MLB Player News

Espinosa made two spectacular plays at shortstop Saturday, turning a groundball deep in the hole into a Jeter-esque jump-throw to retire Tommy Pham in the second inning and then knocking down a Ruben Tejada line drive up the middle and recovering in time to gun him down at first in the fourth inning.

Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate, hitting just .111 (3-for-27) on the spring, but his defensive chops will ensure that he gets the nod at shortstop for the Nationals on Opening Day. His hold on the job may not last long, however, especially if Trea Turner gets off to a hot start at Triple-A Syracuse.

Manager Kevin Cash said Sunday that Forsythe will serve as the Rays' full-time leadoff hitter this season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's quite the role change for Forsythe, who spent most of last season in the middle of the Rays' lineup. While Forsythe isn't the fleetest of foot, he still managed to steal nine bases in 2015, and should see that total increase now that he's at the top of the order against both right-handers and left-handers. In addition, Forsythe's on-base skills should allow him to improve upon last season's total of 69 runs.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Hernandez is dealing with pain in his side but will return to action soon, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Hernandez was struck by a pitch in last Sunday's Cactus League game and is apparently still battling some residual soreness. The utility man currently shapes up as the top starting option at shortstop if Corey Seager (knee) isn't ready to play by Opening Day, so the Dodgers will continue to exercise caution by holding Hernandez out a few more days.

Solarte feels he'll be able to improve at the plate and in the field this season being able to concentrate on just one position, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "... the in-depth learning of the intricacies of the position have been difficult for a guy who's been all over the place (on the field). Now, he's locked in," manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Solarte is hitting .261 (12-for-46) with just one double and two walks this spring, but is set as San Diego's starting third baseman.

Kemp was reassigned to Astros' minor league camp Sunday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

A non-roster invitee to camp, Kemp struggled at the plate with only one hit over 18 Grapefruit League at-bats, but he drew a walk, stole two bases and scored four runs during his time with the Astros. With a profile that compares favorably to All-Star Jose Altuve, the 24-year-old second baseman should have your attention in dynasty leagues, but Houston is in no rush to promote him with Altuve ahead of him at the keystone. Kemp will likely spend a full season at Triple-A Fresno in 2016.

Fontana was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Sunday, Brad McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Fontana entered the spring with slim odds of claiming a spot on the Opening Day roster, and only hurt his chances by going 2-for-19 (.105) at the dish in his 13 games. The 24-year-old should see regular at-bats with Fresno, but doesn't profile as much more than a utility infielder in the big leagues.

Franklin was optioned to minor league camp Saturday.

Franklin hit .348 over 23 at-bats this spring with the Rays, but is now on track to start the year at Triple-A Durham.

Andrus (illness) returned to action Friday, going 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout against Seattle.

He was the latest in Rangers camp to be bit by the flu bug, but Andrus was right back in the lineup a day after being sent home. At 27 years old, Andrus already has 4635 plate appearances under his belt in the majors and may not have another level to his game, but he's been very durable and a consistent stolen base contributor from the shortstop position.

Ablies was assigned to minor league camp on Friday, the Journal-Constitution reports.

As expected, Albies will open the year at either High-A Carolina or Double-A Mississippi, but it likely won't be too long before the promising young prospect makes his major league debut. Albies and No. 1 pick Dansby Swanson could be manning the Braves' middle infield as soon as 2017.

Polanco was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

Polanco had an impressive spring as he hit .286 (8-for-28) with a home run. Polanco hit .289/.346/.393 at Double-A Chattanooga last year, but had just a .661 OPS at Triple-A. He was just 21 last season, so he could improve rapidly in his second stint at Triple-A. It's possible he could be a starter in the infield in the majors this summer if injuries strike.