MLB Player News

Lux appears to have a clearer path to an everyday role than previously expected, as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Dodgers traded AJ Pollock for Craig Kimbrel on Friday.

Prior to the trade, Lux looked like the team's 10th-best bat. That role would have still resulted in plenty of playing time, both due to the Dodgers' frequent rotations and the fact that Lux was one injury away from being part of the starting nine. A true starting role is obviously preferable, however, and it looks like he should have one now with Pollock out of the outfield picture. Lux has played some left field, though it's perhaps more likely that Chris Taylor moves out to left field while Lux starts at second base. Lux's career .233/.314/.368 slash line doesn't exactly look the part of an everyday player for a contender, but the trade seemingly demonstrates the Dodgers' faith in him, something which seems reasonable given that he was a highly touted prospect and is still just 24 years old.

Hoerner could be in line to start the regular season as the primary shortstop if Andrelton Simmons (shoulder) has to miss time, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Simmons has missed time in camp with a sore right shoulder, and Hoerner could be next in line, with Jonathan Villar possibly better suited for more of a utility role. Hoerner profiles as a better offensive player than Simmons, so he could carve out a more regular role all year if he starts producing at the plate right out of the gate.

Urias (quadriceps) said Thursday that his recovery process is going slowly, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers have already indicated that Urias will begin the regular season on the injured list, and it's possible that he'll need to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf. The infielder is running at about 50 percent intensity and doesn't yet feel confident pushing it further. Jace Peterson will likely serve as the primary third baseman to begin the season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers exercise caution in Urias' recovery to prevent a more significant injury.

Gorman was assigned to minor league camp Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The highly-ranked prospect will begin the season with Triple-A Memphis before likely being called-up at some point during the 2022 campaign. Between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2021, Gorman excelled and produced a .279 average with 25 homers and 20 doubles. With the Cardinals bringing in Nolan Arenado last offseason, Gorman was transitioned to second base and will likely focus on improving his work at the keystone early this year.

Chavis (shoulder) will start at second base and bat third in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Chavis is back in action for the first time since Friday after getting a few days off to rest a sore shoulder. The 26-year-old, who is competing for a utility role with the Pirates, has gone 1-for-13 at the dish during spring training.

Rojas started at shortstop and went 1-for-2 with a double in Monday's spring training game against the Dodgers.

Rojas was the first to step in for injured shortstop Nick Ahmed (shoulder) and could be a permanent fill-in. Ahmed is considering all options -- anything to avoid surgery -- so there's a need to find someone to slot in at shortstop for the immediate future. Rojas was penciled in as the starter at third base, but there could be a bigger need at short. He started 39 games at shortstop in 2021.

The Nationals optioned Garcia to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Manager Dave Martinez said over the weekend the young infielder was unlikely to make Washington's Opening Day roster, and Garcia was then included among nine players cut from big-league camp Monday. The 22-year-old appeared in 70 major-league games last season and hit .242/.275/.411 with six home runs and 22 RBI in 247 plate appearances. Garcia is likely to see the big leagues at some point in 2022, but Alcides Escobar and Cesar Hernandez are set to open the campaign as the starters in the middle infield, with Ehire Adrianza filling a utility role.

The Brewers reassigned Mathias to their minor-league camp Monday.

Mathias is healthy again after missing the entire 2021 campaign while recovering from right shoulder surgery, but he'll likely have to produce at Triple-A Nashville before garnering another look from the big club. The 27-year-old utility man made his big-league debut with the Brewers in 2020, seeing action in 16 games and hitting .278 with three doubles and a stolen base across 36 plate appearances.

Urias (quadriceps) will open the season on the injured list, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Urias injured his left quadriceps while running the bases in mid-March. He ran on the field Saturday -- one week after he suffered the injury -- and he's expected to resume swinging and playing catch soon. If he continues progressing without setbacks, he'll have the chance to avoid a long absence, but he'll miss at least a bit of time to start the year. Jace Peterson has the inside track on a temporary starting role at third base in his absence.

Gorman (back) is listed among the Cardinals' available reserves for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gorman was scratched ahead of Sunday's game against the Mets due to lower-back tightness, but he looks as though he'll have the chance to see some game action a day later. The 21-year-old has gone 2-for-16 at the dish during spring training and is likely to open the season at Triple-A Memphis, where he'll likely continue to make starts at both second base and third base to give him multiple avenues to playing time at the big-league level.