MLB Player News

Braves infielder Jace Peterson has likely earned a 25-man roster spot and may serve as the team's starting second baseman until Jose Peraza is deemed ready for the majors, MLB.com reports.

"I'm just competing," Peterson said Wednesday. "Of course [being on the major league] roster is the goal for everyone here in camp. Thinking about all that kind of stuff, people tend to put a little extra pressure on themselves. Me, whenever I'm called on, I'm going to play. Hopefully, on opening day, that's where I'm at. That's the goal."

While not ready to name Peterson his starter at second base, manager Fredi Gonzalez has been impressed with the former Padre's versatility and athleticism.

"He's an athlete," Gonzalez said. "He gives you the ability to play in the middle of the diamond."

Peterson went 6 for 53 with the Padres in his first major-league season last year but also hit .307/.402/.447 with three home runs, 46 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 322 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said first baseman Pedro Alvarez (elbow) is expected to return to game action Thursday against the Red Sox, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"Pedro was given a very aggressive workout today and the reports came back that he's fine and ready to go," Hurdle said.

Nationals manager Matt Williams announced Wednesday third baseman Anthony Rendon was scratched from the lineup against the Tigers due to swelling in his left knee.

Williams said Rendon banged his knee while making a diving play Monday. However, the injury is not considered serious and the Nationals are expecting Rendon to be OK in a few days.

The 24-year-old Rendon was a breakout star in 2014. The 2011 first-round pick hit .287 with 21 home runs, 39 doubles, 83 RBI and 111 runs in 153 games.

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche was removed from Monday's spring game against the Orioles in the top of the sixth inning after getting hit by a pitch on his right elbow. Asche was 0 for 2 with one strikeout before leaving the game.

Asche was diagnosed with a bruised right triceps.

Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez suffered a hyperextended elbow and will miss a few games while recovering, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Alvarez indicated that the elbow is fine and the Pirates said he can work out as tolerable. The former third baseman is spending his first spring training at first base and said last week he feels comfortable with the shift.

Alvarez hit .231/.312/.405 with 18 home runs, 56 RBI and eight stolen bases in 398 at-bats.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura has been working on making his swing less flat-footed, per the team's offical website.

The 24-year-old has been impressing his observers with his swing as of late due to a subtle change in mechanics.  One of those observers includes Brewers manager Ron Roenicke.

"I just like his at-bats and the new mechanics of his swing. I like what he's doing," Roenicke said. "He's [staying] back, which should allow him to see the ball better."

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado powered a three-run home run over the left field wall in Saturday's win 7-5 win over the Cubs. Arenado was ecstatic to power through the pitch, reports the Denver Post.

"It always feels good to hit the ball hard and drive the ball," Arenado said. "But there's still a lot of work to be done. I’m not feeling totally comfortable up there, but it was nice to see the ball well today."

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt clubbed a two-run homer off Athletics starting pitcher Barry Zito during Thursday's spring game. He connected on an 0-2 changeup.

“It’s one of the best at-bats I’ve had in a while,” Olt said, per MLB.com. 

Olt spent some time this offseason working on refining his swing.

“I feel like it’s night and day,” Olt said of his swing now compared to last season. “Last year, I said I felt my swing was there, but secretly I knew in my head I was swinging at pitches I wasn’t supposed to. I’m feeling like I’m tracking the ball a lot better this year and a lot of the changes we’ve made to my swing are the reason why.”

Pirates infielder Pedro Alvarez is feeling comfortable at first base, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

After playing third the past couple of seasons, Alvarez will transition to first base full-time in 2015. The 28-year-old is still getting used to the position, but he seems comfortable with the change.

"It’s just a matter of getting used to seeing the field from that point of view, get the reps in so that the responsibilities that come with playing the position become second nature," he said. "That’s just with time and repetitions."

Alvarez hit .231/.312/.405 over 398 at-bats last season. 

Braves infielder Jace Peterson has the inside track to start at second base for the club this season and manager Fredi Gonzalez was impressed with his play in the spring training debut Wednesday. Peterson doubled and drew two walks in the game.

"He smoked that ball," Gonzalez said. "I like his ability and that you can run him out there at shortstop and let him play that position. We'll play him back and forth on the diamond and see what happens."

Gonzalez knows he has the ability to step in and play very soon.

"You like his baseball abilities, his makeup and his character," Gonzalez said. "He's not just a throw-in [in the trade], he's a baseball player."