MLB Player News

Machado went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and four RBI from the No. 3 spot in the order in Friday's win over the Yankees. Afterward, manager Buck Showalter reiterated his stance that Machado could hit anywhere in the order and succeed, the Baltimore Sun reports. "I think he produced a lot of runs leading off last year by scoring runs and setting up others," Showalter said. "I've said it many times, Manny is capable of hitting in about five [different] spots in the order. Really, all nine if you really want to make it simple, but a lot of it depends on what serves the club. It's good to have those options."

More than 500 of Machado's 633 at-bats last season came between the top two spots in the lineup, and he's been in those same spots throughout most of spring training. There are those out there that believe Machado's a better fit lower in the order, and Friday's performance showed why it might make sense to move him down, but Showalter's spring lineups have mostly had Adam Jones, Chris Davis, and Mark Trumbo in the heart of the order.

Martinson was reassigned to minor league camp Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

Martinson fared reasonably well with the Nationals this spring, slashing .304/.448/.391, but the club needed to trim down its roster with Opening Day approaching. He'll head down to minor league camp and figures to take on a utility role at Triple-A Syracuse to start the season.

Arenado is slashing .600/.594/1.000 with two home runs, nine RBI, and five runs in 11 spring games.

The 24-year-old is performing at another level right now. If he can hit anywhere near this torrid pace during the regular season, he could make the Rockies and his fantasy owners ecstatic. He'll slot into the heart of the Colorado lineup, affording him plenty of RBI opportunities throughout the season.

Candelario was optioned to Double-A Tennessee on Friday.

He played in 46 games at the Double-A level last season, matching his home run total from his time with High-A Myrtle Beach (five) in 161 fewer plate appearances.

Asche (oblique) played four innings in the outfield Thursday in a minor league game, CSN Philadelphia reports.

Asche did not bat, but has started doing some light swinging in the batting cage. It is reaching the point where it is going to be very difficult for Asche to be ready for Opening Day. He might miss the first week or two of the regular season in order to get in enough work, but should not be forgotten in deeper drafts. He figures to earn at least a share of the playing time in left field this season with Aaron Altherr sidelined for 4-6 months.

Valencia hit his third homer of the spring Thursday, a two-run shot off James Paxton.

Valenica enter the season as the clear cut starting third baseman for the A's after posting an .886 OPS for the A's in 183 at-bats in 2015. Valencia has been hitting in the middle of the order for the A's in the spring games that he has appeared, likely a good sign that he will find himself there to start the season.

Rendon went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored in the Nats' win over Atlanta on Thursday afternoon.

Moving back to third base on an everyday basis, Rendon no longer has to worry about the physical rigors of manning the keystone. He's not tearing the cover off the ball this spring through 10 games, but Rendon is completely healthy, and that is essential in his bid to rebound from a disappointing 2015 campaign.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Longoria (shin) was sore but was walking around fine and could be the designated hitter Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Considering it's spring training, it wouldn't be surprising for a veteran like Longoria to take a day off to rest his ailment, but the injury appears to be minor enough that even a day at designated hitter wouldn't be problematic. His status for Friday's game should become clearer as game time approaches.

Olt signed a minor league contract with San Diego that does not include an invitation to spring training, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Olt was released by the White Sox on Tuesday. He'll likely add depth at Triple-A with Yangervis Solarte set to begin the season as San Diego's starting third baseman.

Longoria left Thursday's exhibition game with a shin contusion, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

Longoria was replaced by Richie Shaffer at third base after fouling a pitch off his lower leg in his first at-bat Thursday. He figures to receive treatment the rest of the day and the Rays could hold him out of Friday's game against Boston if he is still experiencing soreness before the game.