MLB Player News

Albies (elbow) is set to be examined by team doctors in the coming days and could be cleared to play next week, David O'Brien of the AJC reports.

The Braves' prized prospect has been rehabbing from elbow surgery for the first few weeks of spring training, but it appears he could be nearing a return given that he'll be reevaluated in the near future with the possibility of being cleared shortly after the weekend. Still, his absence from the early portion of workouts and games coupled with Atlanta's recent acquisition of Brandon Phillips suggest that Albies is likely destined to start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Forsythe (knee) said he's lining up to start the Dodgers' Friday Cactus League contest, though he'll miss his third consecutive game Thursday after his last knee lubricant injection, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The new acquisition received a series of those doses, so he appears ready to go. It's still smart to monitor the 30-year-old's progress in the coming days and weeks, though the candidate for leadoff hitter looks like he'll be back in the mix. Forsythe would enjoy a notable bump in runs scored if he indeed sticks as the table-setter, which makes him an attractive mixed league value pick at the keystone.

Herrera said he's cleared to return to throwing activities, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Herrera played catch Monday but was scheduled to meet with Cincinnati's medical director Thursday. That presumably went well, considering his updated status. The former prospect should continue staking his claim to remain with the Reds when they break camp.

Rosario got the start at shortstop during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, going 2-for-3.

He's hitting a tidy .364 (4-for-11) to begin the spring, as Rosario looks to build on his breakout 2016 minor league campaign. The Mets' top prospect, and the No. 14 overall fantasy prospect in RotoWire's rankings, will begin the season at Triple-A Las Vegas and could easily make his big league debut as a 21-year-old at some point this year.

Herrera (shoulder) resumed his throwing program Monday by playing light catch, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The shoulder inflammation has kept Herrera from being able to play the field, but the soon-to-be 23-year-old has DH'd twice in four games this spring for Cincinnati, which is reassuring. It still remains unclear when he'll return to the field, but the Reds seem to be playing it safe with Herrera, who is sitting out the WBC because of the issue. "I'm going to keep DHing him, and we're going to make sure that when he's throwing, he's throwing at 100 percent before I put him at second base," manager Bryan Price said.

Young put together a strong performance in the Dominican Winter League during the offseason, MLB.com reports.

Young, a top-20 prospect for the Cubs, batted .351 in 22 regular-season games, then hit .314 in the DWL playoffs. The 24-year-old middle infielder has been solid with the bat since being drafted in 2014 and he should begin the year at Triple-A, but the likes of Addison Russell and Javier Baez are blocking him at the MLB level.

Frazier was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to left thumb discomfort, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

It's likely only a minor issue for Frazier, who is projected to serve this season in the utility role that Sean Rodriguez filled for the Pirates in 2016. Frazier slashed .301/.356/.411 across 160 plate appearances as a rookie.

Frazier is taking reps at shortstop as the primary backup for starter Jordy Mercer, DKPittsburghSports reports.

With Jung Ho Kang's status questionable for the start of 2017, Frazier is breaking out his old shortstop glove. He came up through the minors at that position until 2015. Frazier is also the team's fourth outfielder and backup at second base and third. In other words, the second-year player is expected to see plenty of time all over the diamond. He slashed .301/.356/.411 in 160 plate appearances as a rookie and batted .299 in parts of four minor league seasons. Unfortunately, he only played 20-plus games in the outfield for Pittsburgh last season but will increase that versatility soon after the year begins.

Forsythe is starting at second base and leading off in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the White Sox, according to SB Nation.

Manager Dave Roberts has wavered on his initial thinking of using Forsythe as his primary leadoff hitter, claiming he will use his new second baseman as a "top-of-the-order hitter." While one spring training game doesn't reveal all, it gives Forsythe a head start in the race to become the Dodgers' leadoff man. Other candidates to top the lineup this season are Andrew Toles, Andre Ethier and Joc Pederson.

Drury focused on improving his agility in the offseason in hopes of being the Diamondbacks' everyday second baseman, and he said dropped more than 10 pounds while adding muscle, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After playing the outfield for most of 2016, he's the likely choice to man the keystone heading into 2017. The work the 24-year-old performed on his side-to-side movement could help him lock down second base for the long term, despite the fact he may face competition at times from Ketel Marte. Drury popped 16 home runs and a .786 OPS last season and could take a bigger step forward in the power department, especially if he occupies close to a full-time role. He still carries sleeper appeal late in mixed fantasy drafts.