MLB Player News

Rays second baseman Nick Franklin took part in batting practice Tuesday, taking swings from the left side without any issue, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Franklin, who is dealing with an oblique injury, said it went well and had no issues. Franklin is on the 15-day DL and is eligible to return to the lineup Saturday.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve singled once in four at-bats during the team's 2-0 victory over the Indians on Opening day.

"I wanted to put the ball in play," Altuve said. "As soon as I got on first base, I knew Springer was hitting behind me, and if I got to second base, he can drive me in. That's what happened, and we took the lead, and that's pretty important in the inning."

Altuve was last year's batting champion finishing with a league-high batting average of .341, adding seven home runs and 59 RBI on 225 hits.

The Rays placed five players on the disabled list to set their Opening Day roster. 

Among the moves the team made on Sunday were: 

Placed P Alex Cobb (forearm), infielder Nick Franklin (oblique) and P Drew Smyly (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27. They are eligible to return on April 11, although none are expected to be ready by then.

Placed P Jake McGee (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list as of April 5.

Placed pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list as of April 5.

Added catcher Bobby Wilson to the roster. 

The Yankees have purchased the contract of infielder Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees acquired Petit from the Astros during the last week of camp. He hit .310/.375/.414 in 29 at-bats with the Astros this spring. Petit is expected to fill the utility-infielder role whil Brendan Ryan is sidelined.

The Dodgers have decided to option outfielders Chris Heisey, Enrique Hernandez, pitchers Adam Liberatore, Sergio Santos, David Aardsma and David Huff to their minor league teams, according to MLB.com.

Liberatore did not allow a run in 10 1/3 innings of work this spring with nine strikeouts and three walks. Aardsma posted a 2.00 ERA with nine strikeouts in nine appearances this spring.

Johnny Giavotella was awarded the starting second base job after the Angels optioned infielders Grant Green and Josh Rutledge down to Triple-A Salt Lake following Friday's exhibition game against the Dodgers, according to the Orange County Register.

Giavotella hit .315 (17 for 54) with one home run and seven RBI in 25 spring training games. He has slashed .238/.277/.334 over 437 big-league at-bats.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that his lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, will be the same he uses on Opening Day, and against right-handed pitchers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The club will roll with John Jaso, Steven Souza, Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria, James Loney, Desmond Jennings, Logan Forsythe, Rene Rivera and Kevin Kiermaier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Cash told reporters he will use Brandon Guyer at the leadoff spot, Jennings and Loney will flip spots in the order, Forsythe will serve as a designated hitter and Tim Beckham will be at second base, per the Tampa Tribune.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus went 0 for 3 and struck out twice in his return to the lineup Wednesday as the Rangers fell to the Rockies, 10-4.

Andrus was scratched from Monday's lineup due to stiffness in his lower back but missed little time due to the injury. He has hit .359/.381/.590 in 39 spring at-bats.

The Yankees have acquired infielder Gregorio Petit from the Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the Astros announced Wednesday.

Petit was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday after failing to win a major-league roster spot with the Astros. He hit .310/.375/.414 in 29 at-bats this spring.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Wednesday the third opinion on third baseman Anthony Rendon's injured left knee confirmed the first two opinions -- a sprained MCL.

Williams said Rendon will continue to rehab the injury, but delivered the bad news that Rendon will begin the season on the disabled list. Williams said Rendon has a week-to-week type of injury, and sources told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman that Rendon could be back in three weeks.

General manager Mike Rizzo did not put a timetable on Rendon's return.

“It's positive news,” Rizzo told Heyman. “All three (doctors) agreed. There's nothing seriously wrong, and it should remedy itself. Some turn the corner quickly and with other guys it takes a few weeks. But he will be fine.”

Yunel Escobar is expected to fill in at third base during Rendon's absence, which means Danny Espinosa will likely replace Escobar at second base. Dan Uggla could also be an option, if he makes the Opening Day roster. Ryan Zimmerman is not expected to move back to third base with Rendon sidelined.