MLB Player News

Altuve will start at second base and lead off against the Yankees on Tuesday.

The three-time All-Star will return to the lead-off spot for the Astros' season opener Tuesday after spending most of his time there last season. Altuve did hit second or third in the lineup on occasion, but George Springer and Carlos Correa, respectively, are expected to occupy those spots in the batting order.

Giavotella is hitting .288/.319./485 with a homer and nine RBI over 23 games during Cactus League play.

Before prospective owners get excited regarding the performance, it should be pointed out that Giavotella often fares well prior to the start of the season, as he has slugged over .500 in the previous two springs. The 28-year-old could potentially hold value in deeper leagues as an everyday second baseman, but it seems likely that he will revert to posting something closer to his .355 career slugging percentage once the year begins.

Petit was assigned to minor league camp Monday, Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register reports.

The 31-year-old has made 57 appearances in the majors over the last two seasons with the Yankees and Astros, but he won't start out the 2016 season with that same opportunity while Johnny Giavotella, Cliff Pennington, and Reynaldo Navarro are all considered better options at second base.

The Rays optioned Motter to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

Motter lost out on one of the final outfield spots with the Rays, despite cobbling together a .250/.294/.438 line with one homer and two walks versus seven strikeouts in 32 at-bats. Following the move to Durham, where he spent the entire 2015 season, his major league debut will again be delayed.

Marte showed off his speed with an inside-the-park home run Saturday.

Marte had eight stolen bases in 57 games last season. In a full season, 20 steals should be doable.

Manager Kevin Cash said Sunday that Forsythe will serve as the Rays' full-time leadoff hitter this season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's quite the role change for Forsythe, who spent most of last season in the middle of the Rays' lineup. While Forsythe isn't the fleetest of foot, he still managed to steal nine bases in 2015, and should see that total increase now that he's at the top of the order against both right-handers and left-handers. In addition, Forsythe's on-base skills should allow him to improve upon last season's total of 69 runs.

Kemp was reassigned to Astros' minor league camp Sunday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

A non-roster invitee to camp, Kemp struggled at the plate with only one hit over 18 Grapefruit League at-bats, but he drew a walk, stole two bases and scored four runs during his time with the Astros. With a profile that compares favorably to All-Star Jose Altuve, the 24-year-old second baseman should have your attention in dynasty leagues, but Houston is in no rush to promote him with Altuve ahead of him at the keystone. Kemp will likely spend a full season at Triple-A Fresno in 2016.

Fontana was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Sunday, Brad McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Fontana entered the spring with slim odds of claiming a spot on the Opening Day roster, and only hurt his chances by going 2-for-19 (.105) at the dish in his 13 games. The 24-year-old should see regular at-bats with Fresno, but doesn't profile as much more than a utility infielder in the big leagues.

Franklin was optioned to minor league camp Saturday.

Franklin hit .348 over 23 at-bats this spring with the Rays, but is now on track to start the year at Triple-A Durham.

Andrus (illness) returned to action Friday, going 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout against Seattle.

He was the latest in Rangers camp to be bit by the flu bug, but Andrus was right back in the lineup a day after being sent home. At 27 years old, Andrus already has 4635 plate appearances under his belt in the majors and may not have another level to his game, but he's been very durable and a consistent stolen base contributor from the shortstop position.