MLB Player News

Mendick is expected to serve as the White Sox's utility infielder in 2020, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. He's hitting .235 (8-for-34) with two walks, two doubles, two RBI and eight strikeouts over 15 spring games.

Mendick, who was a 26th-round draft pick out of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in 2015, played three infield positions for the White Sox in 2019. When 2020 camp began, he was added to the short list of competitors, along with Leury Garcia and the organization's third-ranked prospect, Nick Madrigal, for the starting second base job. It looks like Garcia will be the starter while Madrigal hits the minors before an eventual callup later in the season. That leaves the lightly regarded Mendick, 26, as the primary backup at second base, shortstop and third base. He showed decent power for a utility infielder at Triple-A Charlotte and has stolen 39 bases over the last two minor-league seasons.

Torres committed his fifth error of the spring during Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest against Toronto.

Torres sailed a throw leading off the second inning, though teammate Gerrit Cole retired the next three batters to avoid any damage. Torres is tied for the league lead with five errors in 23 chances in Grapefruit League play but tops the Yankees with six RBI. His shaky spring defense is unlikely to put his Opening Day role in jeopardy but could be a cause for concern if it carries over into the regular season.

Jones was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Jones struggled in 130 games at the Double-A level last season, hitting just .234/.308/.324. Given that he'd already played 48 games at that level in 2018, however, the Angels are apparently content to have him climb the ladder despite his poor performance at the plate.

The Rays optioned Brujan to Triple-A Durham on Monday.

Brujan was the most prominent of the seven prospects the Rays sent back to their minor-league camp Monday. The switch-hitting 22-year-old will head to the International League for the first time after posting a .735 OPS and stealing 48 bases between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery in 2019.

Haggerty is dealing with elbow soreness and is currently sitting out of game action as he awaits a second opinion, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Mariners back in January and is competing for a bench role this spring. Haggerty hasn't seen game action since Thursday, but he's made a strong impression thus far -- the infielder is hitting .357 (5-for-14) with three doubles, two RBI and one run across eight Cactus League contests. Haggerty has just four plate appearances worth of major-league regular-season experience, which came across 11 games with the Mets last season.

Barreto went 3-for-5 with three doubles, two runs and an RBI in Sunday's 11-3 win over the Brewers in Cactus League play.

Barreto's odds of making the Athletics' Opening Day roster already improved after Sheldon Neuse was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas earlier in the day, and the 23-year-old only bolstered his outlook by banging out three extra-base hits in the win. He'll continue to compete with Jorge Mateo, Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder for the top job at second base throughout the spring, though manager Bob Melvin may ultimately opt for a platoon or timeshare at the position.

Altuve (illness) is back in the lineup as expected Friday against the Mets, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve had been out of action since Tuesday, though his illness evidently wasn't too serious. He'll have plenty of chances to make up for lost time with Opening Day still nearly three weeks away.

Altuve (illness) returned to camp and is expected to play Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve, who was scratched and sent home Tuesday due to illness, worked out with teammates Wednesday. He's appeared in four spring games thus far, going 2-for-9 with a double and an RBI.

Altuve is away from the team Tuesday due to illness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve's bug is reportedly the same one that kept teammate Alex Bregman out of action for a few days. Assuming a similar timeline for Altuve's recovery, his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted.

Polanco (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat second Tuesday in the Twins' Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The Twins have brought Polanco along slowly this spring after he required surgery on his right ankle in the offseason. After Polanco made his Grapefruit League debut as a designated hitter Sunday, he'll now draw back into his normal position on the diamond, signaling that the Twins are comfortable with where he stands on the health front. Polanco is once again expected to occupy a prominent spot in one of the majors' more potent lineups in 2020.