MLB Player News

Peguero reported to Pirate City on Friday after missing the first week of spring training with visa issues, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The non-roster invitee has never played above Low-A ball, but Peguero has the potential to move quickly through the system. A .970 OPS in Pioneer League play in 2019 hints at the shortstop's ceiling.

Urias was removed from Friday's spring game against the Rockies as a precaution due to left hamstring discomfort.

The 23-year-old appeared to tweak his hamstring running out a groundout during the third inning, and the Brewers aren't taking any chances by leaving him in the game. Urias received the start at shortstop and went 0-for-2 while also committing a throwing error before exiting the contest. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Rodgers went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI against the Mariners on Thursday.

Rodgers entered the game hitless in four exhibition at-bats. However, he ended any concerns about a slow start by singling in a run in the fourth inning, then blasting a solo homer in the sixth. The 24-year-old was caught stealing in the fourth inning and said after the game that he wants to be a part of the team's emphasis on utilizing more speed this year, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports. "I want 20 (stolen bases) this year," Rodgers said. "You heard it here first." Whether he's able to do so remains to be seen, as he converted on just 24 of his 36 stolen-base attempts across five seasons in the minors, but it appears as though he'll be given opportunities to showcase his speed if he gets enough playing time in 2021. Most importantly, Rodgers has been cleared medically after battling a shoulder injury during the 2020 season, and he'll look to secure regular playing time at second base this spring.

Manager Dave Roberts said Lux will play regularly this season, and the team isn't "too concerned" with him facing left-handed pitching, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 23-year-old appeared to be in line for the starting spot at the keystone in 2020, but he didn't make the Opening Day roster and ended up with a .595 OPS in only 69 plate appearances. The offseason departures of Enrique Hernandez and Joc Pederson opened up significant playing time in Los Angeles, and if Roberts' comments are any indication, Lux will have the chance to earn the starting job at second base to open 2021. Early success against left-handers could keep him in an everyday role rather than being limited to the strong side of a platoon.

Peguero who remains in the Dominican Republic with visa issues, is hopeful to be in camp by the weekend, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Acquired from Arizona as part of the Starling Marte trade return, Peguero spent 2020 in Altoona at the Pirates' alternative training site. He hit five homers and compiled an .866 OPS in 227 at-bats split between the Pioneer League and Low-A ball in 2019. The 20-year-old is looking to improve upon his power numbers in 2021. "I honestly have a little more power with my hands a little bit higher," Peguero said. "I've been trying to control that, getting the bat 100 percent into it." As a quick riser within the system, he could reach the majors as soon as 2022.

Hoerner made his Cactus League debut Tuesday and went 2-for-3 with a double in a 3-2 win over the Royals.

Hoerner is competing with David Bote and Ildemaro Vargas for playing time at second base, so it's important for him to get off to a good start. The 23-year-old probably has the most upside of the three players, but the Cubs may also elect to get him a little more seasoning at the Triple-A level to begin the campaign.

Diaz has been impressive defensively to begin spring training, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports. "He seems sure of himself," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after Monday's Grapefruit League game. "Just that confidence and feeling comfortable."

Diaz is battling Jazz Chisholm for the starting job at second base, with the loser expected to begin the season at Triple-A. While Chisholm is perceived to have the higher upside at the plate, the team also views him as its shortstop of the future. If Diaz can shine with his glove this spring while also proving he can make some contributions at the plate, it could be enough to win the job at the keystone.

Rojas (back) will start at shortstop and bat sixth Monday in the Diamondbacks' Cactus League game against the Brewers, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Rojas ended the 2020 season on the injured list due to a bout of lower-back inflammation, but he appears to be back to full strength for spring training. He was used as a reserve in Sunday's Cactus League opener, going hitless across two at-bats in the Diamondbacks' 5-2 loss to the Rockies. Rojas will be one of several players competing this spring for a utility role on Arizona's Opening Day roster.

Marte started at second base, batted leadoff and went 1-for-2 with a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Rockies.

Marte's position has been the subject of much discussion thus far in camp, and he's expected to see time at both second base and center field. It's unclear if he'll bat leadoff this season, but he will occupy a spot near the top of the order. Last season, he led off 16 games and batted second 29 times.

India made a lot of progress at the Reds' alternate training site last summer, but he didn't get the call to the majors due to an injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I was ready last year but I got hurt," India said. "It's really not my decision. I just have to play to the best of my ability and what I know I can do. I believe that I am a big leaguer."

India's big problem, even if he tears it up at Triple-A, is that he doesn't have an obvious place to play. He worked at both third and second base last summer, but those spots are blocked by Eugenio Suarez and Mike Moustakas, respectively.