MLB Player News

Forsythe is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday's game with a left elbow contusion, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Forsythe's injury was a result of being hit by a pitch in the first inning. The 29-year-old is off to a great start this spring, hitting .500/.524/.742 with six runs and five doubles. It doesn't seem like his injury is severe, but it is a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Polanco went 3-for-5 in Monday's spring training win over St. Louis. He's hitting .280 (7-for-25) with a home run this spring.

Polanco is in the running for a reserve infielder role, but more likely begins the season at Triple-A. Polanco hit .289/.346/.393 at Double-A Chattanooga last year, but had just a .661 OPS at Triple-A. He was just 21 last season, so he could improve rapidly in his second stint at Triple-A.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Forsythe is one of the many candidates for the Rays' leadoff spot in 2016, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Forsythe didn't bat leadoff a single time in 2015, staying primarily at the cleanup or fifth spot in the batting order. The 29-year-old profiles decently as a leadoff hitter given his .359 OBP last season, but the career-high 68 RBI he compiled last season could take a hit, while his runs scored would tick up if the change does come to fruition.

Manager Scott Servais suggested Marte will bat second for the Mariners this season, the Tacoma News-Tribune's Bob Dutton reports. "The speed feature at the top is really a nice element to add in front of the core of our lineup," Servais said.

Servais likes the idea of keeping his speed guys together, with Leonys Martin batting ninth, Nori Aoki batting leadoff, and Marte batting second in front of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager and Adam Lind. This is excellent news for Marte's fantasy prospects, as he will not only be a major contributor in runs and steals, but he'll also get more RBI opportunities than he would if he was batting eighth or ninth.

Altuve went 1-for-3 with an RBI in his Grapefruit League debut Friday against the Cardinals.

The three-time All-Star will either lead off or hit out of the two-hole for the Astros this season ahead of Carlos Correa and Carlos Gomez.

Giavotella is not expected to have issues with fourth nerve palsy this season, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

Giavotella missed more than a month last season due to the condition, but he did not suffer any symptoms over the offseason and is looking forward to a healthy start to 2016. Giavotella is the likely candidate to open the season at second base over guys like Cliff Pennington and Rey Navarro, but he will need to improve upon his .272/.318/.375 slash line from last year in order to see value in standard leagues.

Andrus has been assured that the signing of Ian Desmond won't impact Andrus' status as the starting shortshop, the team's web site reports.

Desmond is being brought in to play left field, at least initially, and Andrus was assured by general manager Jon Daniels that Andrus' spot as the starting shortstop is secure. There shouldn't be any impact to Andrus' fantasy value here.

Giavotella is part of an open competition for the Angels' starting second base job this spring, the Orange County Register reports.

He should be considered the frontrunner after hitting .272/.318/.375 in 2015, although the Angels could opt to choose a better defensive option in newcomer Cliff Pennington. Along with Pennington, Giavotella will compete with Gregorio Petit and Rey Navarro for the starting job to begin the season barring a late-spring addition via trade or free agency. Now out of minor league options, Giavotella is a likely candidate to remain on the 25-man roster even if he's unable to secure the keystone as his regular spot in the coming weeks.

Forsythe avoided arbitration with the Rays on Friday by agreeing to a two-year, $10.25 million deal with an option, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Forsythe enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 by slashing .281/.359/.444 while establishing himself as the team's everyday second baseman, but ended the year on a bad note with a foot contusion. He figures to be 100 percent when he reports to spring training, so it shouldn't be too much of a concern. This deal will buy out the 29-year-old's final years of arbitration, along with a possible year of free agency if the Rays deem his option worth the cost.

Petit has signed a minor league contract with the Angels that includes an invitation to spring training, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

Petit scattered 20 appearances with the Yankees across the 2015 campaign, putting together a tepid .167/.217/.238 in 42 at-bats. Other than a three-game rehab stint with High-A Tampa, he spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could land in similar climes in the Angels' organization in 2016. However, the 31-year-old will be given a chance to land a utility spot with the big club.