MLB Player News

Urshela appears set to start the season at Triple-A Columbus now that the Indians have finalized a contract with Juan Uribe.

Urshela struggled at the plate (.608 OPS) after being called up in June last year but his glove work at the hot corner gave him the inside track at a starting role prior to Uribe's signing. He'll head to Triple-A to start the season in order to get regular playing time.

Moustakas is the likely candidate to hit second in the Royals' lineup, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Moustakas also started last season in the two-hole, but he promptly tumbled down the lineup when the Royals acquired Ben Zobrist. Alex Gordon has an argument for hitting second this year thanks to a higher on-base percentage, but it looks like the third baseman's stronger power stats and still-respectable OBP will give him an edge. If he does hold on to that spot, he'll continue hitting ahead of Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Kendrys Morales, which can do good things to a player's run output.

Asche will not play in Sunday's exhibition game against the University of Tampa due to a sore oblique, the Phillies' official site reports.

Asche was shut down in the middle of last week due to soreness in his oblique. The Phillies are calling the injury minor, and will give Asche a chance to heal to avoid having this turn into a longer absence.

Suarez is the likely candidate to take over the starting job at third base for the Reds following the offseason trade of Todd Frazier to the White Sox.

Brandon Phillips is still in tow as the Reds' second baseman, and the return of Zack Cozart following a season-ending knee injury in 2015 ultimately fills the shortstop spot. Suarez hit .280/.315/.446 with 13 homers and 48 RBI in 97 games for the Reds last season, taking advantage of the regular playing time he received after Cozart's injury. If he can product at a similar clip with the bat in 2016, it's not unreasonable to think that he could hold the job throughout the year given the organization's lack of viable alternatives.

Asche scaled back his workout routine Thursday because of a sore oblique, CSN Philadelphia reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin said the injury was not a big deal, and that Asche will just back off his activity for a day or two to avoid having the injury become more serious. He is expected to open the year as a member of the Phillies bench.

Peterson, the Braves' starter at second base to open 2016, reported to spring training early, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Last season, Peterson took over the starting job at the keystone, but struggled after suffering a partially torn thumb ligament in late May. Prior to suffering the injury, Peterson flashed an ability to get on base (.389 OBP through June 21), which could make him an option to help set the table near the top of the order for the Braves in 2016 along with offseason addition Ender Inciarte. Keep in mind, however, that Peterson isn't sure if the injury is completely healed, but he told reporters that his thumb doesn't hurt the same it did during the second half of last season.

Ramirez will see time in both left field and center field this spring, MLB.com reports.

Ramirez was already expected to serve as Cleveland's primary utility infielder with the departure of Mike Aviles via free agency and being able to handle a couple of outfield positions would only further his usefulness to the Tribe.

Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale says Segura will see time at shortstop and second base this spring, Fox Sports Arizona's Steve Berthiaume reports.

Segura has solely played shortstop in his four big league seasons. He is expected to play almost every day for Arizona, and it would only boost his value if he gained second base eligibility. Segura also might bat second in the order to start the season, which could give him plenty of run-scoring opportunities in front of slugger Paul Goldschmidt.

Asche will get some work at first base this spring, the Phillies' official site reports.

Asche, who hit .245 with 12 home runs in 456 plate appearances last season, is expected to open the year as a reserve. He will see time at third base, left field and potentially at first base as well.

Urshela could start the season in Triple-A following the Indians' signing of Juan Uribe on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Urshela hit just .225/.279/.330 with six home runs and 21 RBI for the Tribe in 2015, so it is makes sense that they would bring in Uribe to try and solidify third base. At the age of 24, Urshela is still young and having the veteran presence of Uribe around could be a positive for his long-term development. If Uribe doesn't perform or suffers an injury, it is likely that Urshela steps in as the starter in his place.