MLB Player News

Baez struggled in his start in center field in the Cubs' spring opener Thursday, the team's official site reports.

The Brewers' first three hitters went to Baez, starting with a triple off the wall that Baez had trouble tracking and ending with a dropped fly ball in which he called off the right fielder. It was quite an adventure, but he's still learning the position. He's not going to win the job in camp, but if he can prove he can play center he should make the team.

Baez will start in center field and bat sixth in the Cubs' spring opener Thursday, the team's official site reports.

The Cubs aren't wasting any time getting Baez into center to see if he can handle the position. While he's unlikely to start many games there during the regular season, showing he can play there this spring will go a long way toward his chances of making the team.

Crawford will limit his throwing during spring training to reduce the wear and tear on his shoulder, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

The Giants will take a cautious route with their starting shortstop this spring after Crawford reported the same type of throwing soreness he has experienced in years past. As a result, Crawford isn't expected to start playing in the field in exhibition games until next week, according to MLB.com's Chris Haft and it's possible that he'll get routine days off from playing shortstop during the spring until his shoulder soreness subsides. Crawford's shoulder soreness is not a reason for concern for potential owners at this point.

Swanson left early Tuesday with an illness, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson was dealing with a stomach bug, but it doesn't sound as though it's anything too serious. The former number one overall pick is considered day-to-day and could rejoin the club as early as Wednesday's spring training game.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker called Turner a "dynamic player" following Monday's intrasquad game, but also strongly suggested that Danny Espinosa would be his Opening Day shortstop, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

This isn't much of a surprise, although GM Mike Rizzo left the door open for Turner to win the starting job a couple of weeks ago. Even if the 22-year-old begins the season at Triple-A, however, he could remain in the minors only long enough to postpone his eventual free agency by a year before getting the call and pushing Espinosa aside. Despite the fact that he probably won't begin the season on the 25-man roster, Turner remains an intriguing late-round upside play.

Tejada primarily worked at third base Sunday in Mets camp, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

Tejada saw 18 starts at third in 2015 after an entire career spent in the middle infield. With Asdrubal Cabrera now occupying shortstop and Wilmer Flores still around, the hot corner might be Tejada's best shot at semi-regular playing time, considering Flores hasn't played more than one game at third base since 2010.

Baez worked out in center field during outfield drills Friday, the Cubs' official site reports.

The Cubs have talked a lot already this spring about Baez being a utility player who can play all over the field, including even first base and center, two positions he's never played in the minors (he played one inning at first base with the Cubs last year). He can certainly help his chances of staying with the team if he can play anywhere, but at-bats are going to be difficult to come by with the Cubs seemingly overflowing at many positions.

Baez will continue to work in center field following the addition of Dexter Fowler and is considered the primary backup to Anthony Rizzo at first base, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Baez's development into a super utility player is unaffected by Fowler's signing as the Cubs are working on maximizing his versatility. Baez will have the opportunity to see playing time at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and center field throughout the course of the 2016 season, likely leading to more starts and improved fantasy value.

Seager will be playing shortstop exclusively this season, the Dodgers' official site reports.

This isn't exactly a huge surprise, but it's good to get the confirmation early. Seager will be the starting shortstop and Justin Turner will slot in as the everyday third baseman. The 6'4" Seager may shift to third eventually, but it won't be happening this year.

Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale says Ahmed will compete to play short this season, the Arizona Republic reports.

Ahmed played 134 games and collected 459 plate appearances last season, but his grip on a full-time role loosened with the team's recent acquisition of Jean Segura. Ahmed hit just .226 with an anemic .275 on-base percentage in 2015, so Segura figures to be an offensive upgrade, though Ahmed is considered to be the better defensive player.