MLB Player News

Espinosa was extended a contract offer by the Nationals on Wednesday

He batted .240/.311/.409 throughout 2015 and hit 13 home runs. Due to the health issues of Anthony Rendon in 2015, Espinosa played more than expected. It's fair to assume that he will open up the 2016 season as a utility option in the middle infield, although he could compete for the starting second base job if the Nationals don't think Wilmer Difo is ready. Trea Turner figures to be the starting shortstop.

Beckham signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Braves on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

Beckham spent 2015 with the White Sox, seeing more action that initially expected but batting just .209/.275/.332 over 100 games to go along with six home runs and 20 RBI. He'll now join the Braves, but it seems unlikely he will see consistent playing time in 2016, and will likely battle for more of a bench role.

Green signed a minor league deal with the Giants on Monday, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports.

Green cleared waivers in October, so there didn't seem to be much interest out there for the 28-year-old, but the Giants were apparently intrigued enough to extend an offer. He posted a .306/.337/.449 slash line at Triple-A last season, but struggled in the majors to the tune of a .190 average in 42 at bats, so he'll likely begin the year in the minors.

Bostick was added to the Nationals' 40-man roster Thursday, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports.

His on-base percentage fell by nearly 60 points after he moved to Double-A Harrisburg in mid-June, but Bostick doubled his home run total from High-A Potomac (4) in just 13 more games, and added 16 more stolen bases. Bostick has played mostly at second base in his five minor league seasons, making just 24 total appearances at short, so it seems unlikely he will be in the running for the starting shortstop job in the spring. This move was made primarily for Rule 5 protection, but Bostick could be a utility option later in the year.

Betancourt was traded to the Brewers on Wednesday along with a player to be named later in exchange for Francisco Rodriguez, FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports.

The 20-year-old Venezuelan does not have exciting offensive tools, but he could offer just enough value with the bat and glove to be a second division starter. He hit .263 with just three homers and four steals in 122 games at High-A last year, but he could hit for a slightly better average as he moves up the organizational ladder. Look for him to spend most of 2016 with Double-A Biloxi.

Ngoepe was promoted to the Pirates 40-man roster Thursday.

Ngoepe made a brief appearance with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2015, slashing a .246/.313/.311 in 61 at-bats with the team through 21 games, but the 25-year-old likely won't appear in the majors until he learns to cut down on the strikeouts (he was fanned 201 times in two seasons with Double-A Altoona).

Hernandez had surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The surgery was considered very minor, and Hernandez is planning to start physical training next week. This will allow Hernandez to be ready for the start of spring training.

Dodgers utility player Enrique Hernandez is set to start and lead off in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Mets on Tuesday.

Hernandez was relegated to the eight spot in the batting order during Games 2 and 3, but in a do-or-die situation, Don Mattingly will roll out an unconventional lineup featuring the 24-year-old hitting first. Hernandez had actually hit there seven other times this season, posting a .310 average in 29 at-bats.

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson is not in the lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Mets on Saturday.

Pederson went hitless Friday, so Don Mattingly decided to change things up in center field and will give Enrique Hernandez the start.

Rockies shortstop Cristhian Adames (neck) is starting at shortstop and hitting leadoff Saturday, MLB.com reports.

He has not started in a few days as he has been dealing with a neck issue, but he should be good to go for the final two games of the season.