MLB Player News

Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon missed a third straight day Sunday because of a severe chest cold. However, manager Matt Williams said Rendon will return well in advance of opening day.

Williams said Rendon is taking antibiotics and was able to go through a light workout Sunday, taking swings in the batting cage, playing catch and jogging.

"He’s getting better," Williams said, per CSN Washington. "We’ll monitor him every day, but today is better. The doctor said he’s crackling in [his chest], which is a concern. He’ll be good. It’s just going to take some time."

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado said Sunday he is fine after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand Saturday, per The Denver Post. Arenado, who might hit Sunday, said getting hit on the hand was "scary."

Arenado is having a productive spring offensively, batting .341 (14 for 41) with a .400 on-base percentage, .634 slugging percentage and 1.034 OPS in 16 spring games. He also has one triple, two home runs, four doubles and five RBI.

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche will be the team's starting third baseman, beating out prospect Maikel Franco for the spot, MLB.com.

Even with Franco sent down to the minors, Asche isn't ready to take anything for granted. Asche is hitting .175 with two doubles, three homers and six RBI in 16 Grapefruit League games.

"Until my name is on the lineup card Day 1, it's anybody's job still. I can't take anything for granted, whoever is down or whoever is here."

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado underwent X-rays on his injured left hand, which came back negative, the team announced. He is listed as day to day.

Arenado was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Indians after being hit on the left hand by a pitch. He was later diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left hand.

Arenado owns a .308/.357/.564 slash line with two homers and five RBI in 39 at-bats this spring.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was forced out of Saturday's Cactus League game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch.

Arenado was plunked by Corey Kluber in the sixth inning, which forced him out of the game. He was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left hand and will undergo precautionary X-rays on Saturday, according to the Denver Post.

Arenado is hitting .308/.357/.564 with two homers and five RBI in 39 at-bats this spring.

The Padres reassigned infielder Jace Peterson to minor-league camp Friday. He went 5 for 28 with four walks this spring with the Padres.

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.