MLB Player News

Altuve plans on stealing more bases this season, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

Players claiming they're about to steal more bases is nearly as common a spring trope as the classic "best shape of my life" line. Altuve's bat hasn't dipped too far from his peak levels, but he's stolen a total of just 13 bases over the last three years, a low number for someone who had six straight seasons with over 30 steals earlier in his career, with a personal best of 56 in 2014. His sprint speed dropped from the 89th percentile in 2020 to the 72nd percentile last year, however, so it's probably unwise to project him for many more than the five bases he stole in 2021.

Lux appears to have a clearer path to an everyday role than previously expected, as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Dodgers traded AJ Pollock for Craig Kimbrel on Friday.

Prior to the trade, Lux looked like the team's 10th-best bat. That role would have still resulted in plenty of playing time, both due to the Dodgers' frequent rotations and the fact that Lux was one injury away from being part of the starting nine. A true starting role is obviously preferable, however, and it looks like he should have one now with Pollock out of the outfield picture. Lux has played some left field, though it's perhaps more likely that Chris Taylor moves out to left field while Lux starts at second base. Lux's career .233/.314/.368 slash line doesn't exactly look the part of an everyday player for a contender, but the trade seemingly demonstrates the Dodgers' faith in him, something which seems reasonable given that he was a highly touted prospect and is still just 24 years old.

Gimenez appears to be the leading candidate to win Cleveland's starting shortstop job, but manager Terry Francona said no decision has been made, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Gabriel Arias was sent to the minors and Amed Rosario has started in left field the last three spring training games, which points to Gimenez winning the job. Gimenez is helping his case by hitting .438 (7-for-16) this spring, and he's also seen as the best defender at shortstop. Gimenez had 11 stolen bases last season in 68 games, so he'll add fantasy value with his legs should he win an everyday role.

Castro seems likely to make Detroit's Opening Day roster as a utility player, though Willi Castro has been providing some competition in camp, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Both players can play all over the field, though Harold Castro has been a bit more consistent with the bat the past few years. Last season he slashed .283/.310/.359 across 106 games. The batting average was actually the lowest of his four-year MLB career, which illustrates how good he's been at making consistent contact.

Hoerner could be in line to start the regular season as the primary shortstop if Andrelton Simmons (shoulder) has to miss time, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Simmons has missed time in camp with a sore right shoulder, and Hoerner could be next in line, with Jonathan Villar possibly better suited for more of a utility role. Hoerner profiles as a better offensive player than Simmons, so he could carve out a more regular role all year if he starts producing at the plate right out of the gate.

Urias (quadriceps) said Thursday that his recovery process is going slowly, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers have already indicated that Urias will begin the regular season on the injured list, and it's possible that he'll need to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf. The infielder is running at about 50 percent intensity and doesn't yet feel confident pushing it further. Jace Peterson will likely serve as the primary third baseman to begin the season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers exercise caution in Urias' recovery to prevent a more significant injury.

Rengifo was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Rengifo competed for a role in the Angels' middle infield this spring and went 4-for-19 with a triple, a double, three runs, two RBI and three strikeouts across eight Cactus League games. He'll begin the year with the minor-league club but will be one of the top options to fill in as utility depth for the Angels in 2022.

The Rays optioned Brujan to minor-league camp Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Given that he turned in a lowly .154 OPS in 26 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues in 2021 before finishing the season at Triple-A Durham, Brujan's demotion comes as little surprise. The toolsy, switch-hitting 24-year-old remains one of the Rays' top prospects and likely doesn't need much further refinement in the minors, but Tampa Bay's wealth of infield and outfield talent may force Brujan to wait a little longer before getting his next trial with the big club. If he's able to take hold of a regular role with Tampa Bay at some point in 2022, Brujan would offer intriguing stolen-base upside, after swiping 44 bags in 52 attempts at Triple-A last season.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Hernandez was in the mix for the starting job at third base early in spring training, but he'll begin the year in the minors after he went 1-for-11 with a double, two RBI, two stolen bases, two walks and two strikeouts across six Cactus League appearances. He should be one of the top options to fill a depth role if the Rangers' infielders deal with injuries in 2022.

Gorman was assigned to minor league camp Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The highly-ranked prospect will begin the season with Triple-A Memphis before likely being called-up at some point during the 2022 campaign. Between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2021, Gorman excelled and produced a .279 average with 25 homers and 20 doubles. With the Cardinals bringing in Nolan Arenado last offseason, Gorman was transitioned to second base and will likely focus on improving his work at the keystone early this year.