MLB Player News

Adames will start the season as the primary utility infielder off the bench now that Daniel Descalso (hand) will begin the season on the disabled list.

Adames was in the running for the starting shortstop job this spring, but he was relegated to a bench role after Trevor Story thrashed Cactus League pitching. The switch-hitter won't get a ton of playing time as a reserve, but he should be the first player off the bench if a starting infielder needs rest given his ability to play shortstop, second base, and third base.

Drury made the Diamondbacks' opening day roster, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Drury claimed one of the last remaining bench spots to start the season along with Rickie Weeks. Drury will be able to provide depth at multiple positions on the 25-man roster after an impressive spring.

Drury is a candidate for one of two final bench spots to start the season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Drury is battling Rickie Weeks, Peter O'Brien, Socrates Brito and Jason Bourgeois for the spots. The 23-year-old infielder has helped himself this spring with a .368 batting average, four home runs and 12 RBI. Drury has also seen some time in the outfield, and his position flexibility gives him added appeal. The 25-man roster needs to be set by 9 a.m. Sunday.

Elmore pinch hit in Tuesday's game and ultimately went 0-for-1 against Cincinnati.

The 28-year-old second baseman has struggled throughout most of this year's spring training and is batting just .240 in his 30 plate appearances. Elmore is unlikely to see much time at the big-league level this coming season, as he's currently behind Scooter Gennett, Colin Walsh, Aaron Hill and Yadiel Rivera on the depth chart.

Hernandez has gone 1-for-7 in two games since returning from and oblique injury Monday.

The utility player's spring numbers remain horrid (.149/.212/.277), but it's good to see him back in action after missing several days with the oblique injury. He seems to be a cinch to make the Opening Day roster thanks to his defensive versatility, although it's possible Hernandez could be optioned to Triple-A when Howie Kendrick returns from a calf injury, as it may be tough to get him regular playing time. His opportunities may not match his skill level in the early going, but the fact that he can play up the middle in both the infield and the outfield should allow for him to find his way to consistent at-bats if one of the Dodgers' regulars is struggling.

The Phillies sent Nina to minor league camp Monday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Nina was 5-for-12 in 12 games this spring. He will give the Phillies some infield depth in the minors this season.

Tomlinson started at third base Sunday and collected two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base in a win over the White Sox.

Tomlinson has been seeing starts at second base, shortstop and third base this spring in order to get ready to be the primary backup at all three of those positions. He won't have mixed league value as an infield backup, but his speed makes him an intriguing option should any of the starters go down to injury.

The Phillies optioned Sweeney to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Sweeney had a shot to make the club given his ability to play both the infield and outfield, but his .558 spring OPS prevented him from making the cut. He should garner consideration for a promotion at some point this season, however.

Hernandez (oblique) is expected to play in Monday's spring training game, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez had been dealing with some pain in his side, but was recently cleared for full-go workouts. With the status of infielders Corey Seager (knee) and Howie Kendrick (calf) uncertain for Opening Day, Hernandez appears poised to see a short-term boost in playing time over the season's opening weeks.

Espinosa made two spectacular plays at shortstop Saturday, turning a groundball deep in the hole into a Jeter-esque jump-throw to retire Tommy Pham in the second inning and then knocking down a Ruben Tejada line drive up the middle and recovering in time to gun him down at first in the fourth inning.

Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate, hitting just .111 (3-for-27) on the spring, but his defensive chops will ensure that he gets the nod at shortstop for the Nationals on Opening Day. His hold on the job may not last long, however, especially if Trea Turner gets off to a hot start at Triple-A Syracuse.