MLB Player News

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.

Dubon is making his outfield debut in the Arizona Fall League, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

All of Dubon's 123 minor-league games this past year were at shortstop, but the Red Sox, understanding the infield logjam with Xander Bogaerts at that position in Boston, are looking for Dubon to learn a new position. He's considered one of Boston's top prospects after hitting a combined .323/.379/.461/.840 in stops at High-A Salem and Double-A Portland.

Merrifield is among the candidates being considered for the Royals' second base job in 2017, the Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals will likely face significant financial restrictions in their bid to upgrade the roster this winter, leaving second base as a position where internal options may have an open competition for the starting job in spring training. In addition to Merrifield, the Royals are considering Cheslor Cuthbert, Christian Colon, and Raul Mondesi for the job. Merrifield hit .283/.323/.392 with two homers and eight steals in 81 games, but he seems better suited for a part-time role as he'll turn 28 in January.

Franklin is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers.

The versatile Franklin has kept himself in the lineup for much of the final month of the season because of his ability to play multiple positions. However, he'll hit the bench in Game 162 after falling into a 3-for-20 slump at the plate dating back to Sept. 15.

Marte is not in Sunday's lineup against Oakland, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Over the last two games, Marte has gone 0-for-6 with two strikeouts. Shawn O'Malley will start at shortstop for Seattle's final game of the season while Marte heads to the bench.