MLB Player News

The Pirates are planning to use Pedro Alvarez as their everyday first baseman in 2015, despite his struggles against left-handed pitchers. Alvarez is batting .196 in his career against southpaws.

"We're going to find out. It's going to be Pedro's job to keep," manager Clint Hurdle said, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Pedro knows what challenges he's got to meet. He loves his teammates, he wants to do well and perform well. He's taken on some necessary opportunities this winter to prepare and get ready."

Following an All-Star campaign in 2013, Brewers shortstop Jean Segura had a down year in 2014. He struggled offensively, batting just .246 with a .289 on-base percentage, but manager Ron Roenicke is hopeful Segura will bounce back in 2015, per MLB.com.

"I think just mentally and maturity-wise, I think he's in a lot better place than he was last year for a lot of the season," Roenicke said of Segura, who became a father in October. "So I'm hoping he comes back and has another great year. If not, Hector [Gomez] is there, and [prospect Orlando] Arcia is coming." 

The Twins tendered contracts to all six of their arbitration-eligible players prior to Tuesday's deadline, MLB.com reports. Those players include: Third baseman Trevor Plouffe, reliever Brian Duensing, outfielder Jordan Schafer, shortstop Eduardo Nunez, pitchers Tommy Milone and Casey Fien.

The Pirates have tendered a contract to 11 arbitration-eligible players prior to Tuesday's deadline, according to the team's official website. Those players include: Sean Rodriguez, Neil Walker, Francisco Cervelli, Mark Melancon, Chris Stewart, Travis Snider, Pedro Alvarez, Tony Watson, Josh Harrison, Jared Hughes and Vance Worley.

New Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson has predicted a power surge in 2015, greatly as a result to the move to a new home ballpark.

"(There were) 14 balls I hit in Oakland this year I thought would go out for homers but didn't," he told Sportsnet. "I'm looking forward to hitting in Rogers Center."

Donaldson still blasted 29 home runs with the Athletics last season.

The Athletics have dealt third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays for third baseman Brett Lawrie and pitcher Kendall Graveman, according to FoxSports.com. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman has confirmed the deal.

Pitcher Sean Nolin and shortstop Franklin Barreto are also heading to Oakland, according to Yahoo! The 28-year-old Donaldson is entering his first year of arbitration. He's under team control until 2019. Lawrie is also entering his first year of arbitration, but will become a free-agent in 2018. Lawrie is entering his age-25 season. Graveman sky-rocketed through Toronto's farm system last year, jumping multiple levels. The 23-year-old posted a 1.83 ERA in 27 starts over four levels. He made his major-league debut as well, coming out of the bullpen five times at the end of the year. 

The 24-year-old Nolin posted a 3.43 ERA over three levels in the minors last season. He tossed one inning in the majors last season, giving up one run. The 18-year-old Barreto hit .311/.384/.481 over 328 at-bats in Class A ball. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez is expected to have a normal offseason, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Alvarez had a stress reaction in his foot. The injury ended his season prematurely. The team designated Ike Davis for assignment Thursday, confirming it will move ahead with Alvarez at first next season. General manager Neal Huntington confirmed the news, saying "we've essentially committed to Pedro over Ike Davis."

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria left an exhibition game Tuesday in Japan for precautionary reasons after being hit by a pitch on his left forearm. Longoria was batting in the third inning of the sixth game in the Japan All-Star series when he suffered the injury.

MLB.com first reported doctors diagnosed Longoria with a bruised forearm and he did not need to undergo any further testing. The Rays then confirmed Longoria only suffered a bruise.

He appeared to be OK after getting hit, as he was able to take first base and play in the field in the bottom of the third inning. However, he was then replaced in the fourth inning. Longoria hit a grand slam in the exhibition opener Nov. 11.

The Red Sox will target Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and Indians counterpart Lonnie Chisenhall as trade possibilities if their attempt to sign free agent Pablo Sandoval is unsuccessful, according to the Boston Herald.

The 27-year-old Alvarez was moved to first base last season, but prefers the hot corner, where he committed 24 throwing errors in 2014. Chisenhall also struggled mightily on defense and fizzled out at the plate after a torrid start.

Both players are arbitration-eligible. The Indians have been rumored to be seeking an upgrade at third base and are also looking to be less dependent on left-handed hitters.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Matt Wieters are progressing well from their injuries, according to MLB Network Radio.

Manager Buck Showalter said he expects both players to be fully healed by next season, but added that the club will prepare as though neither player will be around. Machado had knee surgery in August. Wieters is coming off June Tommy John surgery.