MLB Player News

Plouffe will attend the Rangers' spring training as a non-roster invitee.

With Adrian Beltre starting at third base, Plouffe will try to earn a spot on the roster as a reserve. However, if he wants to do so, he'll need to turn things around after a disappointing 2017. Plouffe hit .198 with a .590 OPS over 100 games last season, his worst marks since reaching the majors in 2010.

Plouffe agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rangers on Monday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Plouffe's performance at the plate regressed drastically during the 2017 season. He split time between the Rays and A's, over which he played in a combined 100 games. His dismal .198/.272/.318 line accompanied a 28.1 percent strikeout rate. Plouffe has experience at the hot corner, second base, first base and the outfield, so his defensive versatility could provide some value to the Rangers. However, he'll need to show improvement on offense before being much of a fantasy asset.

Urshela heads into spring training in the mix for one of the final 25-man roster spots, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

At this time, it seems like the Indians are planning on carrying a four-man bench: a fourth outfielder, a backup catcher, a utility infielder and either a fifth outfielder or another infielder. Urshela seems to be battling with Erik Gonzalez for that final utility infielder spot under the assumption that Michael Brantley (ankle) won't be able to suit up on Opening Day, although Yandy Diaz (groin) could also be in the mix if Brantley is ready to go. Urshela's lack of minor-league options would normally work in his favor in this instance, but Gonzalez is also out of options, making that a moot point. Urshela will likely need a strong spring at the plate, as his past two seasons have left much to be desired in that respect (.587 career OPS in the majors).

Ramirez could play second base to start the season if Michael Brantley (ankle) isn't ready for Opening Day, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona said that Jason Kipnis is the top name on the second base depth chart, but Kipnis could move to the outfield to fill in for Brantley if needed. This would force Ramirez to slide over from third base to the keystone. This could work out nicely for fantasy owners, as it would likely help the 25-year-old maintain his eligibility at second base into the 2019 season. At this point, it's mostly speculation, but regardless of where he plays, Ramirez should hold plenty of value in 2018 after a breakout season in which he slashed .318/.374/.583 with 29 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

Reynolds was designated for assignment by the Mets on Wednesday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Reynolds was cast off the 40-man roster due to the club's recent signing of third baseman Todd Frazier. In 2017, Reynolds appeared in 68 games with the Mets, slashing a mediocre .230/.326/.301 with one home run and five RBI in 113 at-bats. He will serve as added depth during this upcoming campaign, but should be back at the Triple-A level for most of the season.

Suarez will make $3.75 million in 2018 after losing his arbitration case with the Reds on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

Suarez was hoping to make closer to $4.2 million this season, though he'll have to settle for a little bit less after losing his hearing. The 26-year-old is expected to enter the 2018 season as the team's starting third baseman after he hit a respectable .260/.367/.461 with 26 homers across 156 games last season, though with Nick Senzel looming in the minors, his job may not be safe the entire season.

Noriega signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Monday.

Noriega split time between Double-A Biloxi and Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2017, though he hit just .238/.258/.300 in 82 games between both stops. He should serve as organizational depth again in 2018.

According to manager Buck Showalter, Machado will begin the season as the Orioles' starting shortstop while Tim Beckham moves to the hot corner, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Machado will move back to his "natural position" and although he lost shortstop eligibility for fantasy leagues heading into this campaign, he will regain it during the season. The 25-year-old recently avoided arbitration a couple weeks ago on a one-year, $16 million deal and should be primed for a big year after an impressive second half in 2017.

The Braves officially invited Riley to big-league spring training.

Riley took part in the Arizona Fall League after playing the last couple months of the 2017 season at the Double-A level. The third baseman will get a chance to show the Braves' brass his potential when he faces major-league pitching come spring, and he could be in line for a promotion to the big leagues towards the latter part of next season if he's able to hold his own. Either way, expect Riley to start the 2018 campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett after slashing .315/.389/.511 over 48 games with Mississippi last year.

Burger has been invited to the White Sox's major-league camp this spring, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

Burger is still a year or two away from the majors, but the White Sox will nonetheless give their 2017 first-round pick a look during spring to see how he fares against major-league competition. The 21-year-old held his own in his first season of pro ball, hitting a combined .263/.336/.412 with five homers in 51 games across two levels. He has an impressive hit tool that could see him produce 25-30 homers with a .275 average when he ultimately arrives in the majors.