MLB Player News

Garcia could wind up beginning the season at Triple-A if he doesn't prove to manager Dave Martinez he's ready for an everyday role, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Prior to Friday's spring-training opener against the Marlins, Martinez indicated that he viewed veteran Alcides Escobar as his starting shortstop, not Garcia. "I want to make sure that Luis, when he's in the big leagues, that he's going to stay," Martinez said. "I really don't want him to platoon; I want him to play every day. And he did a lot better last year against left-handed pitching, which was good, so I want to see him consistently do the little things every day." The 21-year-old Garcia was assumed to be the replacement for Trea Turner at short as the Nationals re-tool around younger players who can grow along with Juan Soto, so Martinez's statement could be seen simply as a way to motivate the youngster at the beginning of camp. On the other hand, Garcia's .242/.275/.411 slash line in 70 big-league games last season does suggest he still has plenty to learn at the plate, even if a return to Triple-A seems unnecessary after he posted a .303/.371/.599 line with 13 homers in 37 games for Rochester in 2021.

Andrus (lower leg) is starting at shortstop and batting second in Friday's spring game against the Angels, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Andrus suffered a fractured fibula in late September and required two surgeries to repair the injury, but it appears he's a full go for spring training since he's starting the opener. The veteran shortstop struggled during his first year in Oakland during 2021 with a .243/.294/.320 slash line and three homers, 60 runs, 37 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 146 games.

Marte (eye) did not participate in workouts Thursday but did take swings in the batting cage, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The batting-cage activity represents progress for Marte, who is still bothered by irritation in his left eye. He has yet to participate in a workout since the truncated spring training began earlier this week, but Marte is expected to be a full go soon, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

Arraez started at third base and went 0-for-2 in his spring debut in Thursday's loss to Boston. Arraez is not expected to play in the outfield this season after playing 27 games in left field in 2021, Twins manager Rocco Baldeli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Arraez is the leading candidate to start at third base with the trade of Josh Donaldson to the Yankees. However, his role on the Twins could change if the team acquires a veteran shortstop as Gio Urshela could move to the hot corner. Arraez would then move to getting regular duty in a utility role playing multiple infield positions. In any scenario, Arraez feels he's in great shape after losing 11 pounds in offseason workouts with former teammate Nelson Cruz, MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona said Rosario will split time between shortstop and left field this season, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Rosario was primarily a shortstop last season, but Cleveland's prospect pool is deep at that position, whereas there's no clear everyday starter across the outfield yet. In 2021, Rosario slashed a solid .282/.321/.409 with 13 stolen bases, 11 home runs, 57 RBI and 77 runs scored in 141 games while often hitting near the top of the order. Those numbers play better in fantasy as a shortstop, but it was the second-best season of his career, and his .340 BABIP suggests some slight regression may be due.

Rojas has been working at third base in the early days of camp, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said the team is still evaluating the situation at third base and could add a candidate outside the organization, so it's not a lock that Rojas becomes the everyday man at the position. The GM said if they do add someone, it was "more realistic" that it would be as the result of a trade than free agency. Rojas can play multiple positions, and the Diamondbacks understand the value of that versatility. Hazen told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com on Wednesday that Rojas, who has outfield experience, will stick mainly in the infield in 2022. If Rojas serves in an infield-utility role, the current in-house candidates for the hot corner include Drew Ellis, Josh VanMeter and Matt Davidson, who is a non-roster invitee.

Dubon is expected to compete for a bench role in spring training, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Dubon played in 74 games at the major-league level last season, posting a .240/.278/.377 slash line with five home runs and 22 RBI. He's a natural middle infielder, but he has also seen time at center field. Both Dubon and Thairo Estrada are out of options, so winning a utility role out of camp will be key for each of them remaining in the Giants' organization. It's unlikely either of them will be able to supplant more veteran players like Tommy La Stella (Achilles), Brandon Crawford or Evan Longoria for a regular role in the infield.

Merrifield is expected to begin the season as the Royals' primary right fielder, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Merrifield provided quality defense at second base last season, but the Royals plan on using Adalberto Mondesi at shortstop, which moves Nicky Lopez back to second. This likely won't affect Merrifield's versatility -- he's moved between the infield and outfield with relative ease before and will likely draw some starts in a number of positions this season. The 33-year-old hasn't missed a game in this last three seasons and he's twice logged 40 stolen bases in his career, so he's a quality fantasy option for managers in need of speed.

Lopez is likely to open the season as the Royals' primary second baseman, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Getting Adalberto Mondesi back on a regular basis, plus the expected arrival of Bobby Witt, gives the Royals a lot of flexibility in the infield. Lopez primarily played shortstop last season with Mondesi battling a number of injuries. It was a breakout season for Lopez -- he slashed .300/.365/.378 with 22 stolen bases, six triples and two home runs in 151 games. With a shift back to the keystone for Lopez, Whit Merrifield would likely take on an everyday role in right field, though his versatility could see him spell a number of players around the diamond.

Wong signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Wednesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training.

Wong was let go by the Angels in late November after he appeared in 32 games with the club in 2021 and slashed .167/.194/.233 with six RBI and three runs. Even if he joins the major-league club at some point in 2022, he's unlikely to have a significant role.