MLB Player News

Andrus went 1-for-2 with an RBI in Friday's game against the White Sox.

Andrus will be looking to rebound from an injury-marred 2018 season that saw him finish with a career-low .256 batting average. He also dropped from 20 home runs and 88 RBI in 2017 to six and 33, respectively, last season. An early season fractured elbow interrupted what had been a hot start (.926 OPS, 14 games) and impacted his offense upon returning in June. "I was still having some discomfort, especially when I was swinging," Andrus told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. "Throwing-wise, not really. Maybe if I lowered my angle I felt it a little bit, but mostly it was my hitting." Andrus is expected to occupy the third spot in the batting order.

Barreto, who went 2-for-2 with a double and a run in the Athletics' 6-3 Cactus League win over the Rockies on Friday, is impressing manager Bob Melvin with his work in the outfield, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. "You watch the drills and watch him do his work in the outfield, he's a natural at it," Melvin said. "When you're that athletic, it gives you some options."

Barreto is actually impressing with both the bat and glove thus far in Cactus League play. The 23-year-old is now hitting .500 (8-for-16) with three doubles and only two strikeouts in spring training, with a successful winter ball stint in Venezuela (.358 average, .927 OPS over 203 plate appearances) clearly having helped Barretto maintain his timing at the plate throughout the offseason. However, his transition from second base to the outfield is drawing plenty of raves as well, with Melvin noting that Barreto has jumped into the process without any trepidation. Barreto played center field in Friday's game after manning left Thursday, and the plan is to continue moving him around the outfield before he likely starts the season at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Altuve will start at second base for the first time this spring Saturday against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve, who underwent offseason knee surgery, has served as a designated hitter twice this spring, going 0-for-5, including a three-strikeout game Thursday.

Drury went 2-for-3 with a stolen base in Wednesday's win over the Pirates.

Drury was hitless in his first four at-bats of spring before collecting a single in the second inning Wednesday. He added another base knock in the sixth frame and proceeded to steal second base. Drury is currently expected to open the season as the Blue Jays' starting third baseman, though he'll likely shift to a reserve role once Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is promoted.

Chavis went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and a walk in Wednesday's loss to the Orioles.

Wednesday's towering shot to left field marked Chavis' third homer through four games this spring. The 23-year-old has also racked up nine RBI in the process. While he's expected to open the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, Chavis is showing why he's widely regarded as the team's top prospect.

Beckham was 2-for-3 with a double, a run and two RBI in Tuesday's spring win against the Mets.

Beckham joined the Tigers as a non-roster invitee this offseason and is fighting to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 32-year-old has gotten off to a strong start in spring training, as he is 4-for-7 with a double, two runs, two RBI and a pair of walks through four games.

Arroyo went 1-for-1 with a solo homer in Tuesday's win over the Orioles.

Arroyo went deep in his only at-bat Tuesday, jumping on a first-pitch offering from Jay Flaa during the Rays' 10-run eighth inning. The 23-year-old is off to a fine start to spring, going 2-for-3 with a homer, though he's currently on the outside looking in at an Opening Day roster spot.

Forsythe signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

The veteran second baseman posted above-average batting lines with the Rays in 2015 and 2016 but has seen his production tail off as he hit the wrong side of 30. He hit just .232/.313/.291 with two homers for the Dodgers and Twins last season. The Rangers' roster isn't a particularly tough one to break into, but Forsythe will have to look like he can bounce back in camp, as the team won't have much interest in an underperforming veteran in a rebuilding season.

Altuve made his spring debut Monday, going 0-for-2 against the Mets.

Altuve, who had offseason knee surgery, served as the designated hitter and was pleased with his at-bats, one of which came against New York ace Noah Syndergaard. "I felt like myself," Altuve told Alyson Footer of MLB.com. "It's spring training, of course, I'm trying to get my timing back, and working really hard being 100 percent for the first game of the season. I really liked my at-bats and how I felt today." There's no word yet on when Altuve will play the field.

Barreto played five innings in left field Saturday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Jurickson Profar was brought in via trade to replace Jed Lowrie at second base, leaving Barreto to compete for a utility role this spring. Barreto is looking to prove himself in the outfield to increase his chances at an Opening Day roster spot. His only other experience in the outfield came during winter ball. Manager Bob Melvin sounded pleased with what he saw Saturday, saying, "after the first ball he looked really good out there."