MLB Player News

The Phillies assigned Jackson to minor league camp Tuesday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Jackson hit .265 (9-for-34) with one home run in 17 games this spring. He'll give the Phillies some infield depth at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Manager Walt Weiss named Story the starting shortstop for Opening Day on Tuesday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Story had an outstanding spring training, batting .378 with six home runs prior to Tuesday's spring tilt with the Diamondbacks, and since Jose Reyes is out of the picture for the time being, the rookie was able to take the spot for himself. He should get plenty of time in that role especially if Reyes is suspended for an extended period of time, and if he can continue putting up numbers anywhere near these during the regular season, he could prove to be a valuable commodity at a fairly thin position. Additionally, the Rockies may bat Story second in the order to begin the year, which Charlie Blackmon in the leadoff role and Carlos Gonzalez directly behind him in the third spot, according to the Denver Post.

Baez will begin the season on the disabled list with a left thumb contusion, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

The Cubs were optimistic that Baez would be ready by Opening Day, but it appears as though he just ran out of time in the spring to work his way back. Manager Joe Maddon had previously indicated it was more of a short-term concern, so the 23-year-old figures to be ready to rejoin the roster shortly after the minimum 15 days.

Seager (knee) is expected to play in Thursday's spring game, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

After logging six innings in Monday's minor league game, Seager will take the final step toward proving that he's ready for Opening Day. He has three hits in just 13 at-bats this spring, as he hasn't played in a Cactus League game since March 11. The preseason favorite for NL Rookie of the Year honors is expected to play exclusively at shortstop.

Seager (knee) logged another six innings in a minor league game Monday, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Seager has now accounted for six such innings twice in a three-day span, but it's unclear how the Dodgers intend to proceed with their starting shortstop when healthy. Whether he puts in a similar outing or moves up to one of the final major league games of the spring remains to be seen. If he's unable to recover in time for Opening Day next Monday in San Diego, Enrique Hernandez (oblique) is a candidate to receive the start in Seager's stead.

Baez (thumb) played catch Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This shows some progress for the young prospect as he hopes to latch onto the big league roster as a utility player. He'll need to get some more game time logged in order to be ready for Opening Day, but if he does require a short stop on the disabled list, it could be backdated to March 25, which would allow him to return to the Cubs sooner.

Turner was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Turner had a small shot to crack the Opening Day roster for Washington, but he'll head back to the minors after a tough spring at the plate. Although he'll start the season in the minors, there is a good chance that the top prospect will return to the Nationals early on in the season after his service time is low enough so that Washington can maintain an extra year of control over their young shortstop.

Seager (knee) played six innings of a minor league game Saturday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Seager will receive Sunday off, but it sounds like he won't be out of commission for much longer. It appears everything went well Saturday, so the young shortstop will play six more innings in another minor league game Monday. Depending on his performance there, a major league game would be the next logical step. If Seager does have to miss Opening Day, as originally expected, look for Enrique Hernandez (oblique) to draw the starting nod at shortstop. At the very least, Seager does plan to be in Los Angeles with the team for their season opener against the Angels, per Plunkett. Seager's level of participation is yet to be determined, however.

Though Baez (thumb) hasn't played since March 20, he could still be ready by Opening Day, Carrie Muskat of the Cubs' official site reports. "It might be a short-term concern as far as when he can get out there again," manager Joe Maddon said Saturday of Baez. "I have not heard anything negative in a long-term sense."

Baez is hoping to make the team as a jack-of-all-trades backup, but it's still possible he'll need a short stint on the DL.

Seager reported no pain in his left knee after an extended workout on Thursday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Seager compiled four at-bats in a minor league game but did not run out of the batter's box or play defense. He did run the bases and slide before the game, so things appear to be trending towards his being available for Opening Day.