MLB Player News

Solarte feels he'll be able to improve at the plate and in the field this season being able to concentrate on just one position, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "... the in-depth learning of the intricacies of the position have been difficult for a guy who's been all over the place (on the field). Now, he's locked in," manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Solarte is hitting .261 (12-for-46) with just one double and two walks this spring, but is set as San Diego's starting third baseman.

Ablies was assigned to minor league camp on Friday, the Journal-Constitution reports.

As expected, Albies will open the year at either High-A Carolina or Double-A Mississippi, but it likely won't be too long before the promising young prospect makes his major league debut. Albies and No. 1 pick Dansby Swanson could be manning the Braves' middle infield as soon as 2017.

Beckham compiled two hits, including a walk, run, and RBI apiece in Wednesday's 8-8 stalemate against St. Louis.

Last season with the White Sox, Beckham compiled a .209 average in 100 games. Underwhelming seasons like last year have become the norm for Beckham as he's now seen batting averages of .234 or lower in four of his seven MLB seasons. The 29-year-old is probably behind Adonis Garcia in the competition for the starting job at third base, but there is time left, and a short-end platoon role at second base behind Jace Peterson is likely a worst-case scenario.

Espinosa went 0-for-3 Tuesday against the Astros, and is now 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, the Washington Post reports.

Neither he nor the Nationals seem concerned, and Trea Turner isn't putting a whole lot of pressure on Espinosa with a .190 (4-for-21) start of his own. Still, if Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate over the next couple of weeks, the team may have to look at other options for their Opening Day shortstop.

Herrera was sent to minor league camp Tuesday, ESPN New York reports.

Herrera is currently in Panama for a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament, but he should be back within the next few days. He's always been a long shot to make the major league roster, and he'll likely spend most of his season with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Bostick was optioned to Double-A Harrisburg on Monday.

The soon-to-be 23-year-old second baseman had a stellar run with the big league club this spring, slashing .333/.467/.500 with two doubles and four RBI in 12 at-bats. It would not be surprising for him to post impressive numbers in a second crack at Double-A pitching, although the Nationals' middle infield depth makes a promotion to the majors unlikely in 2016.

Drury could get a look in the outfield, the Arizona Republic reports.

With A.J. Pollock and Yasmany Tomas dealing with injuries this spring, manager Chip Hale said he's looking for "out of the box" options for outfield depth. Drury is considered one of Arizona's top prospects, and is batting .417 this spring with two home runs and seven RBI. The 23-year-old is competing for the starting second base job, and he's also played at third for the Diamondbacks, so it remains to be seen just how serious Hale is about using him in the outfield.

Hernandez appears likely to be next in line to start at shortstop should Corey Seager (knee) not be ready for Opening Day.

Hernandez is just 2-for-20 so far this spring, but there are no real obvious alternatives on the projected 25-man roster unless Charlie Culbertson makes the team.

Arroyo went yard in Tuesday's spring training win over the Reds, finishing with two hits, two runs scored, and two RBI.

Arroyo is coming off of his best minor league season since being drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. He slashed .304/.344/.459 with nine homers, 42 RBI, and five steals in 409 plate appearances for High-A San Jose. While he won't make the major league roster come April, a strong spring could propel him to either Double-A Richmond or Triple-A Sacramento. Arroyo - a natural middle infielder - projects to develop an offensive game similar to current Giants' second baseman Joe Panik, hitting for average with gap power and light speed. He got into Tuesday's game as a third baseman, and could be used at the hot corner when he eventually does make it to the majors. Arroyo is considered the Giants' top positional prospect, and currently ranks No. 62 in Baseball America's Top 100 list.

Sweeney has a chance to earn more playing time with Aaron Altherr set to miss 4-to-6 months with a wrist injury, the PhillyVoice reports.

Sweeney played in 37 games with the Phillies last season after coming over from the Dodgers in the Chase Utley deal. He showed some pop in his limited time in the majors, but also struck out an unsightly 27.6% of the time. He's continued to struggle with the bat thus far this spring, having struck out six times in five games. He may need some additional time in the minors before the Phillies give him another opportunity.