MLB Player News

Chavis (oblique) will split time between first and second base this season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Red Sox interim manager Ron Roenicke clarified Chavis' role for the upcoming season. "When he's swinging the bat well, he's going to get more playing time whether it's at first or second," Roenicke said. "But he's going to be out there. When he's performing the way he can, like when he first came up last year and was so hot, you want him in the lineup." Chavis did not hit well against lefties in 2019 (.226 batting average) and needs to lay off high fastballs. Roenicke acknowledged Chavis' need to lay off high heat but believes his performance against lefties was the product of a limited sample size.

Polanco (ankle) was in the batting cage Wednesday and did not appear to have any limitations, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Polanco underwent surgery Nov. 22 to address a right ankle impingement. It's thought he'll be ready for Opening Day, but monitor his progress early in spring training.

Rengifo's (wrist) reported trade from the Angels to the Dodgers is no longer in effect Sunday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rengifo becoming a Dodger was apparently contingent on the original Mookie Betts trade involving the Dodgers and Red Sox on Tuesday, which ultimately fell through. It is unclear whether or not the Angels will resume trade talks with the Dodgers following this bizarre circumstance, but for now the 22-year-old returns to his original team and is set to compete with Tommy La Stella this spring for the starting position at second base.

Bannon was invited to Baltimore's big-league camp Tuesday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Bannon might not receive serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, as he's played just 20 games at the Triple-A level, but his debut will likely come at some point this season. If he can repeat his .317/.344/.549 line from those 20 games for Triple-A Norfolk last season, it won't be long before he gets his first taste of the big leagues. Bannon doesn't project as anything close to a star, but he has a decent bat and good plate discipline (12.2 percent career walk rate in the minors), which should eventually earn him at least a bench spot given his ability to play second and third base.

Andrus showed up at a team event Friday about 10 pounds lighter than when the 2019 season ended, Sam Blum of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus, who is entering his 12th year in the Rangers' organization, said he plans to shed at least another five pounds before training camp opens. He's coming off an unproductive season with a .706 OPS in 147 games. Texas general manager Jon Daniels made both Andrus and second baseman Rougned Odor aware of the team's displeasure with their results last year, per Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News. "We've been real clear with both guys," Daniels said. "Their position with the club is different from what it's been." The message to Andrus was to show up in better shape and be committed to the long grind of the baseball season. While there is not a ready option to take over at shortstop, Rangers manager Chris Woodward could drop Andrus in the batting order.

Chavis (oblique) said he feels good and is pleased with where his swing is at as he prepares for spring training, Stephen Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Chavis was in town to accept the Red Sox's rookie of the year award from the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2019, the 24-year-old infielder split most of his time between second base and first base, two positions without a current full-time starter in place. It's likely he sees time at each position, and he should see an increase in plate appearances in 2020.

Kemp was traded from the Cubs to the Athletics for minor-leaguer Alfonso Rivas on Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kemp filled a bench role for the Astros and Cubs last season but didn't do much at the plate, hitting .212/.291/.380 in 279 plate appearances. With the ability to play second base and all three outfield positions, Kemp should be a useful bench piece for the always-creative Athletics this season, but he's unlikely to play enough to be much of a fantasy asset or to hit well enough if he does get unexpected time.

Haggerty was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

He was cut loose by the Mets earlier in the week. Haggerty will compete in spring training for a bench role with the rebuilding Mariners. Seattle's 40-man roster is now full.

Semien agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the A's on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

This is his third and final year as an arbitration-eligible player before heading to free agency. He will be Oakland's second-highest paid player, behind Khris Davis ($16.75 million in 2020).

Drury signed a one-year, $2.05 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 27-year-old had a subpar season at the plate last season as he slashed .218/.262/.380 with 15 home runs over 120 games with the Blue Jays. Although his production in 2019 was discouraging, Drury's defensive versatility allows him to see a fair share of playing time.