MLB Player News

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura will not play Friday for the second straight day due to arm soreness, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The issue is believed to be minor, and Segura should be able to return to action within the next few days.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Friday that he's not ready to name a starter at second base, CSNWashington.com reports.

Anthony Rendon, who has hit .344/.421/.500 in 32 at-bats this spring, is the heavy favorite to serve as the regular second baseman. Danny Espinosa is likely ticketed for a utility role.

Cubs infielder Mike Olt will make his spring debut at third base Thursday, ESPNChicago.com reports.

Olt has been limited to DH duties this spring as he recovers from soreness in his throwing shoulder. If everything goes according to plan Thursday, it looks like he'll avoid a DL stint at the beginning of the season.

Cubs infielder Mike Olt felt good enough to DH Tuesday against the Rangers after getting some treatment for his sore shoulder. He said he will have to see if he can play in the field Wednesday, per ESPN.

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt was scratched from Monday's spring lineup because of fatigue in his right shoulder, per MLB.com. But the injury is not considered serious.

"We're looking to keep him healthy," manager Rick Renteria said.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin plans to meet with principal owner Mark Attanasio this weekend to discuss offering an extension to shortstop Jean Segura, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Segura isn't eligible for arbitration until after the 2015 season and isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2018 season, so there's no imminent need to sign Segura to a longterm deal. However, both sides have reasons to negotiate for a multiyear extension, as it would give the organization future payroll clarity with one of its best young players while providing Segura with financial security.

Cubs infielder Mike Olt delivered his best performance of the spring Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with two home runs and three RBI in his team's game against the Mariners.

Olt has dealt with a sore shoulder this spring, but if he can get some time at third base soon without suffering a setback, that and a strong offensive performance could instill him as the starter at the hot corner once the season begins. He's 7 for 21 with three home runs and six RBI in seven games while serving as a designated hitter.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado believes he's found the right approach at the plate after working hard in the offseason to correct what plagued him in 2013, per MLB.com. The results have been visible early in spring training, as Arenado is batting .455 (10 for 22) with a .773 slugging percentage through nine games.

"I worked in the offseason, tried to stay on my back leg more and recognize pitches -- that's the way you're supposed to hit," he said. "Last year, I hit that way for a bit, but I also created a bad habit that got me out in front. I'm trying to get away from that. Right now it feels good.

"'Last year, I knew I was in front. That's what got me in trouble. But it was hard to break the habit. Knowing now that I need to finish on my back leg, it's easier to feel if I popped the ball up, 'Oh, I dipped.' As long as I'm turning my hips and staying back, I believe I'll be able to figure out things a little bit quicker."

Teammate Troy Tulowitzki has high hopes for Arenado.

"I think he's going to be a big RBI guy, and he was in the minor leagues," Tulowitzki said. "If you look at his strikeout totals, they're not high. Anytime you have a young kid who's not striking out -- or anyone, they don't have to be a young kid -- they're going to be a high RBI guy."

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado continued his strong spring performance Tuesday by going 3 for 3 with a triple, his first home run, two runs and two RBI in his team's 13-0 win over the Cubs.

Arenado also drew a walk in the standout performance, and he's now 10 for 22 this spring with four extra-base hits, all coming in his last two games. He owns a .455/.500/.773 line through nine games played.

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt has been limited to games at first base and DH this spring because of a sore throwing shoulder, per ESPN.

"It's been a good thing for me to get familiar at first base," Olt said. "I won't lose anything at third base. I want to be a versatile player.

"I've thrown there (third base) the last couple of days. My velocity is right where it needs to be ... I've had (shoulder tenderness) almost every year. You get here, you get excited and you throw a little too much."