MLB Player News

Crawford batted leadoff and went 0-for-2 in his spring training debut against the Reds on Friday.

The lineup order should be disregarded as Crawford likely won't lead off come Opening Day. The 29-year-old saw his power numbers dip back to regular levels last year after exploding for 21 home runs in 2015. While the homers regressed, Crawford actually improved his batting average (.275) and on-base percentage (.342) while driving in 84 in 2016. If he can maintain those levels, he will have value as a shortstop despite not hitting for plus power or stealing a ton of bases.

D'Arnaud is getting reps at first base this spring, Kevin McAlpin of Braves Radio Net reports.

It's another tool for d'Arnaud as he competes against Jace Peterson for the primary utility role this season. The right-hander played all other infield and outfield positions last season and now could be used as a spell for Freddie Freeman if all goes well. D'Arnaud hit just .245 in 84 games with the Braves last year and seems set for a reserve role this coming season, regardless of where he plays on the field.

Cecchini got the start at second base in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener Friday against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run.

The 23-year-old has posted strong offensive numbers in the high minors over the last two seasons, but would still need a lot to go his way this spring to break camp on the Mets' 25-man roster. Cecchini will likely begin the season back at Triple-A Las Vegas to continue working on his defense, but could be among the first call-ups when injuries hit the team's infield.

Gordon was scratched from Saturday's Grapefruit League lineup with flu-like symptoms, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It's likely nothing to worry about. Gordon was scheduled to lead off in the Grapefruit League opener against St. Louis, but should see his first spring game action in the next few days.

Turner will hit leadoff Saturday in the Nationals' Grapefruit League opener against the Mets, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Nats manager Dusty Baker made it clear that he hasn't decided on an Opening Day batting order, but Turner will most likely hit first or second during the regular season. The 23-year-old, who is 35-for-43 (81.4 percent) on the basepaths in 100 games to begin his big league career, figures to get frequent green lights in 2017 no matter what slot in the order he occupies.

Turner, who was summoned for jury duty Wednesday morning and missed a team workout, returned to camp that afternoon, Ben Cosman of MLB.com reports.

He was informed his services weren't required, and ended up only missing a few hours of camp. Turner's services are very much required by the Nats as he looks to build on last season's impressive rookie campaign, so the club can consider themselves fortunate he didn't get dragged into a case that lasted for weeks.

D'Arnaud will compete with Jace Peterson for the primary utility spot on the Braves' bench, Zak Kerr of MLB.com reports.

For a rebuilding club, the Braves actually have a fairly set starting lineup following the acquisition of Brandon Phillips, so playing time could be tough to come by for the team's bench. D'Arnaud did play everywhere but pitcher, catcher and first base in 2016, however, giving him a leg up in the battle. The team also lacks any depth in the outfield -- starters Matt Kemp, Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis are currently the only outfielders on the 40-man roster -- so if d'Arnaud or Peterson show they can handle center field on a semi-regular basis, they could see enough at-bats to become a viable option in deep NL-only leagues.

Turner skipped Wednesday's team workout because he was summoned for jury duty, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Turner understands that even MLB superstars must fulfill their civic obligation, and he shouldn't miss more than a few days as he returns to D.C. Turner, the Nationals' starting shortstop, is coming off a breakout year in which he finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

The Cubs want Baez to be more consistent in the field before he assumes an everyday role at second base, CSN Chicago reports.

As manager Joe Maddon put it, he wants Baez to cut down on the "chrome" and focus on making all the routine plays. Maddon added that Baez "has a flair about his game, so I don't necessarily want to subtract that. But just have him understand the routine stuff has to be made routinely well." The 24-year-old often makes amazing plays in the field, but he's still fairly error-prone at this point (see the two errors he made in Game 7 of the World Series). For Baez to grab an everyday role at second base, he'll have to show more day-to-day consistency.

Baez could become the full-time starter at second to start the season or sometime during the year, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Baez's versatility in 2016 was a big boon for the Cubs, but second base is his best position, and it's possible he becomes an everyday player there sometime in 2017. "Obviously, when I get my years in the big leagues, I want to have my own spot," Baez said. Ben Zobrist is in the mix at second as well, but he'll likely spend time platooning with Kyle Schwarber in left field.