MLB Player News

Last spring, Rockies prospect Nolan Arenado was in the running for the starting third base job. Though he ultimately began the year at Double-A Tulsa, he continued to wait for that call to the majors -- a call that never came. According to MLB.com, the unfulfilled anticipation was a big reason he slumped midseason, batting .165 in July. "I thought there was a chance of getting called up, and that was part of it," Arenado said. He was able to regroup and finish the year on a high note, batting .366 with four home runs in his final 30 games, and now seems to have a better mindset heading into 2013. "He learned to focus on what's in front of you -- just play the game, and not worry about a lot of things that may or may not come in the future," said Bill Geivett, the Rockies' senior vice president of major league operations.

MASNsports.com reports Orioles manager Buck Showalter said it would be a huge surprise if Manny Machado didn't make the opening day roster, but he added the second-year infielder still has to earn his job in spring training. Manny's got some things to prove. He doesn't know it yet, but he hasn't made our club yet," Showalter said.

The Orioles acquired third baseman Danny Valencia from the Red Sox on Wednesday. They will receive cash considerations in return. Valencia hit .188 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 44 games with the Twins and Red Sox in 2012.

Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday after getting hit in the elbow by a pitch last week. He finished 1 for 3 with a run scored in the 4-3 defeat.