MLB Player News

Altuve went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a stolen base in Monday's game against the Mets.

Altuve slotted in at third in the batting order and made the type of offensive impact we've come to expect from the perennial All Star. Last season's third-place finisher in the MVP vote shifted from his customary leadoff role to third in the order mid-season, leading to a career-high 96 RBI. Whether last year's power stroke (.531 slugging percentage, 24 homers) is here to stay, Altuve should reach 100 RBI while batting third in a lineup that will be much more potent offensively than its 2016 version.

Herrera (shoulder) resumed his throwing program Monday by playing light catch, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The shoulder inflammation has kept Herrera from being able to play the field, but the soon-to-be 23-year-old has DH'd twice in four games this spring for Cincinnati, which is reassuring. It still remains unclear when he'll return to the field, but the Reds seem to be playing it safe with Herrera, who is sitting out the WBC because of the issue. "I'm going to keep DHing him, and we're going to make sure that when he's throwing, he's throwing at 100 percent before I put him at second base," manager Bryan Price said.

Motter (back) will play second base and bat seventh in the lineup in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Motter was sidelined for a few days of camp with a sore back, but his return to the lineup Monday suggests it was only a minor issue. The 27-year-old is expected to vie for a utility role with the Mariners during spring training, primarily competing with Shawn O'Malley for those duties.

Young put together a strong performance in the Dominican Winter League during the offseason, MLB.com reports.

Young, a top-20 prospect for the Cubs, batted .351 in 22 regular-season games, then hit .314 in the DWL playoffs. The 24-year-old middle infielder has been solid with the bat since being drafted in 2014 and he should begin the year at Triple-A, but the likes of Addison Russell and Javier Baez are blocking him at the MLB level.

Frazier was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to left thumb discomfort, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

It's likely only a minor issue for Frazier, who is projected to serve this season in the utility role that Sean Rodriguez filled for the Pirates in 2016. Frazier slashed .301/.356/.411 across 160 plate appearances as a rookie.

Frazier is taking reps at shortstop as the primary backup for starter Jordy Mercer, DKPittsburghSports reports.

With Jung Ho Kang's status questionable for the start of 2017, Frazier is breaking out his old shortstop glove. He came up through the minors at that position until 2015. Frazier is also the team's fourth outfielder and backup at second base and third. In other words, the second-year player is expected to see plenty of time all over the diamond. He slashed .301/.356/.411 in 160 plate appearances as a rookie and batted .299 in parts of four minor league seasons. Unfortunately, he only played 20-plus games in the outfield for Pittsburgh last season but will increase that versatility soon after the year begins.

Forsythe is starting at second base and leading off in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the White Sox, according to SB Nation.

Manager Dave Roberts has wavered on his initial thinking of using Forsythe as his primary leadoff hitter, claiming he will use his new second baseman as a "top-of-the-order hitter." While one spring training game doesn't reveal all, it gives Forsythe a head start in the race to become the Dodgers' leadoff man. Other candidates to top the lineup this season are Andrew Toles, Andre Ethier and Joc Pederson.

Motter is dealing with a sore back and won't play for a couple of days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Despite the hindrance, Motter is still hitting and working on the field, so it doesn't seem to be a major concern. The 27-year-old is competing for a utility role on the Seattle roster after being acquired in a trade from the Rays during the offseason. Motter, who hit just .188 in 34 games last year, likely needs to impress this spring to earn the spot over veteran incumbent Shawn O'Malley.

Andrus (groin) says he will ramp up his running next week as he continues his recovery from sports hernia surgery, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has been running at only 50 percent speed thus far, a precautionary measure as he eases back into action. The shortstop is already participating in all baseball activities and is expected to participate in a live game sometime within the coming month. It appears Andrus is well on the road back to full health, but it's worth monitoring the situation as spring camp progresses.

Drury focused on improving his agility in the offseason in hopes of being the Diamondbacks' everyday second baseman, and he said dropped more than 10 pounds while adding muscle, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After playing the outfield for most of 2016, he's the likely choice to man the keystone heading into 2017. The work the 24-year-old performed on his side-to-side movement could help him lock down second base for the long term, despite the fact he may face competition at times from Ketel Marte. Drury popped 16 home runs and a .786 OPS last season and could take a bigger step forward in the power department, especially if he occupies close to a full-time role. He still carries sleeper appeal late in mixed fantasy drafts.