MLB Player News

Kemp was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Kemp came up short in his bid for an Opening Day roster spot, as the Astros decided to go with fellow youngster Derek Fisher as their fourth outfielder instead. While the 26-year-old has impressed at Triple-A, hitting a combined .309/.368/.423 across three seasons there, there simply isn't room for him at the major-league level on the talent-rich Astros at this point. It would likely take a trade or injuries for him to see significant playing time with the big club in 2018.

Hernandez has made an effort to improve his approach against right-handed pitching this spring, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Known for hitting lefties well (.270/.364/.518 career slash line against southpaws), Hernandez has showed a significant improvement against righties this spring, smacking all four of his exhibition home runs off right-handed pitchers. While he'll still be considered a regular against lefties this season, the super-utility man's improved approach against same-handed hurlers could result in more than a platoon role at the keystone if Chase Utley struggles out of the gate while the infielders combine to fill in for Justin Turner (wrist).

Drury's X-rays on his left elbow didn't show any damage, Marc Carig of The Athletic reports.

The Yankees are officially listing Drury as day-to-day with an elbow contusion, but are hopeful that he won't miss an extended period of time. It remains to be seen whether the infielder will compete in any more games this spring, but he should be near full health for Opening Day against the Blue Jays on Thursday.

Drury will get X-rays on his left elbow after getting hit by a pitch in Friday's game, Marc Carig of The Athletic reports.

Drury stayed in the game immediately after being hit but then left Friday's contest with a trainer following a Neil Walker ground-rule double in the next at-bat. More information should be known regarding his status once the results of his X-rays are revealed.

Beckham was released by the Mariners on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Beckham will have a chance to pursue other opportunities after having a solid showing for Seattle this spring. The 31-year-old was signed to a minor-league deal this winter, but fell just shy of making the Opening Day roster as a utility man due to the similar skill sets of Andrew Romine and Taylor Motter. Beckham will likely return to the minors if and when he latches on with a different organization.

Drury left Friday's game against Boston after getting hit by a pitch, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Drury was struck in the elbow by a pitch from Brian Johnson. He remained in the game to run the bases but was removed during a pitching change. The exact nature of the injury is not yet known.

Kemp is still in the mix for a roster spot, battling with Derek Fisher in the outfield, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "He's battling Fisher for the spot in the outfield that most people coming into camp thought Fish was the leading candidate, if not the guy to do it. We'll see how that plays out over the weekend," said manager A.J. Hinch.

Fisher had a positive impact while up with the Astros in 2017 and was considered a favorite to break camp with Houston, if not a lock. However, Hinch emphasized he's not looking at box scores to make a decision, but rather at quality of at-bats. To that point, Fisher has struck out 17 times in 42 at-bats while Kemp has whiffed four times in 52 at-bats.

Fontana was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

The Angels trimmed their roster with a round of cuts Thursday, optioning four other players alongside Fontana. Both Fontana and Kaleb Cowart were battling for a utility role, but now it seems Jefry Marte is the leading candidate to win that job after this round of cuts. Fontana struggled at the dish all spring, slashing .100/.250/.200, but his defensive versatility could help him make his way up to the Angels later in the season.

The Tigers reassigned Rodriguez to their minor-league camp Thursday.

Rodriguez spent the 2017 campaign with Triple-A Columbus in the Indians organization, hitting .291 with 17 home runs and 15 steals across 483 plate appearances. While those numbers hint at some toolsiness, his unwillingness to draw walks tempers enthusiasm about his prospects at the major-league level. The Tigers evidently believed that the likes of Alexi Amarista, Niko Goodrum and JaCoby Jones were more attractive utility options than Rodriguez.

Alvarez was dealt to the Rangers in exchange for cash considerations.

Alvarez was recently designated for assignment by the Phillies on Friday following the addition of Pedro Florimon to the 40-man roster. The second baseman appeared in 54 games at the Double-A level in 2017, slashing .247/.321/.382 with four home runs, 26 RBI and eight stolen bases.