MLB Player News

Drury is a candidate for one of two final bench spots to start the season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Drury is battling Rickie Weeks, Peter O'Brien, Socrates Brito and Jason Bourgeois for the spots. The 23-year-old infielder has helped himself this spring with a .368 batting average, four home runs and 12 RBI. Drury has also seen some time in the outfield, and his position flexibility gives him added appeal. The 25-man roster needs to be set by 9 a.m. Sunday.

Elmore pinch hit in Tuesday's game and ultimately went 0-for-1 against Cincinnati.

The 28-year-old second baseman has struggled throughout most of this year's spring training and is batting just .240 in his 30 plate appearances. Elmore is unlikely to see much time at the big-league level this coming season, as he's currently behind Scooter Gennett, Colin Walsh, Aaron Hill and Yadiel Rivera on the depth chart.

Hernandez has gone 1-for-7 in two games since returning from and oblique injury Monday.

The utility player's spring numbers remain horrid (.149/.212/.277), but it's good to see him back in action after missing several days with the oblique injury. He seems to be a cinch to make the Opening Day roster thanks to his defensive versatility, although it's possible Hernandez could be optioned to Triple-A when Howie Kendrick returns from a calf injury, as it may be tough to get him regular playing time. His opportunities may not match his skill level in the early going, but the fact that he can play up the middle in both the infield and the outfield should allow for him to find his way to consistent at-bats if one of the Dodgers' regulars is struggling.

The Phillies sent Nina to minor league camp Monday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Nina was 5-for-12 in 12 games this spring. He will give the Phillies some infield depth in the minors this season.

Petit was assigned to minor league camp Monday, Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register reports.

The 31-year-old has made 57 appearances in the majors over the last two seasons with the Yankees and Astros, but he won't start out the 2016 season with that same opportunity while Johnny Giavotella, Cliff Pennington, and Reynaldo Navarro are all considered better options at second base.

Tomlinson started at third base Sunday and collected two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base in a win over the White Sox.

Tomlinson has been seeing starts at second base, shortstop and third base this spring in order to get ready to be the primary backup at all three of those positions. He won't have mixed league value as an infield backup, but his speed makes him an intriguing option should any of the starters go down to injury.

The Phillies optioned Sweeney to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Sweeney had a shot to make the club given his ability to play both the infield and outfield, but his .558 spring OPS prevented him from making the cut. He should garner consideration for a promotion at some point this season, however.

The Rays optioned Motter to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

Motter lost out on one of the final outfield spots with the Rays, despite cobbling together a .250/.294/.438 line with one homer and two walks versus seven strikeouts in 32 at-bats. Following the move to Durham, where he spent the entire 2015 season, his major league debut will again be delayed.

Hernandez (oblique) is expected to play in Monday's spring training game, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez had been dealing with some pain in his side, but was recently cleared for full-go workouts. With the status of infielders Corey Seager (knee) and Howie Kendrick (calf) uncertain for Opening Day, Hernandez appears poised to see a short-term boost in playing time over the season's opening weeks.

Marte showed off his speed with an inside-the-park home run Saturday.

Marte had eight stolen bases in 57 games last season. In a full season, 20 steals should be doable.