MLB Player News

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez broke an 0-for-14 slide in his previous four games with a 2-for-3 game Thursday against the Mets that included a home run, his sixth of the season. His batting average, which had dipped to .168, is now .182.

After an incredible first week in the majors, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has been hitless against the Yankees over the past two games. 

Arenado hit three home runs during his debut week, so Fantasy owners knew he wouldn't keep up that pace. There's no reason to worry after two games. While Arenado doesn't have a hit, he also hasn't struck out, so he's not hurting Fantasy owners this week. Arenado has never been an elite walker in the minors, so that would be the one area to watch going forward. Given the Rockies' lack of talent at the postition, Arenado should have a long leash if he falls into a prolonged slump.

Consider me among the buyers on the Brewers' Jean Segura. I know he didn't hit many home runs in the minors, but if I may quote the Baseball America Prospect Handbook from 2012, the last year he was eligible:

"His bat is lightning-quick, and he could consistently bat .290 with as many as 20 homers at his peak."

Granted, age 23 isn't considered a player's peak, but given Segura's contact rate, as long as he's capable of putting a charge in the ball, he's a good bet for double-digit homers. As of now, I'll predict 15 for him.

The stolen bases and batting average are almost assured at this point, so 15 are enough to make him a high-end shortstop. Right now, I rank him 10th at the position, but I've been toying with moving him ahead of Asdrubal Cabrera and Elvis Andrus for a few days now.

Coming into this season, Pedro Alvarez had rightfully earned the reputation for being an all-or-nothing hitter. So far this year, he has done nothing to dispel that image and everything to reinforce it.

Alvarez has five home runs, but he has been striking out more often and walking less. He's also batting just .178, and he has yet to get a base hit on a flyball that stayed in the park. Some of that may be bad luck, but it hasn't helped that he has already produced eight infield flies. Those strikeouts and popups are products of an increasingly undisciplined approach, as Alvarez is swinging at pitches more often, particularly at those outside the strike zone.

Owners could live with Alvarez hitting .250, as long as he produces power, and in past seasons -- both in the majors and the minors -- he has shown the potential to do just that. Until he shows progress, though, find a place on your bench for the Pirates' slugger.

In my preseason projections, I had Jean Segura hitting four home runs this season. Now that the Brewers' shortstop has reached that total in early May, it appears I have some re-thinking to do.

All four of Segura's homers have come at Miller Park, which is one of the National League's three best home run venues. My meager expectations for Segura's power were largely based on his stats from Double-A Arkansas (seven home runs in 374 at-bats) and Advanced Class A Inland Empire (three home runs in 185 at-bats). However, according to the Minor League Park Multipliers on Baseball Think Factory, those parks have been among the most difficult in which to homer in the Texas and California Leagues, respectively.

An improved hitting environment alone won't make Segura a power hitter, but the display of early season thump makes the 23-year-old a little more intriguing. If you're thinking of selling Segura high, consider holding on to him a little longer.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura is slugging .523 in 111 at-bats this season.

Segura's power surge is surprising considering what he's done in the minors. Segura had a .464 slugging percentage in 2010, his highest full season rate in the minors. Much of Segura's success has been reliant on a 15.4 percent home run per fly ball rate. Segura wasn't selected as a power hitter, and won't continue to be one, but it's been nice for Fantasy owners to get some added power from an unexpected place.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado made his presence felt late in Saturday's contest against the Rays.

Arenado took starter David Price deep for a grand slam in the seventh inning to break the game open. He finished 1 for 5 with a run scored and four RBI in a 9-3 victory.

Arenado has homered twice in his last five games. He is hitting .347 (8 for 23) with two homers and seven RBI over that span. The 22-year-old is hitting .308 through his first 27 at-bats after being recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura hit his fourth home run Saturday against the Cardinals. Segura belted the two-run shot off starter Adam Wainwright in the first inning on the third pitch of the game.

He also singled in the fifth, finishing 2 for 5 with two RBI and a run scored in a 7-6 defeat.

Segura is batting .336/.385/.533 with four home runs and 13 RBI over 107 at-bats.

It may have been brief, but Nationals prospect Anthony Rendon said his nearly two-week stint with the parent club gave him a glimpse of his future. The 22-year-old Rendon, widely considered the team's top prospect, was sent back to Double-A Harrisburg Friday after Ryan Zimmerman was activated from the disabled list.

"It was awesome," he told The Washington Post. "I think it’s been a good experience. I got a taste of what it’s going to be like ... and I know what to work on when I go back and I know what to look forward to if I get to come back."

After having one hit in his first three games, Rendon reached base in his final four outings and finished with a .240 batting average.

"He's done very well in the field and he’s had some awfully good at-bats," manager Davey Johnson said. "It’s not going to be long before he’s back here. He’s a good player."

Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will be sent down to Double-A Harrisburg after Thursday's game against the Braves, according to the Washington Times. Rendon will travel with the Nationals  to Pittsburgh Friday before joining the team in Harrisburg. Ryan Zimmerman is expected to come off the disabled list to take Rendon's place on the roster.

Rendon closed out his stay with the major-league team with one of his best performances, as he went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored in a 3-1 win over the Braves.

Rendon batted .240 with a .367 on-base percentage and one extra-base hit in eight appearances.