MLB Player News

Mier had a productive spring, posting a .317/.349/.488 slash line in 41 at-bats.

Mier is coming off his best year yet and still has some promise as a prospect for the Blue Jays. He had a slash line of .258/.350/.372 with 56 RBI in Double-A New Hampshire last year and will begin 2016 at Triple-A Buffalo after a hot-hitting spring. The 25-year-old needs to improve his power if he hopes to be called up; he had just five extra-base hits this spring. Expect him to be on the Blue Jays' radar if an infield spot opens up.

Owings is starting in center field in Monday's season opener versus the Rockies.

After A.J. Pollock (elbow) went down, Owings was tested out in center field and apparently put together a good enough showing to get the start in center on Opening Day. It's unclear how often he'll appear there, but it could increase how frequently he gets into the lineup over the season and potentially expand his position eligibility.

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday to take Tommy Pham's (oblique) spot on the roster, MLB.com reports.

Diaz will push Jedd Gyorko for playing time at shortstop. The Cardinals signed Diaz to a four-year, $8 million deal in 2014, so he'll likely get some chances to show what he can do while Ruben Tejada and Jhonny Peralta are on the disabled list.

The Indians designated Walters for assignment on Sunday, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Walters' removal from the 40-man roster opens up a spot for Marlon Byrd, who is expected to share right field duties with Collin Cowgill or Rajai Davis until Lonnie Chisenhall (forearm) returns from the DL. While Walters once held some promise a power-hitting utility man, his extreme issues with making contact made it too difficulty for the Indians to justify keeping him on the roster.

Baez (thumb) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Baez is dealing with a thumb contusion, though it isn't thought to be a long-term concern. Look for the utility infielder with power upside to rejoin the Cubs shortly after the 15-day minimum.

Tejada (quadriceps) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Tejada was the frontrunner to open the season as the starting shortstop in place of the injured Jhonny Peralta (thumb), but will be placed on the shelf after suffering a left quadriceps strain in Thursday's Grapefruit League game. As a result, look for Jedd Gyorko to serve as the Cardinals' primary shortstop until Tejada is cleared to return.

Navarro was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

The Angels made their final roster trim down in advance of Opening Day on Saturday, optioning Navarro and others down to Triple-A. Navarro had a decent spring with a .257 batting average to go with two doubles and eight RBI, but his inability to get on base (.263 OBP) was problematic. He'll start the year in the infield at Salt Lake.

Owings will start in center field in Saturday's spring game.

Owings has never played center field in a big league game, but he saw action in center after A.J. Pollock (elbow) left Friday's spring game and will start there Saturday, so it appears the Diamondbacks are evaluating him to potentially take some of the playing time in center field opened up by Pollock's injury. If Owings proves capable of handling center field, he will likely open the regular season in a sort of super-utility role.

Mondesi was optioned to Double-A on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi was batting .244 (11-for-45) for the Royals this spring before being optioned to the minors. The defending World Series champions already have Alcides Escobar and Christian Colon solidified on the depth chart so it gives them the luxury to develop Mondesi at a gradual pace. He'll likely spend most of the 2016 season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and if he plays well enough, could see a promotion to Triple-A Omaha before the year's end.

Manager Chip Hale said Friday that Ahmed, Chris Owings and Jean Segura will rotate around between second base and shortstop, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

All three players have been raking throughout the spring -- Ahmed has gone 26-for-62 (.419 average) -- and all three will be rewarded with a role at the major league level. Segura is expected to receive everyday playing time, so Ahmed and Owings, both right-handed hitters, will effectively continue their competition for at-bats into the regular season.