MLB Player News

Kemp, who went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk in a Cactus League tie with the Mariners on Saturday, is now hitting .429 (3-for-7) over his first four spring games.

Kemp has a nice three-game hitting streak going that also includes a double, three walks and a stolen base in addition to Saturday's solo shot. The 29-year-old never left the yard in 114 plate appearances last season, but he'd slugged a combined 14 homers over the previous two seasons while logging part-time duty with the Cubs and Astros. Kemp is likely to operate in a platoon with Chad Pinder and/or Jed Lowrie (knee) at second base during the 2021 season, but Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports the veteran is also candidate to see some time in the outfield against right-handed pitchers.

Andrus went 1-for-3 with a double in a Cactus League loss to the Angels on Friday, his first hit in three spring games.

The veteran infielder also stranded five men overall, but he at least got on the board with his first official hit in an Athletics uniform. Andrus does have an extensive big-league track record as a solid offensive contributor, but he has some questions to answer at the plate after generating a career-worst .194 average and .252 on-base percentage across 111 plate appearances with the Rangers in an injury-marred 2020. Oakland is counting on Andrus to enjoy a resurgent season with the bat while serving as the departed Marcus Semien's replacement at shortstop.

Haggerty, competing for a utility role on the Opening Day roster, went 2-for-2 with a triple and a stolen base in a Cactus League tie with the White Sox on Friday.

Haggerty pulled his spring average up to .375 (3-for-8) with Friday's impressive showing, as the 26-year-old has gotten his bid for a roster spot off to a good start. Haggerty's considerable defensive flexibility -- he's played every position except pitcher, catcher and first base in a professional career that dates back to 2015 -- already gives him a strong chance at sticking, and his early spring work with the bat following a solid .260/.315/.400 line across 54 big-league plate appearances last season only strengthens his case for the time being.

Arroyo started at second base and went 1-for-2 and was caught stealing in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

This was Arroyo's fourth spring game and second start at second base. He also started two contests at shortstop. He's on the roster bubble, competing for what appears to be the final spot with Michael Chavis. The Red Sox may carry 14 pitchers to open the season, which would leave just three bench spots, including catcher Kevin Plawecki and super-utility Marwin Gonzalez. In 14 games for Boston in 2020, Arroyo slashed .240/.296/.440 with three home runs and eight RBI.

Chavis (back) entered Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays as a reserve and belted a two-run home run.

Chavis was scratched from Thursday's contest but continued his quest for a roster spot Friday. His seventh-inning home run, which made up for a fielding error at first base in the sixth inning, was his second of the spring. Utility infielder Christian Arroyo is viewed as his primary competition for a roster spot. The Red Sox are considering carrying 14 pitchers with three bench spots allotted to fielders, so versatility is key. One of those three will be backup catcher Kevin Plawecki and another will be the super-utility Marwin Gonzalez.

Gimenez is 4-for-7 with one home run, one triple and three RBI through three games in spring training.

The 22-year-old was acquired from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade during January and is making a strong first impression with his new team. Gimenez is competing for the starting job at shortstop after making his big-league debut in 2020 and delivering a .731 OPS with three homers and eight stolen bases in 132 plate appearances. Amed Rosario, who came to Cleveland in the same trade, is the primary competition at shortstop after posting a career-worst .643 OPS last season. Gimenez's defensive skillset likely gives him a leg up for the starting role, so he should be able to secure the job if he continues to hit well in spring training.

Manager A.J. Hinch said that Short (head) checked out fine after leaving Thursday's spring game against Toronto early due to injury, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Short was evaluated for concussion symptoms after being hit in the head by a pitch Thursday, but Hinch didn't express any concerns regarding his status. It's not yet clear when the 25-year-old will return, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury.

Short left Thursday's game against Toronto after getting hit in the head by a pitch, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Short remained down on one knee briefly before walking off with team trainers. The severity of the injury is not yet clear.

The Red Sox scratched Chavis from their lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to back tightness, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The injury is likely only a minor concern for Chavis, but he'll still need to move past the back issue quickly if he hopes to build his case for playing time early on during the campaign. With Boston adding Enrique Hernandez, Marwin Gonzalez, Hunter Renfroe and Franchy Cordero during the offseason, Chavis could have to settle for a bench role to begin 2021 following a disappointing 2020 campaign in which he posted a .636 OPS while striking out in 31.6 percent of his 158 plate appearances.

Brujan is starting in center field and batting ninth Wednesday against the Pirates, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

This is further proof that Brujan can play anywhere up the middle for the Rays -- something that could prove critical if he is to break through with the big-league club this year. Fellow prospects Wander Franco and Josh Lowe are starting at shortstop and in right field, respectively.