MLB Player News

Rodgers went 2-for-3 with a double, a two-run homer and two runs in Tuesday's spring win over the Diamondbacks.

Rodgers had gone just 1-for-5 with a single and two strikeouts across his past two games, but he was dominant in the early innings of Tuesday's Cactus League matchup. After C.J. Cron led off the top of the second inning with a double, Rodgers blasted a two-run homer to left field to put the Rockies on the board. He then led off the top of the fourth inning with a double of his own and came around to score. The 24-year-old is a strong candidate to carve out regular playing time in the infield if he can produce once the season gets underway.

Atlanta scratched Albies from its lineup for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Pittsburgh due to a stiff neck.

Ehire Adrianza was a late addition to the lineup card, filling in for Albies at second base and as Atlanta's No. 2 hitter. The team hasn't commented on the severity of Albies' injury, but he was presumably scratched as a precaution and is likely being viewed as day-to-day.

Chavis still has minor-league options, which could be a factor for the Red Sox as they finalize their Opening Day roster, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Boston is expected to carry just three bench players, including catcher Kevin Plawecki and super-utility man Marwin Gonzalez, who plays both outfield and infield. That leaves Chavis in a battle with Christian Arroyo, who is out of minor-league options. To preserve their organizational depth, the Red Sox may keep Arroyo and stash Chavis at Triple-A Worcester.

Lux is hitting .455 (5-for-11) with a pair of RBI in four spring contests.

Four of Lux's five hits have been singles, but the 23-year-old is still looking good. After spending much of 2020 at the team's alternate training site, Lux has a legitimate shot at claiming the lead role at second base by Opening Day, especially if he can continue showing that his bat is ready for the big leagues throughout the spring.

Brujan is 2-for-6 with an RBI, a walk and a run over his first four Grapefruit League games.

The versatile 23-year-old has already logged time at second base, shortstop and center field, a testament to the defensive versatility he offers alongside a promising, high-contact bat. Brujan also brings elite speed, racking up 121 steals (129 attempts) across seven minor-league stops from 2016 to 2019. The early success at the plate this spring comes over a very small sample, but it's nevertheless a good start in an area Brujan will presumably have to distinguish himself in to stick on the Opening Day roster.

Drury (undisclosed) is listed on the Mets' travel roster for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Drury has yet to make his spring debut, but his inclusion on the travel roster implies that he's at least rejoined the Mets and has taken part in some workouts after his arrival to camp was delayed due to an unspecified issue. As a non-roster invitee, Drury is facing an uphill battle to win an Opening Day bench role with New York.

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a run in Sunday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins, marking his first hit in four spring games.

A first-time All-Star in 2019, Lowe followed up his strong numbers from that season with a .269/.362/.554 slash, 14 home runs and 37 RBI in the truncated 2020 campaign. He'll once again be counted on as a primary power source in what could be a true breakout season in 2021, but until Sunday, his spring had gotten off to an 0-for-5, three-strikeout start across the first three games.

Frazier (groin) went 2-for-3 with an infield single and an RBI double in Sunday's win over the Orioles.

Frazier legged out a ground ball to second base without re-injuring the groin muscle that kept him sidelined for the first week. While the 29-year-old eased his way back into the lineup as a designated hitter Sunday, he's expected to primarily play second base and occasionally move to the outfield. It wouldn't be surprising to see the team attempt to trade Frazier in the coming months as he's one of several options at second base and is set to make $4 million for the rebuilding Pirates.

Frazier (groin) will make his spring debut in Sunday's exhibition game against the Orioles.

Frazier sat out the first week of games due to his sore groin, but he is ready to take the field for the first time this spring. He will be limited to DH duty, but he will be able to maximize his at-bats, as he will man the leadoff spot in Sunday's contest.

Kemp, who went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk in a Cactus League tie with the Mariners on Saturday, is now hitting .429 (3-for-7) over his first four spring games.

Kemp has a nice three-game hitting streak going that also includes a double, three walks and a stolen base in addition to Saturday's solo shot. The 29-year-old never left the yard in 114 plate appearances last season, but he'd slugged a combined 14 homers over the previous two seasons while logging part-time duty with the Cubs and Astros. Kemp is likely to operate in a platoon with Chad Pinder and/or Jed Lowrie (knee) at second base during the 2021 season, but Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports the veteran is also candidate to see some time in the outfield against right-handed pitchers.