MLB Player News

Kemp, who went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs in a Cactus League win over the Indians on Sunday, is now hitting .444 across 21 spring plate appearances.

Kemp has been swinging a red-hot bat since the exhibition slate began, complementing his ability to fill in all over the outfield and at second base with impressive offensive contributions. The 28-year-old has toiled for the Astros and Cubs over his four major-league seasons, and he could certainly carve out an Opening Day spot if he demonstrates he can keep up his strong work at the plate during the balance of the spring.

Semien is hitting .400 with a double, four RBI, four walks and four runs across six spring games.

The shortstop will play his final year under team control on a $13 million contract, making his salary second only to Khris Davis on the Athletics. Semien could well be elsewhere in 2021, but after compiling a career-best .285/.369/.522 line last season that included new high-water marks in doubles (43), triples (seven), home runs (33) and RBI (92), he's expected to be a major contributor again this coming season.

Biggio got the start in center field during Saturday's Grapefruit League game, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

While the 24-year-old is still locked in as the Jays' starting second baseman, Biggio could find himself seeing occasional action in center or at first base depending on who else is resting or slotted in at DH during any particular game. While this might eventually result in extra position eligibility down the road in fantasy leagues with lower qualification thresholds, the most important takeaway is that manager Charlie Montoya sees Biggio as a player he needs to keep in the lineup as much as possible.

Polanco (ankle) is batting third as the designated hitter in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 26-year-old has been held out through the early portions of spring training while continuing his recovery from right ankle surgery in November, but he appears to be nearing full clearance. Polanco figures to return to the field at shortstop in the near future, but for now he'll stick with hitting and running the bases.

Arauz started at second base and went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in Thursday's game against the Phillies.

Arauz, who was selected in the Rule 5 draft this winter, is looking for one of the final two bench spots. He's a switch hitter that can play second, third and short, putting him in competition with Tzu -Wei Lin and Marco Hernandez. There's a chance two of those three players will make the team.

Chavis started at second base and went 2-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Wednesday's spring game against the Pirates.

Chavis has appeared in three Grapefruit League games, playing both first and second base while going 2-for-7. If healthy, Chavis should find himself in the lineup daily. He showed power in 2019, going deep 18 times in 382 plate appearances, but there were also challenges. He batted just .221 with a .649 OPS over the second half.

Andrus made his Cactus League debut Tuesday, going 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts in a game against the Royals.

Andrus was the last of the Rangers' regulars to appear in a spring game. He's coming off a pair of mediocre seasons, and the 31-year-old shortstop needs to change the narrative in 2020. There isn't an in-house candidate ready to step in to replace Andrus, but the Rangers have noted his drop in production.

Lowe (personal) is in the lineup for Tuesday's spring game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe was excused Monday to tend to his spring training home with a brush fire in the area, but that will be the extent of his absence. He will man second base and hit cleanup in Tuesday's batting order.

Andrus has been taking extra work in live batting practice sessions and the indoor cages, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Andrus has not yet played a spring game, but there is no injury involved. "I'll play," Andrus said. "Not now but I will get the at-bats that I need to get ready. I'm working hard in the cage on some things I want to do offensively. As soon as I get that done I will play." Texas' starting shortstop was put on notice during the offseason by general manager Jon Daniels after a down season in 2019.

Altuve batted second and went 1-for-2, was hit by a pitch, and knocked in a run during Monday's spring game against the Tigers.

Altuve took a pitch off the foot in the fifth inning and was replaced by a pinch runner, but there was no indication that the HBP did any damage. The entire starting infield made its debut Monday with Altuve hitting ahead of third baseman Alex Bregman, shortstop Carlos Correa and first baseman Yuli Gurriel in the order. The 29-year-old is still one of the best at his position and established a new career high with 31 home runs in 2019. That added power is helpful, but fantasy owners would like to see the old Altuve that stole bases at a healthy clip. He swiped just six bags (11 attempts), his first single-digit season in the category since 2011.