MLB Player News

Andrus (groin) is expected to be healthy for the start of the 2017 season, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus said that he's being careful while rehabbing his injury, but plans to be ready for the upcoming campaign. He also said that the groin ailment limited his ability to steal bases throughout 2016, so an increase in stolen base production may be in order for the 28-year-old shortstop.

Espinosa agreed to a one-year, $5.425 million contract with the Angels on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

The former Washington National will see close to a $3 million pay raise with his new club in 2017. Espinosa had a disappointing final season with the Nationals, slashing .209/.306/.378 with 174 strikeouts. He did, however, mash 24 home runs and drove in 72 runs. Espinosa figures to be the Angels' primary second baseman, which is a position that the club struggled to find production from last year.

Espinosa was traded to the Angels on Saturday, Josh Norris of Baseball America reports.

Espinosa will head to Los Angeles after playing 779 games with the Nationals over parts of the last seven seasons. He played shortstop in Washington, but with Andrelton Simmons playing that position for the Angels, Espinosa will presumably move to second base. Espinosa hit just .209 last season, but did set career highs with 24 home runs and 72 RBI over 157 games.

Polanco is the leading candidate for Minnesota's starting shortstop job as spring training approaches, manager Paul Molitor told Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.

Polanco was impressive at the plate last season when given a trial as the team's everyday shortstop, hitting .288 with a .751 OPS over his last 56 games. However, there were questions about his defense, which could ultimately move him to second base. Still, this shows Polanco is ahead of Eduardo Escobar at shortstop, although the Twins could still shake up their roster this winter.

Torres will begin the 2017 season with Double-A Trenton, George A. King of the New York Post reports.

The highly-acclaimed prospect, who was acquired from the Cubs in the Aroldis Chapman trade, began the transition to second base and slashed .254/.341/.386 in 138 plate appearances for High-A Tampa following last season's trade. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Torres will begin the season with Trenton and get introduced to cold weather for the first time, with his performance determining a potential promotion, despite being just 19 years old.

Petit was designated for assignment by the Angels on Monday.

Petit was designated for assignment after the Angels agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Ryan LaMarre. At 31 years old, Petit appeared in 89 games with the Angels in 2016 as a utility infielder and finished the year slashing .245/.299/.348. Assuming he accepts his assignment, he will likely begin the 2017 season with Triple-A Salt Lake.

Fontana was claimed off waivers by the Angels on Tuesday.

Fontana struggled mightily at the Triple-A level, holding a batting average below the dreaded Mendoza Line and striking out in more than one-quarter of his at-bats, which led the Astros to expose him to waivers. That being said, the 25-year-old does possess some defensive utility across the infield and has a knack for drawing walks, but these positives likely limit his upside to that of a reserve at the major league level even if his batting average improves.

Motter was traded to Seattle on Friday night in a five-player deal, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Motter doesn't bring much talent to Seattle as a hitter, but his defensive versatility could certainly find him a place in the majors if his bat can reach replacement level. The 27-year-old played every position except catcher and center field for the Rays in 2016, and yes, that includes one appearance as a pitcher.

Barreto was added to the A's 40-man roster Friday.

Barreto was one of five young players added to the 40-man ahead of next month's Rule 5 draft. The top prospect in the A's organization, Barreto finished with a .284/.342/.422 line, 11 homers and 30 steals between Double-A and Triple-A last year after a slow start. He doesn't turn 21 until late February.

Andrus underwent surgery for a sports hernia Tuesday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The timeframe for Andrus' recovery is expected to be approximately six weeks, so there's no reason to believe that he won't be ready once spring training rolls around. This comes as fantastic news due to the fact that Andrus had a standout 2016 season that culminated in a .302/.362/.439 line to go with a career-high 69 RBI.