MLB Player News

Mondesi enters camp in a four-way battle for the second base job, The Associated Press reports.

While he is the least proven of the keystone hopefuls in Kansas City, Mondesi is easily the best defender and is most clearly a part of the team's long-term future, as he will likely slide over to shortstop when Alcides Escobar leaves after the 2017 season. If he were to beat out Christian Colon, Cheslor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield for the starting job, Mondesi would likely post a batting average in the low .200s, but he stole nine bases (on 10 attempts) in 149 plate appearances last year, so he could be a big contributor in that category.

Bogaerts' slump during the second half of 2016 was partially due to him making a decision where he wanted to hit the ball before the pitch reached him, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Bogaerts hit just .253/.317/.412/.729 after the All-Star break, though within that stretch there were pockets of a better approach, something that assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez pointed out to the shortstop. "You just have to start up the middle," Bogaerts said. "If you start up the middle, you can hit in and away. Sometimes I think too much away, and when they throw me in, all I can do is a little jam shot. If you think middle and keep your body straight, you see it and recognize -- and boom." As much as the 24-year-old shortstop has developed since entering the majors, the last bit of potential that remains untapped is avoiding those annoying prolonged slumps. That will come when he consistently stays back and reacts accordingly to the pitch delivered to him.

Correa (teeth) reported to spring training Friday but will not resume baseball activity for a couple of days, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The star shortstop's arrival to Astros camp was delayed after he had to have his wisdom teeth removed Thursday. Fortunately, it appears Correa will only need a few days to recover before resuming full baseball activity. More updates on Correa will follow once he's ready to return, which will likely come early next week.

Correa (teeth) might be limited for the first few days of Astros spring workouts after having his wisdom teeth removed Thursday according to manager A.J. Hinch, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The club still expects him to report on Friday, before the team starts full-squad workouts Saturday. After a brief rest, the elite fantasy shortstop should be ready to go for normal preseason prep.

Bogaerts is slated to play third base for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop confirmed it while he said he'd play second base. Bogaerts is no stranger to the hot corner, having logged 53 games there in two big-league seasons. Perhaps there's a modicum of concern for someone playing out of position in this exhibition tournament, but Bogaerts remains a solid top shortstop in a crowded fantasy class.

O'Malley is the early favorite for the Mariners' utility spot entering spring training, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old has seen action in 113 games over the last two seasons in Seattle and slashed .229/.299/.319 with nine doubles, two triples, two homers and 17 RBI in 2016. Last season, the switch-hitter was deployed at second base, third base and shortstop while also seeing action at all three outfield positions. His versatility and experience give him the early edge, but O'Malley could be pushed by newcomer Taylor Motter and Mike Freeman.

Lindor will play for Team Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

In only a short time in the majors, Lindor has blossomed into one of the game's young superstars. The Indians shortstop is coming off a campaign in which he was named an All-Star and earned both Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards for his defensive prowess, following a 2015 season in which he was the runner-up for the AL Rookie of the Year Award. The WBC should help Lindor get firing on all cylinders prior to Opening Day.

Pennington looks to be the primary backup middle infielder for the Angels again this season, the Orange County Register reports.

Pennington served as a backup at both second and short last season, batting .209 with three homers and 10 RBI in 188 plate appearances. Those numbers are lacking for a major league bat, but his solid defense down the middle will keep him in the conversation for acting as a backup to Andrelton Simmons and Danny Espinosa.

Adrianza was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Monday.

This is the second time in the last two weeks the switch-hitter has been scooped off waivers, with the Twins designating reliever Pat Light for assignment to make room for Adrianza. He has seen scattered time with the Giants over the past four seasons, and slashed .254/.299/.381 over 63 at-bats with them in 2016. He'll provide depth for the Twins with his solid glove and ability to play around the infield.

Anderson ranked 10th in Defensive Runs Saved and 11th in Ultimate Zone Rating among shortstops that played at least 800 innings in 2016.

Anderson's athleticism was never questioned when the White Sox selected him 17th overall in the 2013, but whether he had enough defense in him to remain at shortstop was. As evidenced by his performance in 2016, his defensive improvement means he'll be firmly ensconced as the team's starting shortstop during the organization's current rebuild window. Offensively, the 23-year-old showed good middle-infield power, but his on-base skills weren't ideal for a top-of-the-order nor was his 27-percent strikeout rate. Those are obvious areas of improvement to look for in 2017, but he's in no danger of losing plate appearances on a team that figures to be in a rebuild mode. Additionally, he has the full support of manager Rick Renteria, who feels Anderson is a threat to opposing hurlers every time he steps in the box.