Olt has slugged a not-so-hot .330 in his 400 career major league plate appearances and the power numbers he flashed in 2012 have become a distant memory.

Ramirez connected on his first homer of the spring Wednesday.

Ramirez figures to fill a utility role with the Indians following the signing of Juan Uribe but his ability to handle second base, shortstop and third base in addition to left and center field could yield a larger share of at-bats than a typical utility role . He could be a sneaky source of power and speed out of the middle infield in deeper formats if he can grab a semi-regular role.

Moncada played three innings at second base and had a hit from each side of the plate in an exhibition game against Northeastern University on Monday, the Providence Journal reports.

Moncada was the highlight draw in the second game of a double-header against college teams that featured none of Boston's major-league talent. The man considered the organization's top prospect is not in the major-league camp this spring, but manager John Farrell wanted him Monday and will give him more opportunities when the Red Sox kick off spring games against major-league competition. "With someone who has the talents of Yoan, you'd like to get as much exposure as you can within reason," Farrell said. "I think every opportunity that presents itself that he can come over and get into games, we'd like to take advantage of that."

Urshela appears set to start the season at Triple-A Columbus now that the Indians have finalized a contract with Juan Uribe.

Urshela struggled at the plate (.608 OPS) after being called up in June last year but his glove work at the hot corner gave him the inside track at a starting role prior to Uribe's signing. He'll head to Triple-A to start the season in order to get regular playing time.

Moustakas is the likely candidate to hit second in the Royals' lineup, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Moustakas also started last season in the two-hole, but he promptly tumbled down the lineup when the Royals acquired Ben Zobrist. Alex Gordon has an argument for hitting second this year thanks to a higher on-base percentage, but it looks like the third baseman's stronger power stats and still-respectable OBP will give him an edge. If he does hold on to that spot, he'll continue hitting ahead of Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Kendrys Morales, which can do good things to a player's run output.

Ramirez will see time in both left field and center field this spring, MLB.com reports.

Ramirez was already expected to serve as Cleveland's primary utility infielder with the departure of Mike Aviles via free agency and being able to handle a couple of outfield positions would only further his usefulness to the Tribe.

Urshela could start the season in Triple-A following the Indians' signing of Juan Uribe on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Urshela hit just .225/.279/.330 with six home runs and 21 RBI for the Tribe in 2015, so it is makes sense that they would bring in Uribe to try and solidify third base. At the age of 24, Urshela is still young and having the veteran presence of Uribe around could be a positive for his long-term development. If Uribe doesn't perform or suffers an injury, it is likely that Urshela steps in as the starter in his place.