MLB Player News

Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella has appeared to win the second-base competition, though he's not getting ahead of himself, MLB.com reports.

"Whether I'm in Triple-A or the big leagues," Giavotella said, "I'm going to prepare myself the same way and make sure I'm ready."

Giavotella is out of minir-league options and has hit .366/.422/.634 with four doubles, two triples and one home run in 41 spring at-bats.

"I think I've opened some eyes that I am capable of being a big leaguer; that I'm a quality option to be that guy to fill the void of Howie Kendrick," Giavotella said. "I think I showed them that I bring a lot of energy to each game, help the lineup out offensively. Even my defense; I feel like I've given them confidence that I can go out and make any play out there."

Giavotella is in the team's starting lineup Monday and batting ninth in what could be a preview of the Angels' regular-season lineup.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus has been scratched from Monday's starting lineup due to stiffness in his lower back, the team announced.

Andrus has been in the midst of a fine spring, hitting .389/.410/.639 with one home run, two doubles and two triples in 36 at-bats.

Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe is working to become a more consistent hitter, regardless of his role on the team, reports the Tampa Bay Times.

"I think consistency depends on how you feel at the plate if the rhythm and timing are there," Forsythe said. "Last year I think that my swing was at a good point to where the rhythm and timing were there going into playing every day, so when I got into that consistency of more at-bats, more playing time, my swing kind of came out more. It's not hit or miss, but I think there's certain times in the season when the swing is there and it's not there. That's baseball."

Forsythe hit .223 with 26 RBI in 301 plate appearances in 2014. He is feeling good about his approach with Opening Day right around the corner.

"There's time when you feel good about your swing. It comes based on results you get in a game,” Forsythe said. "That feedback doesn't necessarily always have to be, 'Oh I got a hit.' Or, "I drove a run in.' Or 'I hit a home run.' As long as you put the barrel to the ball, it can be a line drive out or a web gem made on you, that confidence is boosted, and the more opportunity you get when your confidence is up, you're going to get better results."

The Astros optioned third baseman Matt Dominguez and pitchers Jake Buchanan and Max Stassi to the minors Sunday while reassigning shortstop Carlos Correa, infielder Gregorio Petit, catcher Tyler Heineman and pitchers Darin Downs and James Hoyt to minor-league camp.

Dominguez opened last season as the team's starting third baseman but found himself behind in the race for a bench role this spring.

"[Luis] Valbuena had an amazing spring so far and is basically going to be our third baseman and that leaves Matt in competition with some of the other guys for an extra spot on the roster, a spot off the bench, and right now we feel like there’s a couple of other guys ahead of him and he needs to play every day," general manager Jeff Lunhow said, per MLB.com "Right now he’ll go down to Fresno and play third and play some first and be ready when the need arises."

Correa is the team's top-rated prospect but has yet to play above high Class A.

"Carlos is going to be a star player in the big leagues. It’s just a matter of time," Luhnow said. "Having never had an at-bat in Double-A, he needs to go get some regular work in the high minors. He did a great job for us on the field as well as off the field and I think he’s got a lot of fans in the organization and he impressed the big league staff, which is what you want as a young player."

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that Logan Forsythe will still receive some playing time at first base this spring. However, the Rays may revisit John Jaso as a possible backup to James Loney, and will consider outfielder Steven Souza only "in a pinch," according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said infielder Nick Franklin is in between the gray area of 4-6 weeks and 6-8 weeks of recovery and rehab for his oblique injury, per The Tampa Tribune.

Franklin, who will begin the season on the disabled list, is expected to platoon at second base with Logan Forsythe and back up Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop when healthy.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday infielder Logan Forsythe will get the majority of playing time at second base to open the season with Nick Franklin sidelined due to an oblique injury, per the Tampa Bay Times.

The two infielders are expected to platoon at second base when Franklin is healthy.

The 28-year-old Forysthe has a career .235/.303/.343/.646 slash line. He played in a career-high 110 games in 2014.

"I think Logan's had a good spring," Cash said, per MLB.com. "Logan's a good defender. Plays second base really well.

"I think we're all very happy about the way his spring has gone. Him and [Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton] have had a lot of discussions on some adjustments and they seem to have paid off. He's barreled a lot of balls this spring."

Rays manager Kevin Cash revealed that infielder Nick Franklin "will not be ready for Opening Day," according to the Tampa Bay Times. Franklin was scratched from the lineup after suffering a strained oblique on the last swing of batting practice Monday.  

The Rangers are invested in shortstop Elvis Andrus. The veteran is signed through 2022 and after the struggles of last year, general manager Jon Daniels wants to see him move forward, reports MLB.com.

"We invested in him because we thought he was arrow-up. We've been encouraged this winter and this spring by the feeling that he's kind of recommitted, after last year being below his standards.

"We don't see why he can't be one of the best defensive players and baserunners in the game. He controls the bat, he can get on base, do some different things. I don't expect him to hit for power, but I think he can be an impactful player. He's a winning player."

Andrus, a defensive-minded player, was told by manager Jeff Bannister he should be able to win a Gold Glove.

"I'm working on it," Andrus said. "It's easy to say. But you have to go out there and be consistent, especially on routine ground balls. That's one of the things I'm working on right now. I know that if I can make that happen, I would have a chance to win."

Rays infielder Nick Franklin was scratched from the spring lineup Monday after suffering an injury to his left side, the team announced. Franklin was diagnosed with a strained left oblique, per The Tampa Tribune.

Franklin said he suffered the injury on the last swing of batting practice Monday. He doesn't know the timetable for his return, but he thinks his status for Opening Day is in jeopardy.

Earlier Monday, manager Kevin Cash said Franklin will platoon at second base with Logan Forsythe and serve as a backup shortstop to Asdrubal Cabrera, who was named the starting shortstop.