MLB Player News

Semien has a big season as the everyday shortstop ahead of him with unrestricted free agency looming this coming offseason, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The veteran shortstop and fantasy managers will both hope Semien didn't peak in 2019, when he produced a career-best .285/.369/.522 line with new high-water marks in doubles (43), runs (123), walks (87), home runs (33) and RBI (92). Semien also played all 162 games for the first time in his career in 2019, and he suited up for 473 of a possible 486 games over the 2015, 2016 and 2018 campaigns. Therefore, the 29-year-old is likely to have the entire 60-game canvas afforded by the 2020 regular season to try and make another strong case for a lucrative long-term contract, although it remains to be seen what the financial environment across MLB will be this coming winter.

Arraez (knee) is in the lineup for Saturday's intrasquad matchup.

Arraez exited Friday's intrasquad game with right knee soreness but will return to action just one day later. It's unclear whether the 23-year-old will face any limitations going forward, but his presence in Saturday's lineup is certainly an encouraging sign. If he's healthy, Arraez is expected to be the Twins' everyday second baseman this season.

Estrada hit his third intrasquad home run Friday and remains on the roster bubble, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Estrada has impressed during summer camp, but the Yankees may prefer Tyler Wade's superior speed and versatility when deciding which of the two players to include on the intial 30-man roster. Estrada swiped four bases and slashed .250/.294/.438 with three home runs across 69 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues last season.

Forsythe was released by the Phillies on Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Forsythe seemed to have had a legitimate shot to earn a bench role in Philadelphia, but the team evidently would rather give at-bats to the likes of fellow veteran infielders Josh Harrison and Neil Walker. As a 33-year-old coming off a pair of seasons in which he produced a wRC+ of 71 and 75, Forsythe is unlikely to be particularly appealing on the free agent market.

Arraez left Friday's intrasquad game due to right knee soreness and is considered day-to-day, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The injury doesn't sound too serious, and Arraez still has a full week to get back on the field for the Twins' season opener against the White Sox on July 24, but any amount of lost practice time in an abbreviated summer camp certainly doesn't help. Arraez broke out with an impressive .334/.399/.439 slash line in 92 games as a rookie last year and is expected to be the Twins' everyday second baseman if healthy.

Beckham (undisclosed) returned to camp Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Beckham wasn't at camp over the past few days for an undisclosed reason, but he was able to return Thursday. It's unlikely that his short absence will impact his status heading into the regular season as he's expected to play a depth role.

Garcia arrived at Nationals camp Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia wasn't with the team for the start of the camp, but he'll join the player pool ahead of the regular season, likely for developmental purposes. The 20-year-old progressed to Double-A last season, where he hit .258/.282/.337 with four home runs, 31 RBI and 11 stolen bases over 130 games.

Biggio launched a two-run home run off reliever Justin Miller during Wednesday's intrasquad game, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Biggio didn't hit a home run in his 12 games during spring training, so it had to feel good for him to leave the yard before the regular season gets underway next week. The 25-year-old demonstrated a patient eye at the plate as a rookie (16.7 percent walk rate), which should lock him into a premium spot in the lineup throughout the season. While his plate discipline stands out as his top skill, Biggio showcased a fantasy-friendly blend of power and speed in 2019, slugging 16 home runs and adding 14 steals in only 429 plate appearances. Even in a 60-game season, Biggio should have an outside shot at reaching double figures in both categories again if he stays healthy.

India has homered twice in camp, once against Amir Garrett and on another occasion against Tyler Mahle, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

India has made a good impression in this summer camp for the Reds, but he's going to require a few injuries to get a chance this season. It's more likely that he'll spend most of 2020 training at Prasco Park, the Reds' alternate training site.

Rengifo (undisclosed) reported to summer training Wednesday but will remain on the injured list for now, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old landed on the injured list for unspecified reasons last week, and his arrival at camp at least indicates some progress toward a return. Rengifo is expected to provide infield depth when healthy, but given his absence to this point he may not be built up for the start of the season July 24.