MLB Player News

Swanson was scratched from Friday's lineup against Toronto with left wrist soreness, source reports.

Swanson's spring debut had already been delayed as he recovers from offseason wrist surgery, but Friday's game had been his target for several days. He'll fall at least one day behind schedule after feeling soreness during batting practice. It remains to be seen whether this setback is significant enough to put his status for Opening Day in any doubt.

Anderson went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Thursday's game against Seattle.

The home run completed the cycle for Anderson this spring. He's 5-for-11 in the Cactus League with a homer, triple, double, four RBI and three runs scored. Anderson made a splash in 2018 with his first 20-20 season, a flashy offensive feat that obscured a .281 on-base percentage and .687 OPS. He's still growing as a hitter, so it may be premature to peg him as a counting-stats only fantasy asset.

Correa went 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's game against Miami.

Correa managed to record his first base hit of the spring on an RBI double to center in the bottom of the first inning. He posted the worst batting average of his brief career in 2018 over 110 games (.239) and his power numbers dipped noticeably, although injuries played a role in his struggles at the dish.

Turner is expected to be the Nationals' leadoff hitter this season, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Turner hit second more than anywhere else last season, though he also spent 63 games in the leadoff spot. A leadoff role would be a slight bump to his fantasy value, as it would come with a few more opportunities to run and a few more at-bats overall.

Mondesi is a candidate to bat leadoff for the Royals this season Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi primarily hit late in the order last season, though he spent several games in the second spot. He has the speed of a prototypical leadoff hitter but may not get on base enough for the role, as his on-base percentage even in an exciting half season last year was still just .306. Still, moving up in the order would be a boost to his fantasy value, as it would come with more opportunities to steal, more runs and more at-bats overall.

Lindor (calf) fielded some grounders standing up Wednesday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Lindor had been taking grounders from his knees in recent days but is now able to field normally again. The shortstop's readiness for Opening Day is questionable due to a calf strain he suffered in early February, but Wednesday's news is certainly a step in the right direction.

Anderson went 2-for-3 with a run scored, two RBI and a triple in Tuesday's spring win over the Royals.

Anderson is coming off a 20-20 season in which he slashed .240/.281/.406 in 606 plate appearances. The Padres' signing of Manny Machado provides some added security at shortstop for Anderson heading into the season.

Velazquez was 2-for-2 with a run and two RBI during Tuesday's spring training win over the Orioles.

Velazquez pinch ran for Kevin Kiermaier in the sixth inning and subsequently took over in center field. The 24-year-old went 3-for-10 with a double and a stolen base in 13 games with the Rays last September, and faces a difficult path to an Opening Day roster spot in his utility role.

Seager (elbow) took his first swings against live pitching Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Seager had been limited to tracking pitches prior to Tuesday's live batting practice session, after which he reported feeling fine. If the shortstop continues to progress on schedule, manager Dave Roberts said he could be cleared to play in minor-league games as early as next week. At this point, Seager is still on track to be ready for the start of the season.

Swanson will make his spring debut Friday against Toronto, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson underwent wrist surgery in November and has started spring training slowly, though the Friday return date is reportedly ahead of his original schedule. Barring setbacks, the shortstop should have time to be up to speed by Opening Day.