MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts relayed Sunday that Seager (knee) has received clearance for some throwing and hitting, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Seager endured an ignominious start to the spring when he was diagnosed with a mild sprain in his left knee. Expected to miss 1-2 weeks, he's drawing close to the upper bound of that timetable, though Roberts' statement implies that a return may be near. Indeed, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reported that Seager was seen running straight ahead and performing lateral agility fielding drills Sunday, which sheds light on the shortstop's current level of health.

Anna was assigned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Anna was a long shot to make the majors out of spring training, and the Cardinals' signing of Ruben Tejada on Saturday only further complicated matters for the 29-year-old. He'll likely spend the bulk of the campaign at Memphis, and doesn't look to be much more than organizational depth for the Cardinals.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Diaz was one of a few candidates the Cardinals were considering as a replacement for injured shortstop Jhonny Peralta, but the 25-year-old was removed from the competition after the team signed Ruben Tejada to a one-year contract Saturday. While Diaz will open the season in the minors, it may not be long before he's appointed to the big leagues permanently. After playing well at Double-A Springfield for much of 2015, he thrived during a late-season call-up to Memphis, slashing .380/.448/.620 over 50 at-bats.

Adrianza has been logging innings at first and third base, giving him a better shot to make the Opening Day roster.

Adrianza - who is naturally a middle infielder - got the start at first base Saturday after entering Friday's contest at third. The notion is that Kelby Tomlinson will be the primary backup middle infielder come Opening Day, but Adrianza is increasing his chances of also making the roster by showing that he can play the corners. He is a glove-first infielder, so he won't have much fantasy value even if he does make the cut.

Baez (thumb) will return to the lineup Saturday against Cleveland, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

A head-first slide into first base Wednesday left Baez with a jammed thumb, but he's made a quick turnaround. Baez has been getting reps at first base, second, shortstop and center field this spring, increasing his defensive versatility in hopes of securing a super-utility role out of camp. He is 6-for-27 with one double, one homer, one walk and eight strikeouts so far in Cactus League play.

Tejada signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Saturday, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports.

Tejada brings much-needed depth to the Cardinals' middle infield with Jhonny Peralta likely out for the first half of the season. He figures to immediately compete with the wildly inconsistent Jedd Gyorko for playing time at shortstop. Tejada's ability to get on base (.338 OBP last season) ought to give him a leg up over Gyorko, who has never had an on-base percentage over .301 in three major league seasons.

Featherston was assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

As expected from the outset of camp, Featherston will begin the year in Triple-A, but he could be in line for a call-up later in the season if the Phillies sustain an infield injury or two.

Featherston is 2-for-20 with a home run this spring.

The Phillies picked up Featherston from the Angels in February. He is expected to open the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he could see time in the majors this season if the Phillies lose one of their infielders to an injury.

Seager (knee) has seen the swelling go down in his knee, and manager Dave Roberts expects him to be ready for Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Even if it's not quite on Opening Day, it doesn't sound like it will be much longer. Seager is expected to be the team's regular shortstop, likely hitting somewhere around the six-hole in the lineup.

Swanson was assigned to minor league camp Friday, the Journal-Constitution reports.

As expected, Swanson will begin his rookie season in the minor leagues, though the Braves are yet to announce exactly which level. The No. 1 overall pick is expected to man the shortstop position for multiple levels in 2016, potentially making stops at Double-A Mississippi and Single-A Carolina.