MLB Player News

LeMahieu may be used as the Rockies' No. 8 hitter to begin the season, with Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story occupying the first two spots in the batting order, according to the Denver Post.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss used that configuration for his lineup in an "A" game over the weekend. Story's lack of experience as a big league player may lead to a quick hook from the No. 2 role if he struggles at the plate out of the gates, and LeMahieu's team-high .358 OBP a year ago would make him a candidate to quickly move up in the order if needed. Nevertheless, hitting eighth would put a damper on LeMahieu's ability to rack up a high runs scored total, as he won't have Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado hitting behind him if that arrangement holds up.

The Brewers informed Rivera on Tuesday that he has made the team's Opening Day roster, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports.

Rivera earned a spot on the active roster thanks to a sizzling spring that saw him post a .984 OPS. He will not start at any position, but he will be the Brewers' utility infielder, and can fill in at the three spots left of first base.

Rivera is 13-for-43 (.302) with four doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI through 20 spring games.

Rivera is known more for his glove than his bat, but he has excelled at the plate this spring and has shown some pop in the process. He remains in contention for a utility spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster.

Asche (oblique) will start the season on the disabled list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Asche has missed every spring training game due to the injury, and it appears that the issue is bad enough that he'll need to start the season on the shelf. With this development, recently-acquired Will Venable, David Lough, and Cedric Hunter are the leaders to garner the final reserve outfielder spot on the Phillies 25-man roster.

Peterson will be the primary second baseman for Atlanta at the start of the season and will not be in a platoon, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Peterson got playing time around the infield this spring, but the Braves have decided to see if he can hold down the second base job. While Kelly Johnson and Gordon Beckham may get spot starts at second base, it looks like Peterson will be an everyday player initially.

Devers was summoned to play for Boston in Saturday's game against Baltimore. He went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.

Devers is a highly regarded hitting prospect at the top of the organizational rankings published in several outlets. After spending the entire season at Low-A Greenville in 2015, the 19-year-old third baseman will open this season at High-A Salem.

Devers will begin the year at High-A Salem, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

The uber-talented 19-year-old prospect will move up a level to High-A to start the season after spending the past couple of years in rookie league and Low-A Greenville. He still has some work to do before the Red Sox move him up through the organization, but the future is bright for Devers.

Urshela was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

This move doesn't come as a major surprise after the Indians inked Juan Uribe to take over at third base during the offseason. Still, Urshela has the tools to be the Indians' third baseman of the future, although he may have a hard time cracking the 25-man roster anytime soon unless Uribe or Lonnie Chisenhall gets injured.

Reynolds went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs Friday against the Cardinals.

Reynolds also showed his versatility, starting the game at shortstop and then moving to second base. He has a strong chance of breaking camp with then Mets, even if Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) is ready to start the season.

Alvarez will start at third base in his remaining spring training games, MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli reports.

He is hitting .190 with a home run and two doubles in 21 at-bats this spring, and the Orioles will try to get a look at what Alvarez has to offer defensively at the hot corner in their remaining exhibitions. While J.J. Hardy is having a great spring (.333/.371/.515), he posted a career-low .564 OPS last season and appears to be on a downward trajectory at the plate. If Hardy doesn't bounce back on offense, the O's could look to give Manny Machado some starts at shortstop with Alvarez manning third base, which gives him an outside shot to add that eligibility this season.