MLB Player News

Plouffe went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, two-run double and a run in Thursday's 12-5 Cactus League win over the Reds.

The veteran third baseman looks like one of the bargains of the offseason, with Thursday's production bringing his spring line to .500/.588/.929 with a double, triple, home run, six RBI, three walks and five runs. If Plouffe's torrid spring is providing a sneak peek at his 2017 production, he'll offer above-average value in virtually any fantasy format this coming season, particularly if he's able to get back to the 20-HR level he's reached twice before.

Alvarez continues to hold out for a major league contract, FanRag Sports' John Perrotto reports.

Alvarez had to wait until March 10 to sign last spring, and despite hitting .249/.322/.504 with 22 home runs in 109 games with the Orioles, the market for one-dimensional sluggers is clearly not what it was even a year ago. If Alvarez can land a deal to DH against righties, his massive raw power would make him appealing in deeper leagues, but it is also possible that he will have to swallow his pride and take a minor league pact.

Donaldson (calf) is expected to play spring games in seven to 10 days, likely starting off as a designated hitter, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet reports.

The stud third baseman probably won't need many at-bats to convince Toronto that he's ready for the season, though fantasy players who spend an early pick on him would probably like to see Donaldson get some reps before taking the plunge.

McMahon was reassigned to minor league camp Thursday.

The Rockies' No. 10 prospect, McMahon struggled in his first taste of big league pitching, going just 1-for-12 during his time in big league camp. McMahon's stock took a huge hit last season in a more neutral hitting environment, hitting just .242 with a 30.1 percent strikeout rate. He still has plus raw power, but with questions about his ability to handle third base defensively, more pressure could be placed on his bat if he is moved across the diamond to first base.

Candelario (ankle), in his second game back from being hit by a pitch, went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run Tuesday.

Candelario picked up right where he left off before his injury, as he continues to hit the ball well this spring. He's batting .320 in 25 at-bats so far, and is looking to force his way onto an overcrowded Cubs roster.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Duffy (heel) isn't being ruled out for Opening Day, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Duffy hasn't quite recovered from September surgery on his left heel quite as quickly as the Rays anticipated, but the infielder is said to have made improvement with his condition in recent days. The Rays likely won't have a better read on his status for the start of the regular season until he draws closer to playing in Grapefruit League games, though it's still unclear when that may come to fruition. Until Duffy is back in action, Tim Beckham and Nick Franklin will handle most of the duties at shortstop.

Duffy (heel) will push back his spring debut from mid-March as his recovery progresses slower than expected, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The progression could impact Duffy's status for Opening Day in what would be a huge blow to the Rays' lineup. The 26-year-old has been brought along incrementally after undergoing surgery in September, but it appears the process hasn't been quick enough to meet his projected return date. It's worth keeping tabs on reserve infielders Nick Franklin and Tim Beckham, though there's still plenty of spring left for Duffy to make a return.

Plouffe went 2-for-2 with a run-scoring single, RBI triple, a walk and three runs in Tuesday's 21-13 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

The veteran offseason acquistion continues to rip the cover off the ball, as he's now slashing .455/.538/.909 with Tuesday's triple, one home run, three total RBI and two walks in 11 spring at-bats. Plouffe is slated to serve as the primary third baseman in the coming campaign, and will look to get his power numbers back up after hitting 12 last season over 84 games in Minnesota. He's likely a one-year stopgap until No. 7-ranked prospect Matt Chapman is ready to handle major league pitching, but with a pair of 20-homer seasons and 254 extra-base hits on his big league resume, he offers solid fantasy potential if he remains an everyday player.

Chapman went 2-for-2 with an RBI single, bases-loaded triple and one run in Tuesday's 21-13 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

The promising prospect had entered Tuesday's contest with just one hit in 12 at-bats, so his explosion was a particularly welcome sight. Chapman's sixth-inning bases-clearing three-bagger was his second extra-base hit of spring, and the overall effort could be a sign that the 23-year-old is starting to hit his stride after blasting a total of 52 home runs over his last two minor league campaigns. However, consistent contact continues to be one of his principal problem areas, as he's fanned five times in just 14 total at-bats across his first six spring games.

Rendon went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

He's now hitting a snappy .438 (7-for-16) to begin the spring. Rendon was able to stay healthy in 2016 and put together a solid campaign that included a career-high 85 RBI, and if the 26-year-old has put his injury woes behind him, he has the talent -- and the lineup around him -- to take a big step forward in 2017.