MLB Player News

Correa was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates due to neck stiffness, Richard Justice of MLB.com reports.

The issue isn't being described as a severe one, so it's possible this is just the Astros being cautious with Opening Day a mere two days away. Aledmys Diaz would be the beneficiary if Correa is forced to miss time, either playing shortstop himself or starting at third base and moving Alex Bregman to shortstop.

Fletcher (hamstring) is starting at second base and hitting seventh Monday against the Dodgers, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Fletcher was scratched over the weekend due to hamstring tightness, though the injury was never thought to be anything that would jeopardize his status for the start of the season. Barring any setbacks, he should be good to go for Thursday's season-opener against the A's.

Wendle will be one of three players filling in at third base during Matt Duffy's (hamstring) stay on the injured list, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old Wendle complemented above-average work at the plate in 2018 with a diverse defensive resume, and his versatility will come into play early during the coming season. Wendle, Daniel Robertson and Yandy Diaz are expected to form a three-man rotation at the hot corner while Duffy is sidelined, an absence that will persist through at least the first seven games of the season. Although the majority of his time (101 games) was spent at second base last season, Wendle did log 20 appearances at third.

Fletcher was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres with hamstring tightness, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Erick Salcedo will replace Fletcher at second base. If Fletcher forced to miss extended time, Tommy La Stella would be in line to fill in for him at second base, though manager Brad Ausmus said he's expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Bogaerts said he feels OK following his collision with Byron Buxton (face) on Friday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Bogaerts said the brim of Buxton's helmet banged against his collarbone. The shortstop added that he felt some stiffness afterwards, but the trainer checked him out and said he was fine. Bogaerts stayed in for two at-bats following the collision, finishing the day 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. It doesn't sound like the issue is anything to worry about, though the Red Sox may play it safe and give him a day off with Opening Day less than a week away.

Lindor (calf) will open the season on the injured list, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

It turns out Lindor, who is working his way back from a right calf strain, won't have enough time to get in shape before the start of the season. It's unclear how long he will remain on the shelf at this point, but the move can be backdated to March 25, making the shortstop eligible to return April 4 should he prove ready. While Lindor is sidelined, Max Moroff and Eric Stamets are candidates to see time at shortstop.

Anderson, who isn't attempting many steals this spring, said he's saving his legs for the regular season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I've been practicing my jumps and breaking pitchers down whether I'm running or not. Use the legs when it really matters," said the shortstop.

Anderson became the first White Sox shortstop to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a season last year, and he plans to do more of the same despite attempting just one steal in the Cactus League. The 25-year-old swiped 26 bags in 2018 and could steal even more if he improves on a career .286 on-base percentage. That means taking more walks, something he started to do last year when walked 30 times, more than double the previous season.

Lindor (calf) met with the Indians' medical staff on Thursday, but his status for Opening Day remains uncertain, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona chimed in about Lindor's health, saying, "We are not going to slow him down on purpose, but we do want him to be able to play the season without dragging a leg around." Lindor recently ran at full speed and has also participated in minor-league games. With Opening Day a week away, Lindor will need to receive full clearance soon to avoid any missed action.

Correa is expected to slot in as the Astros' primary No. 5 hitter to begin the regular season, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Kaplan suggests the Astros' batting order for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game is a good representation of the lineup the team will trot out for Opening Day against the Rays on March 28. While Kaplan acknowledges it's possible that Correa and Michael Brantley could swap spots versus left-handed starters, manager AJ Hinch will likely keep the lefty-hitting Brantley as the cleanup hitter versus right-handed pitching. That arrangement would help alleviate some of the stacking of the team's right-handed bats, as George Springer, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman will fill the top three spots in the order.

Gordon went 1-for-4 with a stolen base, run and RBI in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Athletics in Japan in the season opener for both teams.

With Mallex Smith (elbow) unavailable for the two contests in Tokyo, Gordon made for the most sensible choice for the leadoff role as the Mariners looked to get some speed atop the lineup. It didn't take long for him to put his wheels on display, as Gordon swiped second base in the third inning after singling to right field in his second at-bat of the contest. Smith could be ready to play once the Mariners resume regular-season action in North America on March 28, so Gordon may not necessarily be in line for an extended stint as the team's table setter.