MLB Player News

The Pirates are planning to use Pedro Alvarez as their everyday first baseman in 2015, despite his struggles against left-handed pitchers. Alvarez is batting .196 in his career against southpaws.

"We're going to find out. It's going to be Pedro's job to keep," manager Clint Hurdle said, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Pedro knows what challenges he's got to meet. He loves his teammates, he wants to do well and perform well. He's taken on some necessary opportunities this winter to prepare and get ready."

Following an All-Star campaign in 2013, Brewers shortstop Jean Segura had a down year in 2014. He struggled offensively, batting just .246 with a .289 on-base percentage, but manager Ron Roenicke is hopeful Segura will bounce back in 2015, per MLB.com.

"I think just mentally and maturity-wise, I think he's in a lot better place than he was last year for a lot of the season," Roenicke said of Segura, who became a father in October. "So I'm hoping he comes back and has another great year. If not, Hector [Gomez] is there, and [prospect Orlando] Arcia is coming." 

The Pirates have tendered a contract to 11 arbitration-eligible players prior to Tuesday's deadline, according to the team's official website. Those players include: Sean Rodriguez, Neil Walker, Francisco Cervelli, Mark Melancon, Chris Stewart, Travis Snider, Pedro Alvarez, Tony Watson, Josh Harrison, Jared Hughes and Vance Worley.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez is expected to have a normal offseason, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Alvarez had a stress reaction in his foot. The injury ended his season prematurely. The team designated Ike Davis for assignment Thursday, confirming it will move ahead with Alvarez at first next season. General manager Neal Huntington confirmed the news, saying "we've essentially committed to Pedro over Ike Davis."

The Red Sox will target Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and Indians counterpart Lonnie Chisenhall as trade possibilities if their attempt to sign free agent Pablo Sandoval is unsuccessful, according to the Boston Herald.

The 27-year-old Alvarez was moved to first base last season, but prefers the hot corner, where he committed 24 throwing errors in 2014. Chisenhall also struggled mightily on defense and fizzled out at the plate after a torrid start.

Both players are arbitration-eligible. The Indians have been rumored to be seeking an upgrade at third base and are also looking to be less dependent on left-handed hitters.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday infielder Josh Harrison will be the team's "regular" third baseman in 2015, per MLB.com. Although, Huntington did leave the door open for Pedro Alvarez to receive some starts at third base as well.

"His (best) fit is at first, but we'll keep Pedro's versatility in mind," Huntington said.

After being re-examined the day before his team got eliminated by the Giants, Pirates infielder Pedro Alvarez will not require surgery for the stress reaction in his left foot, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Alvarez played just one game since Aug. 27 because of the issue. He batted .231/.312/.405 over 398 at-bats. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (foot) and catcher Chris Stewart (wrist) are not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's wild-card game against the Giants. Alvarez hasn't played since Sept. 5, while Stewart sits in favor of regular starter Russell Martin.

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu left Friday's game with a knee sprain, the Denver Post reports.

LeMahieu is listed as day-to-day with two games remaining on the schedule. He has hit .267/.315/.348 with five home runs, 42 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 494 at-bats.

The Cubs will talk with infielder Mike Olt about learning the corner outfield positions this offseason, ESPNChicago.com reports.

"He's always a threat against left-handed pitching, so he can be a guy that covers the four corners and mashes left-handed pitching," team president Theo Epstein said Friday. "That's a nice default for him if the opportunity to play every day doesn't materialize."

Olt has hit .263/.370/.368 in 38 at-bats since rejoining the Cubs in September.