MLB Player News

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.

Forsythe (elbow) went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in Thursday's 6-1 spring victory over the Phillies.

Two days after being hit by a pitch against the Phillies, Forsythe was back in the lineup and leading off Thursday's game with a solo homer to center field off Philadelphia starter Vince Velasquez. Although he whiffed in his other two at-bats, the 29-year-old infielder is hitting a scorching .478 (11-for-23) with a homer and two RBI this spring.

Andrus left camp Thursday with an illness, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Illnesses have been going around spring training camps like wildfire, and Andrus and Josh Hamilton (knee) became the most recent victims. That being said, they should be able to return to camp within the next few days barring any extraneous circumstances.

In 11 Grapefruit League appearances, Fontana is 2-for-14 (.143) with four walks and an RBI.

Fontana projects to be a utility infielder in the big leagues some day, but Astros manager A.J. Hinch loves Marwin Gonzalez, who will play all over the diamond in that role this season. The 24-year-old will likely return to Triple-A Fresno to open 2016.

Semien had his first multi-hit game of the spring Monday, going 2-for-4 against the Giants.

Semien enters 2016 in a better place than spring 2015, now clearly slotted in as the A's starting shortstop. Offensively, Semien provided nice fantasy value in 2015, compiling 15 homers to go with 11 stolen bases. Semien's big issue was the large number of errors he had at shortstop, but he seemed to gain comfort and confidence with the leather in the second half under the tutelage of Ron Washington. With the A's lineup stronger and deeper in 2016, it is still up in the air where Semien may slot in the lineup which could affect his runs and RBI, but he should be a nice source of speed and power for fantasy owners later in drafts at a thin position.

Beckham compiled two hits, including a walk, run, and RBI apiece in Wednesday's 8-8 stalemate against St. Louis.

Last season with the White Sox, Beckham compiled a .209 average in 100 games. Underwhelming seasons like last year have become the norm for Beckham as he's now seen batting averages of .234 or lower in four of his seven MLB seasons. The 29-year-old is probably behind Adonis Garcia in the competition for the starting job at third base, but there is time left, and a short-end platoon role at second base behind Jace Peterson is likely a worst-case scenario.

Forsythe (elbow) is expected to play in Thursday's game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 29-year-old's injury was minor as expected, and he can now return to preparing for Opening Day. Forsythe set career highs in pretty much every major statistical category last season and will look to continue that production in 2016. He is a candidate to lead off for Tampa Bay.

Espinosa went 0-for-3 Tuesday against the Astros, and is now 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, the Washington Post reports.

Neither he nor the Nationals seem concerned, and Trea Turner isn't putting a whole lot of pressure on Espinosa with a .190 (4-for-21) start of his own. Still, if Espinosa continues to struggle at the plate over the next couple of weeks, the team may have to look at other options for their Opening Day shortstop.

Forsythe is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday's game with a left elbow contusion, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Forsythe's injury was a result of being hit by a pitch in the first inning. The 29-year-old is off to a great start this spring, hitting .500/.524/.742 with six runs and five doubles. It doesn't seem like his injury is severe, but it is a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Herrera was sent to minor league camp Tuesday, ESPN New York reports.

Herrera is currently in Panama for a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament, but he should be back within the next few days. He's always been a long shot to make the major league roster, and he'll likely spend most of his season with Triple-A Las Vegas.