MLB Player News

Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez will bat second against the Brewers on Opening Day Monday.

Gonzalez saw most of his at-bats in 2014 in the third and fourth slots. Just 99 of his 2,817 career at-bats have come in the second slot of the lineup.

The full Rockies lineup for Opening Day: CF Charlie Blackmon, RF Gonzalez, SS Troy Tulowitzki, 1B Justin Morneau, 3B Nolan Arenado, LF Corey Dickerson, C Nick Hundley, 2B DJ LeMahieu, SP Kyle Kendrick.

Twins manager Paul Molitor posted the team's starting lineup for Monday's Opening Day game against the Tigers.

The Twins will face LHP David Price with the following lineup: 

Danny Santana SS, Brian Dozier 2B, Joe Mauer 1B, Torii Hunter RF, Kennys Vargas DH, Trevor Plouffe 3B, Oswaldo Arcia LF, Kurt Suzuki C, Jordan Schafer CF. Phil Hughes will be the starting pitcher.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was scratched from the lineup solely to take a breather, reports the Denver Post.

Arenado has played a lot this spring, batting .267 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 63 plate appearances. 

He finished last season with a batting average of .287 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI in 111 games played.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that his lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, will be the same he uses on Opening Day, and against right-handed pitchers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The club will roll with John Jaso, Steven Souza, Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria, James Loney, Desmond Jennings, Logan Forsythe, Rene Rivera and Kevin Kiermaier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Cash told reporters he will use Brandon Guyer at the leadoff spot, Jennings and Loney will flip spots in the order, Forsythe will serve as a designated hitter and Tim Beckham will be at second base, per the Tampa Tribune.

Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar drove in three runs in a 5-2 victory over the Red Sox on Friday.

Escobar is hitting .344 this spring with four home runs and 17 RBI. He finished Friday's contest with two doubles. 

Giants infielder Matt Duffy is "at peace" with whatever the Giants decide to do with him after delivering an excellent performance this spring, MLB.com reports.

"I've done everything in my power," Duffy said Thursday. "I know it's not always an easy decision for them out of camp, so whatever happens, whatever it is, I can sleep at night knowing I've done everything I can to show them I can help them win games."

Duffy has hit .382/.424/.691 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 55 at-bats this spring.

"I don't know what else he could do," manager Bruce Bochy said. "There's nothing else. This series won't matter as far what happens to Matt Duffy. What a terrific spring this kid's had. Wherever we've put him, he's done a good job, and as far as swinging the bat. He done what you're hoping all these guys do, young players, force the issue. He certainly has done that."

Duffy is competing for a utility-infielder spot this spring.

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche revealed to reporters that he worked in Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt's hitting group throughout spring training, and has been able to apply what he learned during games, per the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"It was a lot of hitting stuff. We talked the game a lot," Asche said. "It's not like I can point out one thing. I think we both have respect for each other and willingness to learn from each other. I was glad I was able to pick his brain."

Asche is hitting .255/.280/.489 with two doubles, no home run and eight RBI over 47 Grapefruit League at-bats. He had gone four consecutive games with at least a hit before being held hitless against Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was scratched Thursday afternoon against the Phillies in Grapefruit League play because of an illness, according to the Tampa Tribune.

"He's just not feeling well," manager Kevin Cash said.

Longoria is hitting .298/.321/.511 with three homers and 10 RBI over 47 at-bats this spring. Jake Elmore will take Longoria's spot at third base and bat ninth in the lineup on Thursday.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura has worked all spring on his swing at the plate. With Opening Day on the horizon, Segura is putting the finishing touches on his swing and working to hit the ball to the opposite field, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"That's my approach," Segura said. "I always hit the ball to the other side of the field. When you lose that, you want to get it back because not many players can do it in the big leagues. I'm just lucky to have the ability to do that, and I'm just trying to improve every day."

Manager Ron Roenickes is taking notice of Segura's adjustments. 

"The sound of that ball is different," he said. "You're like 'Whoa.' I'm watching as he hits and the load is different. The hands work better. He's doing a couple of things really nice."

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Wednesday the third opinion on third baseman Anthony Rendon's injured left knee confirmed the first two opinions -- a sprained MCL.

Williams said Rendon will continue to rehab the injury, but delivered the bad news that Rendon will begin the season on the disabled list. Williams said Rendon has a week-to-week type of injury, and sources told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman that Rendon could be back in three weeks.

General manager Mike Rizzo did not put a timetable on Rendon's return.

“It's positive news,” Rizzo told Heyman. “All three (doctors) agreed. There's nothing seriously wrong, and it should remedy itself. Some turn the corner quickly and with other guys it takes a few weeks. But he will be fine.”

Yunel Escobar is expected to fill in at third base during Rendon's absence, which means Danny Espinosa will likely replace Escobar at second base. Dan Uggla could also be an option, if he makes the Opening Day roster. Ryan Zimmerman is not expected to move back to third base with Rendon sidelined.