MLB Player News

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday's batting order against the Orioles will be the standard lineup for when a left-handed starter is on the mound, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Orioles are starting Wei-Yin Chen on Tuesday.

The Rays lineup Tuesday was Brandon Guyer (LF), Steven Souza (RF), Asdrubal Cabrera (SS), Evan Longoria (3B), Desmond Jennings (CF), Logan Forsythe (DH), James Loney (1B), Rene Rivera (C) and Tim Beckham (2B).

Rays second baseman Nick Franklin took part in batting practice Tuesday, taking swings from the left side without any issue, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Franklin, who is dealing with an oblique injury, said it went well and had no issues. Franklin is on the 15-day DL and is eligible to return to the lineup Saturday.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve singled once in four at-bats during the team's 2-0 victory over the Indians on Opening day.

"I wanted to put the ball in play," Altuve said. "As soon as I got on first base, I knew Springer was hitting behind me, and if I got to second base, he can drive me in. That's what happened, and we took the lead, and that's pretty important in the inning."

Altuve was last year's batting champion finishing with a league-high batting average of .341, adding seven home runs and 59 RBI on 225 hits.

The Rays placed five players on the disabled list to set their Opening Day roster. 

Among the moves the team made on Sunday were: 

Placed P Alex Cobb (forearm), infielder Nick Franklin (oblique) and P Drew Smyly (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27. They are eligible to return on April 11, although none are expected to be ready by then.

Placed P Jake McGee (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list as of April 5.

Placed pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list as of April 5.

Added catcher Bobby Wilson to the roster. 

The Yankees have purchased the contract of infielder Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees acquired Petit from the Astros during the last week of camp. He hit .310/.375/.414 in 29 at-bats with the Astros this spring. Petit is expected to fill the utility-infielder role whil Brendan Ryan is sidelined.

Johnny Giavotella was awarded the starting second base job after the Angels optioned infielders Grant Green and Josh Rutledge down to Triple-A Salt Lake following Friday's exhibition game against the Dodgers, according to the Orange County Register.

Giavotella hit .315 (17 for 54) with one home run and seven RBI in 25 spring training games. He has slashed .238/.277/.334 over 437 big-league at-bats.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that his lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, will be the same he uses on Opening Day, and against right-handed pitchers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The club will roll with John Jaso, Steven Souza, Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria, James Loney, Desmond Jennings, Logan Forsythe, Rene Rivera and Kevin Kiermaier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Cash told reporters he will use Brandon Guyer at the leadoff spot, Jennings and Loney will flip spots in the order, Forsythe will serve as a designated hitter and Tim Beckham will be at second base, per the Tampa Tribune.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus went 0 for 3 and struck out twice in his return to the lineup Wednesday as the Rangers fell to the Rockies, 10-4.

Andrus was scratched from Monday's lineup due to stiffness in his lower back but missed little time due to the injury. He has hit .359/.381/.590 in 39 spring at-bats.

The Yankees have acquired infielder Gregorio Petit from the Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the Astros announced Wednesday.

Petit was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday after failing to win a major-league roster spot with the Astros. He hit .310/.375/.414 in 29 at-bats this spring.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, who was scratched from the lineup Monday due to lower back stiffness, said Tuesday he will resume baseball activities Wednesday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"There's nothing to worry about," he said.

Andrus is having a pretty good performance at the plate this spring, batting .389 (14 for 36) with one home run, two triples, two doubles, six RBI and four runs in 13 spring games.