MLB Player News

Outfielder Robbie Grossman has used his penchant for a high on-base percentage to land the second spot in the Astros lineup. Jose Altuve had been slated for that spot heading into spring training, but he will bat cleanup behind catcher Jason Castro.

Grossman posted a .381 OBP throughout his minor league career and managed a .351 mark in that department after his second callup by Houston last season.

The White Sox made several moves on Wednesday, the most significant of which was the placement of starting second baseman Gordon Beckham on the disabled list with an oblique injury. Marcus Semien will replace him in the starting lineup.

The temporary loss of Beckham resulted in fellow second baseman Leury Garcia landing a spot on the opening day roster.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus had a productive throwing session Tuesday while working around second base, MLB.com reports.

Andrus is scheduled to make throws from the shortstop position Wednesday, and he could be in the lineup for the one of the team's exhibition games against the Astros in San Antonio this weekend. He's looking like he'll be available for opening day, but much will depend on how his elbow responds to work over the next few days.

The Royals optioned infielder Johnny Giavotella to Triple-A Omaha Tuesday.

Giavotella turned in an excellent spring campaign, hitting .341/.391/.585 with one home run and seven RBI in 41 at-bats. The transaction could mean that Royals are optimistic Omar Infante's elbow injury won't linger into the regular season.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham could hit the disabled list soon, according to 670 The Score.

Beckham has been dealing with an oblique issue, and has been able to get limited work in the past few days. He hasn't done anything affecting the injured area, and he's running out of time if he wants to be ready for opening day. If Beckham can't go, Marcus Semien would open the year as the starter at second base. 

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (oblique) said Tuesday he hopes to play in a game in the next few days, per MLB.com. Beckham said even if he's not ready for opening day, he doesn't expect to miss much time.

"There's people that want me to take it easy, getting back. At the same time, you know, the season starts Monday, I'd like to make that," he said. "If I feel good enough to go, then we'll go on Monday. If not, I don't think it will be a prolonged stint."

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham was able to do some limited work the past few days, according to CSNChicago.

Beckham has been dealing with an oblique injury, but has said he plans to be ready for opening day. Though Beckham has worked out, he did not do anything to test the afflicted area. Manager Robin Ventura explained that the team wants to be careful with Beckham. "It’s tricky, Ventura said. "We have to wait and make sure he’s ok, doesn’t go out and hurt himself again, then you lose him for 15 more days."

Beckham hit .267/.322/.372 in 371 at-bats last year.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday infielder Marcus Semien would be the starting second baseman, if Gordon Beckham (oblique) starts the season on the disabled list, which is looking likely, per MLB.com.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn talked Sunday about not pushing second baseman Gordon Beckham (oblique) to be ready for opening day, per MLB.com. It appears likely Beckham won't be ready for the start of the season as he continues to be sidelined from baseball activities.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham was unable to take part in any baseball activities on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Beckham has been sidelined since March 14 because of a strained oblique. He remains confident that he'll be ready to play opening day.

"I know what he would like but he does have to get through Herm's tests to make sure he's ready to go," said Ventura, referencing White Sox head athletic trainer Herm Schneider, per MLB.com. "And you have to protect guys who want to go out there.