MLB Player News

Chip Hale has stated that Diamondbacks middle infielder Chris Owings will not be recovered from offseason left shoulder surgery in time for spring training.

He should, however, be 100 percent by opening day.

Owings lost much of the season to injury, but performed decently when healthy. He managed a slash line of .261/.300/.406.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Monday even if the team doesn't acquire a shortstop, he won't name Wilmer Flores the starting shortstop. He said beleaguered infielder Ruben Tejada will be in the mix this spring as well.

Collins has a slightly different view than general manager Sandy Alderson, who said Sunday the likelihood of Flores being the starting shortstop are increasing.

"Where we are today, that's the likelihood but that doesn't mean it'll happen," Alderson said, per NJ.com. "If you look around at all the possibilities, is it more likely than not? Probably."

Dodgers tendered contracts for all eight arbitration-eligible players, including agreeing to a one-year deal for Darwin Barney prior to Tuesday's midnight deadline, per the team's official website. Those players include: Catcher A.J. Ellis, closer Kenley Jansen, infielder Dee Gordon, third baseman Justin Turner, catcher Drew Butera, pitcher Juan Nicascio and newly-acquired outfielder Chris Heisey.

The Giants have tendered contracts to all six arbitration-eligible players, per the team's official website on Tuesday. Those players include: Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Gregor Blanco, Hector Sanchez, Travis Ishikawa and Yusmeiro Petit.

The Diamondbacks will tender a contract to shortstop Cliff Pennington prior to the midnight deadline, according to FOX Sports Arizona. Pennington owned a .254/.340/.350 slash line with two homers, 10 RBI and six stolen bases over 201 plate appearances in 2014.

The Diamondbacks have tendered contracts to all six arbitration-eligible players, per the Arizona Republic on Tuesday. Those players include: Shortstop Cliff Pennington, reliever David Hernandez, starter Jeremy Hellickson, first baseman Mark Trumbo, starter Wade Miley and reliever Addison Reed.

The Mets are expected to release one player at Tuesday's non-tender deadline, according to ESPN. Team insiders said it appears Eric Young is an option to be released, while beleaguered shortstop Ruben Tejada is safe.

Young is projected to earn roughly $2.25 million in arbitration. The Mets feel they can get comparable production from a fifth-outfielder type for a lower salary, according to sources.

The Royals have acquired infielder Ryan Jackson from the Dodgers for cash considerations. Jackson was out for most of last season with a wrist injury. 

Jackson hit .278 with 34 RBI at Triple-A Memphis, playing 122 games at shortstop and third base in 2013.

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts could be a new name that pops up on the Mets' radar as they search for a new starting shortstop.

While it appears Bogaerts will remain with Boston with newly signed Hanley Ramirez moving to left field, a Mets source told the New York Post the team will be watching the Red Sox's situation.

"It’s not like we’re knocking down their door to see if [Bogaerts] is available," the source said. "But we’ll wait and see how things shake out."

Dodgers infielder Ryan Jackson was designated for assignment Monday. Jackson has played only 20 MLB games -- all with the Cardinals -- and last appeared in the majors in 2013.