MLB Player News

Rodgers was optioned to the Rockies' alternate training site Wednesday.

Rodgers was expected to make the Rockies' major-league roster to begin the season, but he'll instead head to alternate camp ahead of Opening Day on Friday. The 23-year-old completed his rehab from the shoulder surgery that he underwent last June and should be the Rockies' top option to fill in if middle infield help is needed. The highly rated prospect's major-league debut last year didn't go as planned, as he hit .224/.272/.250 with seven RBI and 27 strikeouts over 25 games before his season was cut short with a torn labrum.

Chicago manager David Ross said Hoerner could be an option to play in center field this season if a need arises, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Albert Almora, Ian Happ and Jason Heyward are the most likely candidates for playing time in center, but Ross acknowledged that the team will need "to be prepared for anything this season." Hoerner saw a little action in center with Double-A Tennessee last season, though he did primarily play in the infield both for the Smokies and the Cubs. He's expected to split second base duties with Jason Kipnis in Chicago this season.

Espinal will be included on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 25-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo shortly after spring training was shutdown in March, but he'll end up breaking camp in the majors despite appearing in only 28 games at the Triple-A level. Espinal should operate as a utility infielder off the bench and is unlikely to see significant opportunities if the team remains fairly healthy.

General manager David Stearns said Urias (illness) will need 2-to-3 weeks to get up to speed once he's cleared all health protocols, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Urias missed all of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of July, and he'll need a couple of weeks to make up for lost time once he's cleared to return to workouts. As such, he doesn't seem likely to join the Brewers until at least mid-August. With Keston Hiura (arm) and Orlando Arcia expected to start up the middle for Milwaukee, Urias will likely have to fight Brock Holt for the top utility infield job once he's healthy.

Altuve (leg) is starting at second base and hitting second in Wednesday's intrasquad game, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve is good to go after exiting Tuesday's exhibition game against the Royals with a left leg contusion. Assuming the second baseman feels OK during Wednesday's scrimmage, he should be in the lineup for Friday's season opener.

Beckham was released by the Mets on Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Beckham was the odd man out after the Mets brought in Brian Dozier on a minor-league deal. With a modest .237/.300/.367 slash line across his 11-year big-league career, Beckham is unlikely to be a particularly attractive option on the open market.

Altuve (leg) was a full participant in the Astros' infield drills Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve left Tuesday's exhibition game against the Royals with a left leg contusion following a collision at home plate. He hasn't been officially cleared for the season opener Friday against the Mariners, but his participation Wednesday certainly hints in that direction.

Hernandez and Chris Taylor will share time at second base at the start of the season, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Most expected Gavin Lux to take the reigns at second base this season, but his assignment to the team's alternate training site Tuesday opens the door for veterans Hernandez and Taylor to each log significant time at the position, at least until Lux's inevitable return. Both players have proven capable of major-league production in the past, and both stood out in Tuesday's exhibition win over the Angels. Hernandez went 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBI and Taylor slugged a three-run home run for the second consecutive game.

The Brewers plan to assign Urias (illness) to their alternate training site in Appleton to begin the season, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

Urias never reported to summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and is still waiting to clear all health-related protocols, even though he's said to be asymptomatic. Once Urias is cleared to head to Appleton, he likely won't take long to ramp up and could be activated from the COVID-19 injured list in short order. The Brewers appear content to proceed with Keston Hiura and Orlando Arcia as their primary options at second base and shortstop, respectively, so Urias will likely have to fight Brock Holt for the top utility infield job once he's reinstated from the IL.

Estrada will be on the Yankees' Opening Day roster, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Estrada put on an impressive showing during camp, and he was rewarded with a spot on the major-league roster to begin the regular season. While the 24-year-old should serve as middle infield depth for the Yankees, his above-average speed could give him chances to see the field on the basepaths. Estrada made his major-league debut last season and recorded three home runs and four stolen bases while slashing .250/.294/.438 over 35 games.