MLB Player News

Franklin went 2-for-2 with a double, walk and run in Monday's 7-2 Grapefruit League win over the Phillies.

The Rays' utility man extraordinaire was on base in all three of his plate appearances while hitting out of the two-hole Monday. Franklin backed up every infield position except third and also saw time at both corner outfield spots and DH last season, essentially rendering him indispensable. He'll look to build on his 2016 career-best line of .270/.328/.443 in the coming campaign, although the extent of his opportunity is difficult to gauge this early.

Altuve went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a stolen base in Monday's game against the Mets.

Altuve slotted in at third in the batting order and made the type of offensive impact we've come to expect from the perennial All Star. Last season's third-place finisher in the MVP vote shifted from his customary leadoff role to third in the order mid-season, leading to a career-high 96 RBI. Whether last year's power stroke (.531 slugging percentage, 24 homers) is here to stay, Altuve should reach 100 RBI while batting third in a lineup that will be much more potent offensively than its 2016 version.

Motter (back) will play second base and bat seventh in the lineup in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Motter was sidelined for a few days of camp with a sore back, but his return to the lineup Monday suggests it was only a minor issue. The 27-year-old is expected to vie for a utility role with the Mariners during spring training, primarily competing with Shawn O'Malley for those duties.

Motter is dealing with a sore back and won't play for a couple of days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Despite the hindrance, Motter is still hitting and working on the field, so it doesn't seem to be a major concern. The 27-year-old is competing for a utility role on the Seattle roster after being acquired in a trade from the Rays during the offseason. Motter, who hit just .188 in 34 games last year, likely needs to impress this spring to earn the spot over veteran incumbent Shawn O'Malley.

Andrus (groin) says he will ramp up his running next week as he continues his recovery from sports hernia surgery, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has been running at only 50 percent speed thus far, a precautionary measure as he eases back into action. The shortstop is already participating in all baseball activities and is expected to participate in a live game sometime within the coming month. It appears Andrus is well on the road back to full health, but it's worth monitoring the situation as spring camp progresses.

Andrus (groin) will sit out the Rangers' Cactus League opener Saturday as he continues to take things slow in spring training, TR Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Texas will not rush him back as he recovers from sports hernia surgery, though fantasy players will want to see him in action for at least a week's worth of games to feel comfortable plucking him in the middle to late rounds of mixed drafts. Last season (.302, eight home runs, 69 RBI, 75 runs, 24 steals) might've been his peak, so be careful not to pay for more than that in 2017.

Kemp is taking most of his repetitions at second base during spring training, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Kemp appeared in 59 games for the Astros in 2016, almost exclusively in left field, but offseason acquisitions leave him out of the outfield picture. So, it' s back to the position with which he's most familiar. Unfortunately, that's the spot already occupied by Jose Altuve, so we can expect Kemp to start the season playing second base for Triple-A Fresno.

A's manager Bob Melvin said Barreto will spend his time at shortstop and second base this spring, John Hickey of The Mercury News reports.

The club's top prospect is knocking loudly on the door for a job with the big club sometime this coming season. Though Marcus Semien has locked down shortstop, Barreto may have a shot at second base, currently occupied by injury-prone Jed Lowrie and other uninspiring options. Whenever he's called up, he may immediately jump toward the top of the order. He's a difference-making bat worth stashing in deep leagues, though the wait is much easier to endure in AL-only games because of the late-season upside he'd offer.

Rodriguez is one of three candidates in the race for the team's utility role on the bench, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez is competing for the job against Michael Martinez and Erik Gonzalez, both of whom had stints with the Tribe last season. Although the 24-year-old Rodriguez is the long shot, the coaches are reportedly keeping a close eye on all the possible options. Rodriguez hit .258/.293/.400 with 10 homers, 59 RBI and scored 48 runs for Triple-A Columbus last season.

Andrus (groin) says he is working out at 80-90 percent of full strength and participating in all baseball activities, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The veteran shortstop underwent sports hernia surgery this offseason, but says he has no limitations on his workouts thus far and simply needs to build up his strength. Andrus is coming off perhaps the best season of his career, in which he slashed .302/.362/.439 and contributed 69 RBI. Expect the Rangers to be cautious with easing him back into action.