MLB Player News

The Padres are taking a long look at infielder Ryan Jackson as a potential bench bat this season, MLB.com reports.

Jackson has shown versatility in the infield this spring, playing second base, third base and shortstop, and has been impressive defensively. While he isn't a major threat with his bat, he did go 2 for 3 with a triple and a home run in his previous two games heading into Tuesday's action.

Jackson made a brief, seven-game appearance with the Cardinals last season while hitting .278/.352/.346 in 442 at-bats at Triple-A Memphis.

MLB.com Dodgers beat writer Ken Gurnick seems to think Dee Gordon has the inside track to be the primary second baseman for Los Angeles to begin the season. Gordon was teamed with shortstop Hanley Ramirez for Monday's spring game, while Alexander Guerrero -- who is also considered a strong candidate for the starting job -- was playing in an intrasquad game.

The Diamondbacks announced a slew of roster moves Sunday, which included Eury De La Rosa, Ender Inciarte, Alfredo Marte and Zeke Spruill being optioned to Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks also reassigned Nick Ahmed, Jake Barrett, Mike Bolsinger, Danny Dorn, Nick Evans, Jake Lamb, Adam Russell, Matt Stites and Bobby Wilson to minor-league camp.

Making his first appearance in a week, Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada went 0 for 2 and committed a fielding error in his team's 5-5 tie with the Cardinals Friday.

Tejada missed the past week while dealing with a tight hamstring, making Friday's game his second of the spring. He's 0 for 5 at the plate thus far, and his spring struggles, if they continue, could lead the team to go a different direction at the position this season.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada is ready to go Friday, according to ESPN.

Tejada is dealing with some hamstring issues, but was expected to be ready to play Friday. Tejada is expected to open the season as the team's starter at short. He hit .202 in 208 at-bats last year.

Nationals infielder Zach Walters was scratched with flu-like symptoms Wednesday, according to MASN. 

Walters was set to start, but was scratched in favor of Mike Fontenot. Walters has gotten off to a hot start this spring, and is fighting for a role on the 25-man roster. He received eight at-bats in the majors last season.

Nationals infielder Zach Walters has been scratched from Wednesday's starting lineup, according to MASN.

He'll be replaced at second by Mike Fontenot. No reason was given for Walters' absence. Walters got off to a nice start this spring, so a potential injury would be worrisome. Walters is fighting for a spot on the team's 25-man roster.

Mets first baseman Ike Davis and shortstop Ruben Tejada won't play until Friday, Newsday reports.

Davis is dealing with calf tightness, but his competitor for the starting first baseman role is also battling soreness. Tejada has tightness in his left hamstring. Both players are looking to establish themselves as the clear starter at their respective positions.

Nationals prospect Zach Walters has been singled out by coaches as having one of the more impressive springs so far. Through three games, the infielder -- who has played shortstop and third base -- has two doubles and a triple, while playing stellar defense. 

"He's doing everything that he's asked to do and swinging it from both sides of the plate and playing great defense," manager Matt Williams told the Washington Post. "Couldn't ask for anything more."

Walters, 24, hit .253 with 29 home runs and 32 doubles last season in the minors. he is competing for a bench spot this spring. 

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada has been scratched Sunday with a tight hamstring, according to the Newsday.

Tejada will be replaced by Anthony Seratelli at short. Tejada hit .202/.259/.260 in 206 at-bats last season.