MLB Player News

Kemp is 4-for-8 with two doubles, a walk and two runs in his last three spring starts.

The versatile veteran's ability to fill in at both second base and the outfield helps his cause from a defensive standpoint, but it certainly doesn't hurt Kemp that he's picked it up at the plate in recent games after seeing his spring average dip as low as .190 at one point. Looking ahead to the regular season, the 29-year-old still projects to see time at the keystone in tandem with Jed Lowrie, who Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports has made the Opening Day roster.

Ibanez was sent to minor-league camp Saturday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Ibanez was potentially in the mix to break camp as a designated hitter following injuries to Willie Calhoun (groin) and Khris Davis (quadriceps), but he was always a long shot. He could make his big-league debut at some point this year but isn't on the 40-man roster, so he won't necessarily be one of the first names to get the call.

Garcia was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Carter Kieboom's significant spring struggles could have opened up playing time for Garcia, but his .660 spring OPS wasn't particularly impressive either. The Nationals elected to send both young infielders to the minors and will use veteran journeymen Starlin Castro, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer and Hernan Perez in some combination at second and third base to start the year. Garcia is still just 20 years old and was promoted ahead of schedule last season, so the move shouldn't be considered much of a setback in terms of his long-term career prospects.

Espinal was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Espinal's ability to fill in at shortstop and second base should make him one of the top candidates for a call-up should injuries strike the Blue Jays' infield, but there's no room for him on the Opening Day roster. His .267/.308/.333 slash line in his 27-game debut last year doesn't suggest he'll be all that interesting to fantasy teams should he find himself with unexpected playing time.

Castro has been informed that he'll make the Tigers' Opening Day roster, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Castro was competing for a roster spot with Renato Nunez during camp, but Nunez was informed Saturday that he won't begin the season on the major-league roster. As a result, Castro will secure a bench role for Detroit to begin the year. The 27-year-old has hit .250 with two doubles and four RBI over 17 spring games.

With Bradley Zimmer and Oscar Mercado failing to make the major league roster, Rosario will compete with Ben Gamel for the staring center field role, MLB.com reports. "The plan is to put him out there," manager Terry Francona said. "Whether it's Opening Day -- I don't know, I have to work through that a little bit. I want to try to put him in the best position to succeed."

It sounds like Cleveland is set to give Rosario regular duty in center field as soon as he proves he can handle the position defensively after some shaky moments this spring. Gamel may begin the year as the starter, but the role could be in flux throughout the season.

Hoerner was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hoerner appeared in 48 games in 2020 and appeared to be on track to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but he'll be sent to the minors to begin the regular season. The 23-year-old slashed .353/.405/.647 with six extra-base hits, five RBI and three stolen bases over 13 Cactus League games this spring. Hoerner should be back with the major-league club at some point in 2021, but David Bote and Eric Sogard will split time at second base early in the year.

Jones was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Jones was traded from the Angels to the Orioles at the beginning of February and appeared in 17 spring games, but he'll begin the season in the minors. The 23-year-old hit .143 with one home run and four RBI this spring and has appeared in just three major-league games during his career.

Peguero went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI against Baltimore on Thursday.

He got the start even though he's already been reassigned to minor-league camp. The 20-year-old shortstop has three hits in nine spring at-bats and is showing the promise that led Pittsburgh to trade for him in the Starling Marte deal.

Gorman was reassigned to the minor-league camp Thursday.

Gorman got a lot of run in Grapefruit League action as he expanded his defensive versatility by gaining experience at second base. He didn't hit particularly well in 24 plate appearances, posting a .174/.208/.261 line. However, he'll continue to refine his game in the minors and is likely to begin the season at Double-A Springfield.