MLB Player News

The impending return of Shane Victorino from the disabled list will provide John Farrell intriguing lineup options.

Victorino will almost certainly be plugged back into the second hole, but Farrell might place emerging Xander Bogaerts into the leadoff spot rather than move him down. That would result in Dustin Pedroia batting third.

That lineup would give the Red Sox a right-left-right configuration at the top of the order that Farrell covets, according to ESPN.

Bogaerts has earned consideration to take over the leadoff spot with an on-base percentage of .397.

It took 16 games, but Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts finally put one over the fences Thursday night against the White Sox.

Bogaerts took Chicago ace deep in the sixth inning for a solo home run. He finished 1 for 3 with one run scored and one RBI in a 3-1 win. He is hitting .268/.397/.357 with two RBI in 56 at-bats.

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts went 0 for 3 with a walk in his team's 4-2 win over the Yankees Friday.

Boagerts has gone hitless in three of his last four games, but he's still posted a solid .289/.400/.342 line in 38 at-bats thanks to his ability to draw a walk. He has yet to hit a homer or drive in a run this season.

The Royals announced Thursday infielder Pedro Ciriaco has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Omaha. He was designated for assignment Saturday.

The Royals have promoted right-hander Aaron Brooks to join their bullpen and designated infielder Pedro Ciriaco for assignment.

The 23-year-old Brooks has yet to make his major league debut.

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts notched his first career three-hit game on Thursday against the Orioles.

Bogaerts, who batted fifth in the lineup, cranked out singles in the second, fourth and seventh innings, respectively. He finished 3 for 4 with two runs scored in a 4-3 victory. He has six hits in his first nine at-bats to start the season.

Emerging Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been placed in a power position in the lineup for the first time in his young career. He will bat fifth Thursday night againt Orioles left-hander Wei Yin-Chen.

Bogaerts is off to a promising start with two hits and three hits in two games for a .625 on-base percentage.

The Tigers talked to the Diamondbacks about a trade involving shortstop Chris Owings, but the conversation didn't progress very far, sources told FOX Sports 1.

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been mired in a bit of a slump since belting his first home run of the spring March 5 against the Cardinals. Bogaerts has gone hitless in his last four games (0 for 9), dropping his spring average to .167 (3 for 18).

The 21-year-old infielder has one double, two RBI, three runs, four walks and four strikeouts in eight games. 

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's shaky play this spring has renewed concerns for management he will not be able to handle the starting shortstop job. Therefore, the Mets are continuing to monitor the shortstop market, according to the New York Daily News.

A team source said Tuesday the Mets continue to scout Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, as they decide whether or not Franklin can play shortstop well enough to justify his offensive potential and giving up a starting pitcher prospect for him.

Also, a source for another team told the Daily News the Mets are also monitoring the Diamondbacks' shortstop competition, and "could jump in" to make a trade for Didi Gregorius or Chris Owings before spring training ends. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said recently he would consider trading one of his young shortstops, ideally for a top catching prospect, which would likely be Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki.

There is also free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but there is no indication from Drew's agent, Scott Boras, that his client would be willing to sign a bargain-type contract.