MLB Player News

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus returned to the field Friday, playing five innings at shortstop while going 1 for 3 at the plate in his team's 6-5 loss to the Astros in San Antonio.

Andrus had been limited over the second half of March while dealing with elbow tightness, but the team had him on a throwing program that aimed to have him ready by this weekend. He should be good to go for the regular season.

What was assumed is now official: Brad Miller is the starting shortstop for the Mariners. Lloyd McClendon has also announced the Nick Franklin has been demoted to Triple-A Tacoma.

Miller thoroughly outplayed Franklin in the spring competition. Miller batted .439 with 17 runs, four home runs and 12 RBI in exhibition play to run away with the position.

"Brad separated himself," McClendon told MLB.com. "I'd be a fool not to recognize that. Brad won the job. Nick didn't lose it."

Jose Altuve is about to become perhaps the shortest cleanup hitter in the history of major league baseball. Bo Porter announced that the 5-foot-5 second baseman will bat fourth for the Astros this season against right-handed pitching.

The team lacks power hitters with enough plate discipline to warrant holding down that spot in the lineup. Altuve hit just 12 home runs over the past two seasons combined, but his .286 battting average during that span makes him a credible candidate on the weak-hitting Astros.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus said he would be ready for the regular season after going through a full workout Thursday, according to ESPN.

Andrus was able to take rehab throws as well. He's been dealing with an elbow issue, but said he wants to play Friday. Andrus hit .271/.328/.331 in 620 at-bats last year.

Outfielder Robbie Grossman has used his penchant for a high on-base percentage to land the second spot in the Astros lineup. Jose Altuve had been slated for that spot heading into spring training, but he will bat cleanup behind catcher Jason Castro.

Grossman posted a .381 OBP throughout his minor league career and managed a .351 mark in that department after his second callup by Houston last season.

The White Sox made several moves on Wednesday, the most significant of which was the placement of starting second baseman Gordon Beckham on the disabled list with an oblique injury. Marcus Semien will replace him in the starting lineup.

The temporary loss of Beckham resulted in fellow second baseman Leury Garcia landing a spot on the opening day roster.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus had a productive throwing session Tuesday while working around second base, MLB.com reports.

Andrus is scheduled to make throws from the shortstop position Wednesday, and he could be in the lineup for the one of the team's exhibition games against the Astros in San Antonio this weekend. He's looking like he'll be available for opening day, but much will depend on how his elbow responds to work over the next few days.

The Royals optioned infielder Johnny Giavotella to Triple-A Omaha Tuesday.

Giavotella turned in an excellent spring campaign, hitting .341/.391/.585 with one home run and seven RBI in 41 at-bats. The transaction could mean that Royals are optimistic Omar Infante's elbow injury won't linger into the regular season.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham could hit the disabled list soon, according to 670 The Score.

Beckham has been dealing with an oblique issue, and has been able to get limited work in the past few days. He hasn't done anything affecting the injured area, and he's running out of time if he wants to be ready for opening day. If Beckham can't go, Marcus Semien would open the year as the starter at second base. 

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (oblique) said Tuesday he hopes to play in a game in the next few days, per MLB.com. Beckham said even if he's not ready for opening day, he doesn't expect to miss much time.

"There's people that want me to take it easy, getting back. At the same time, you know, the season starts Monday, I'd like to make that," he said. "If I feel good enough to go, then we'll go on Monday. If not, I don't think it will be a prolonged stint."