MLB Player News

LeMahieu may be used as the Rockies' No. 8 hitter to begin the season, with Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story occupying the first two spots in the batting order, according to the Denver Post.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss used that configuration for his lineup in an "A" game over the weekend. Story's lack of experience as a big league player may lead to a quick hook from the No. 2 role if he struggles at the plate out of the gates, and LeMahieu's team-high .358 OBP a year ago would make him a candidate to quickly move up in the order if needed. Nevertheless, hitting eighth would put a damper on LeMahieu's ability to rack up a high runs scored total, as he won't have Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado hitting behind him if that arrangement holds up.

The Brewers informed Rivera on Tuesday that he has made the team's Opening Day roster, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports.

Rivera earned a spot on the active roster thanks to a sizzling spring that saw him post a .984 OPS. He will not start at any position, but he will be the Brewers' utility infielder, and can fill in at the three spots left of first base.

Rivera is 13-for-43 (.302) with four doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI through 20 spring games.

Rivera is known more for his glove than his bat, but he has excelled at the plate this spring and has shown some pop in the process. He remains in contention for a utility spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster.

Asche (oblique) will start the season on the disabled list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Asche has missed every spring training game due to the injury, and it appears that the issue is bad enough that he'll need to start the season on the shelf. With this development, recently-acquired Will Venable, David Lough, and Cedric Hunter are the leaders to garner the final reserve outfielder spot on the Phillies 25-man roster.

Peterson will be the primary second baseman for Atlanta at the start of the season and will not be in a platoon, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Peterson got playing time around the infield this spring, but the Braves have decided to see if he can hold down the second base job. While Kelly Johnson and Gordon Beckham may get spot starts at second base, it looks like Peterson will be an everyday player initially.

Reynolds went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs Friday against the Cardinals.

Reynolds also showed his versatility, starting the game at shortstop and then moving to second base. He has a strong chance of breaking camp with then Mets, even if Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) is ready to start the season.

Rendon went 3-for-3 Wednesday with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI in a Grapefruit League win over the Yankees.

He's now hitting .357 (10-for-28) on the spring, and Rendon seems ticketed for the second spot in the batting order ahead of Bryce Harper. He scored 111 runs in 2014 hitting primarily second, and if he can stay healthy this season Rendon could be poised to match or even top that mark in 2016.

Asche (oblique) played four innings in a minor league game Wednesday, CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury reports.

Asche is making slow progress in his recovery from an oblique strain. It is likely he will need to open the season on the disabled list.

LeMahieu is batting .294 with three doubles and six runs in 13 spring games.

LeMahieu is coming off the best season of his career in the majors, and he seems to be continuing to hit well this spring. If he continues to hit well, the second baseman could see more time at the top of the lineup and have plenty of run scoring opportunities hitting in front of Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado.

Asche (oblique) took batting practice Tuesday, Ryan Lawrence of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Asche has been limited by his oblique injury all spring, and he is now just reaching the point where he can take swings. He still has some time to get ready for Opening Day, but he has not hit in a game and does not appear on the verge of doing so quite yet, so there is a chance he begins the regular season on the disabled list.