MLB Player News

Torres (elbow) will take the field at second base against Detroit on Friday for the club's Grapefruit League opener.

Though it was expected that Torres would be 100 percent heading into spring games following Tommy John surgery last June, it's a good sign to see him thrust right into the fray for the Yankees' opener. Last week, manager Aaron Boone said that Torres would be a "full go" for Grapefruit League and the 21-year-old stated that he was completely healthy at the beginning of February. Torres will be competing for the starting job at the keystone this spring.

Barreto is expected to open the season at Triple-A Nashville, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

A top infield prospect in the Athletics' system, Barreto reached the majors as a 21-year-old last summer but wasn't ready for prime time, slashing .197/.250/.352 while striking out in 33 of his 76 plate appearances (43.4 percent). Though Barreto's defense looks capable enough at this point, the Athletics continue to view him as everyday player and don't have much incentive to keep him on the Opening Day roster as a utility man. Barreto should be first in line for a promotion, however, if the Athletics' projected middle-infield starters, Jed Lowrie and Marcus Semien, succumb to an injury at some point.

Andrus (back) said he expects to participate in Friday's workout, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has been sidelined since Tuesday with back spasms, but he's set to return to action after taking a few days to rest. The 29-year-old admitted the issue bothers him every spring, so there shouldn't be too much concern regarding his status moving forward.

Drury said he made changes to his swing this offseason in an attempt to hit more home-runs, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

Drury hit 37 doubles last season while swatting 13 homers in 135 games for the Diamondbacks. With his retooled approach, the 25-year-old is hoping to turn some of those two-baggers into homers. It should help playing half of his games in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. Drury's performance in Grapefruit League play should offer more insight into whether his adjustments are paying off.

Drury's main focus will be third base, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

Drury played almost exclusively as a second baseman in Arizona last year, starting just one game at third, though he's appeared at six different positions in his career and is valued for his versatility. This news probably means that the Yankees view Gleyber Torres as more big-league ready than Miguel Andujar. Drury will likely enter the season as the Yankees' starting third baseman, and while his playing time may diminish once Andujar is called up, he should still earn a fair amount of starts all around the field.

Jones may get reps at second base this spring, Josh Mayhood of Halos Heaven reports.

Jones grabbed an infielder's glove for some workouts Wednesday morning, and when Rex Clevinger of Halos Heaven asked him why he needed that glove in addition to his outfield mitt, Jones replied that he might be playing some second base. A move to second base actually would make a lot of sense for Jones, who is perhaps the best athlete in the Angels' system, but at 6-foot, 215 pounds, he is built like a second baseman and his plus speed may tick down in the coming years, which would make him less of an asset in the outfield. Additionally, the Angels' other elite prospects, Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh, play the outfield, and the team already has plenty of depth there at the big-league level. A move to second base would boost Jones' dynasty-league value, as it would make it more likely that he could break through as an everyday player. After hitting .302/.368/.488 in 41 games at High-A last year, Jones might be ticketed for Double-A to begin the 2018 campaign.

Andrus will not participate in any workouts Wednesday as he continues to deal with back spasms, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus blamed the issue on the cold weather and admitted that he battles this problem every spring. There shouldn't be too much concern regarding his status, but the team will likely be cautious with the 29-year-old for the time being.

The Diamondbacks agreed to trade Drury to the Yankees on Tuesday as part of a three-team deal with the Rays, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Drury's name had been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the winter. A deal finally materialized, and the landing spot is favorable as he goes to a hitter's park and his early-season role is less up in the air with the Yankees needing help at both second base and third. Drury could stand to take more walks, but he has shown he can hit for a decent average and some power when given the opportunity. He won't turn 26 until August.

Andrus cut his morning workout short Tuesday due to back spasms, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Andrus missed out on some defensive drills as a result. It's unclear if the issue will keep him sidelined for any Cactus League action, but the Rangers will likely proceed cautiously with their stud shortstop given how early it is in camp.

Joseph signed a minor-league contract with the Orioles on Monday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The 29-year-old infielder had previously been a member of the Orioles' organization back in 2015 and 2016, spending time at Double-A and Triple-A. His only major-league experience came in a two-game stint for the Yankees back in 2013. He's unlikely to be more than organizational depth for Baltimore.