MLB Player News

  • Willy Adames SS | SF

    Rays' Willy Adames: Making strong impression in spring

    Adames, the Rays' No. 1 prospect, is impressing this spring in his first exposure to the majors, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I'm just excited to be here," Adames said. "Every day practicing with these guys. Learning from them. Just very thankful for this opportunity. Just try to do what I can to get better."

    The 21-year-old shortstop arrived in Tampa as part of the David Price trade in August 2014 and has progressed well within the Rays system since that point. He slashed a solid .274/.372/.430 with 31 doubles, six triples, 11 homers, 57 RBI and 13 stolen bases over 132 games at Double-A Montgomery last season, which earned him Southern League All-Star honors. Adames is yet to break through at the plate -- with only one hit in his first seven at-bats through Wednesday -- but has impressed with his attitude and mental approach during what is his first extended stretch among big leaguers. "He's got all the actions," said Tom Foley, the Rays' bench and infield coach. "This guy is energy every day. The same kid. Smile on his face. Upbeat. You see that every day. That's not a facade."

  • Carlos Correa SS | HOU

    Astros' Carlos Correa: Makes Grapefruit League debut

    Correa went 1-for-3 with a walk in Sunday's game against the Braves.

    Houston's projected starting shortstop was delayed at the onset of camp after having his wisdom teeth removed, but he's at full strength now. Correa will sit out Monday's game before playing the next two. After that, he's off to the World Baseball Classic to compete for Team Puerto Rico.

  • Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts: Sets base-stealing goal

    Bogaerts has set a goal to steal at least 20 bases during the 2017 season, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

    Bogaerts stole a career-high 13 bags last season, but feels Boston's offensive plan will need to be different without David Ortiz in the lineup. Whereas last season he would remain put when getting on base in front of Ortiz, he feels the offense may need to a bit more creative in 2017. Adding a stolen-base element to his burgeoning offensive repertoire will certainly enhance the shortstop's value.

  • Angels' Cliff Pennington: Returns to lineup Sunday

    Pennington (illness) is back in the lineup for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

    Pennington had been recovering from flu-like symptoms over the last few days, but he'll be back in action at second base Sunday. The veteran infielder is competing for a utility role with the Angels, but even if he makes the Opening Day roster, don't expect him to see enough at-bats to make much of an impact in the fantasy realm.

  • Tim Anderson 2B | LAA

    White Sox's Tim Anderson: Leads off in Cactus League opener

    Anderson was the White Sox's leadoff hitter in Saturday's game against the Dodgers. He went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout.

    White Sox manager Rick Renteria is looking for a leadoff hitter this spring after the team traded away Adam Eaton, who started 119 games last season atop Chicago's order. Anderson is being given the first crack as a replacement, but is not an ideal leadoff hitter, as evidenced by a 27.1 percent strikeout rate and .306 on-base percentage in 2016. He's cognizant of what's needed from a leadoff hitter -- seeing more pitches, reducing strikeouts -- but Anderson said he doesn't plan to change his approach too much. Renteria is confident in Anderson's ability to adapt, but also indicated others will get opportunities.

  • Ehire Adrianza 3B | LAA

    Twins' Ehire Adrianza: Competing for utility role

    Adrianza will compete with Eduardo Escobar and Danny Santana for a utility role this spring, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

    Adrianza's glove rates well by advanced metrics (career average UZR/150 of 19.8) and may be needed at times to replace potentially below-average gloves at third base and shortstop in Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco. As a result, Adrianza may have the lead over Danny Santana, who doesn't have a strong infield glove, for the final spot on the bench as spring training begins.

  • Angels' Cliff Pennington: Dealing with flu symptoms

    Pennington is dealing with flu-like symptoms, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

    It's unknown whether the illness has set him back at all in spring training, but it's likely nothing too serious at this point. Pennington hit just .209 in 74 games with the Angels last season and is likely to serve as a reserve infielder this season behind Andrelton Simmons and Danny Espinosa. Consider him day-to-day for now.

  • Carlos Correa SS | HOU

    Astros' Carlos Correa: Cleared for full workouts

    Correa fully participated in Wednesday's workout after being cleared for all activities, Jake Kaplan of The Houston Chronicle reports.

    Correa had been limited in workouts after having his wisdom teeth removed last week, but manager A.J. Hinch says the slugger is "a full go." Expect the young shortstop to be ready for the Astros' first Grapefruit League game on Saturday.

  • Carlos Correa SS | HOU

    Astros' Carlos Correa: Takes batting practice in cage Tuesday

    Correa (teeth) logged a workout Tuesday and was able to take about 50 swings in the batting cage, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

    Correa's start to spring training was delayed after he had his wisdom teeth removed last week, but his activity Tuesday suggests any lingering pain in his mouth is no longer an issue. The shortstop should soon resume the same workouts as the rest of his teammates and doesn't look to be in any danger of missing the beginning of Grapefruit League play.

  • Carlos Correa SS | HOU

    Astros' Carlos Correa: Expected to return this week

    Correa (teeth) has increased his activity but has yet to resume throwing or hitting, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

    Correa had his wisdom teeth removed last week and hasn't participated in practice since showing up at spring training. Houston manager A.J. Hinch is hopeful the shortstop can return in the next couple of days.

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