MLB Player News

Despite playing just 45 games in the majors, Jean Segura will be the starting shortstop for the Brewers on opening day. Segura, who was acquired in the Zack Greinke deal last summer, batted .258 with 14 RBI and seven stolen bases in 2012. "We are (committing to an inexperienced player) but he has really good aptitude, a really good tool set, good speed, good range, good hands, great arm," manager Ron Roenicke told The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "So, he's got the ability, if the mental part is right, to be a very good shortstop for a very long time."

The Denver Post claims that infielder Nolan Arenado is "in the mix" to win the Rockies' third base job this spring. Arenado, the Rockies' top prospect, is in spring training as a non-roster invitee. He is battling with Chris Nelson and Jordan Pacheco for the job.

Manny Machado enters his first major-league camp projected to be the starting third baseman for the Orioles in 2013. Manager Buck Showalter has not named him the starter yet, however, so the 20-year-old has been working on his defense at the hot corner. "It's still tough," said Machado, who made the move from shortstop to third base when he was promoted on Aug 9. "I'm not really used to it, comfortable with it, but it definitely does help that I played it before going into [this season]. I still feel like a shortstop, but it's kind of a good thing sometimes instead of just thinking like a third baseman."

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria reported to camp early so the training staff could begin working on his surgically repaired right hamstring, according to the The Tampa Tribune. Longoria had minor surgery in late November. "Two weeks after surgery I was feeling like a new man," he said. Longoria said he has been running, but hasn't attempted any bursts, which would put stress on his hamstring. Longoria said he isn't sure when he will begin playing in spring training games, but he will be ready by opener. Longoria said he will be open to taking days off during the season as a preventive measure. "If it keeps me on the field, I'll do it," he said.

FOX Sports Southwest reports Rangers prospect Mike Olt is ready to play multiple positions this spring. "I'm everywhere," Olt said. "Third. First. Outfield. I'm going to focus a little bit more on first and the outfield. Last year in spring training I was so focused on third base knowing I was going to be going back to Double-A and playing third base. This year it's going to be focusing on my weaknesses." Olt doesn't have a ton of pro experience in the outfield, but he's ready for the challenge. "I'm comfortable," said Olt, who also played some outfield this winter in the Dominican Republic. "I will be comfortable once I practice. I never practiced last year. I was just going out there, playing three games in Frisco randomly and once in the big leagues. Once I practice I feel like I could be pretty good."

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters Tuesday the team will enter spring training with Nelson Cruz as the starting right fielder, but Daniels said other players will see time in the outfield this spring in case something happens to Cruz, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. While Mitch Moreland is a leading candidate to spell Cruz in right field, Daniels said infield prospects Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar will also get playing time in the outfield. "Down in the Dominican [last week] we saw some of these guys, and our message to them was, 'Whatever your position was in the minor leagues, you're a baseball player now,'" Daniels said. "'Whether you're a middle infielder, you may play on the corner, you may play some outfield. Just be prepared.'"

MLB.com reports Nationals prospect Anthony Rendon was pleased with his effort in the Arizona Fall League after he was limited to 43 games last season due to an ankle injury. Rendon was particularly disappointed with his performance at Double-A Harrisburg, where he hit .162 in 21 games after returning from a long layoff. Rendon hit .338 with 10 doubles and 11 RBI in 22 games in the AFL. "Coming back, I struggled big time," said Rendon, who added playing in the AFL was key to his confidence. "I can't even lie about it. Trying to come back and trying to face all those good pitchers, I felt like I didn't know how to play baseball." The Nationals anticipate the 2011 first-round pick (sixth overall) having a breakout year. "He's not a sexy guy because he's well thought of," Nationals' director of player development Doug Harris said. "But we anticipate a strong year out of Anthony."

Last year, the Twins witnessed two different versions of third baseman Trevor Plouffe. They're hoping only one side becomes a mainstay for the upcoming season, while he grasps the starting job at third base after improving his defense during the offseason. "The opportunity is there for him to take that job if he does so," general manager Terry Ryan told FOX Sports North earlier this week. "I'm waiting to see exactly what he does. There isn't any reason with his skill set that he shouldn't be able to handle that." Plouffe bashed 19 homers, including five during a four-game span, during the first half of last season before a thumb injury derailed his progress after the All-Star break.

The Washington Times reports Saturday that Nationals prospect Anthony Rendon has completely recovered from his ankle injury. He should be 100 percent healthy for spring training. Rendon is recovered from a severe broken ankle and will compete for a roster spot in spring training with the Nationals.

Cody Asche is among the Phillies' non-roster invitees to big-league camp this spring, and though he doesn't have a real chance of making the team, the 22-year-old can further establish himself as the club's third baseman of the future, according to MLB.com. "He came a long way last year," said general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "We talked about it a lot, that he made a mechanical adjustment." After hitting only .192 in 239 at-bats as a first-year pro in 2011, Asche hit .324 with 12 homers and an .849 OPS in 518 at-bats between Class A and Double-A last year. "He seems to be one of those baseball rat type guys, where he's not going allow impediments to stop him," Amaro said. "We'll see how he continues to progress. Obviously, he's got a chance to swing the bat. He's got a chance to be a decent third baseman. We'll see how he progresses."