MLB Player News

Pennington is dealing with flu-like symptoms, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It's unknown whether the illness has set him back at all in spring training, but it's likely nothing too serious at this point. Pennington hit just .209 in 74 games with the Angels last season and is likely to serve as a reserve infielder this season behind Andrelton Simmons and Danny Espinosa. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Correa fully participated in Wednesday's workout after being cleared for all activities, Jake Kaplan of The Houston Chronicle reports.

Correa had been limited in workouts after having his wisdom teeth removed last week, but manager A.J. Hinch says the slugger is "a full go." Expect the young shortstop to be ready for the Astros' first Grapefruit League game on Saturday.

Correa (teeth) logged a workout Tuesday and was able to take about 50 swings in the batting cage, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

Correa's start to spring training was delayed after he had his wisdom teeth removed last week, but his activity Tuesday suggests any lingering pain in his mouth is no longer an issue. The shortstop should soon resume the same workouts as the rest of his teammates and doesn't look to be in any danger of missing the beginning of Grapefruit League play.

Correa (teeth) has increased his activity but has yet to resume throwing or hitting, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Correa had his wisdom teeth removed last week and hasn't participated in practice since showing up at spring training. Houston manager A.J. Hinch is hopeful the shortstop can return in the next couple of days.

Mondesi enters camp in a four-way battle for the second base job, The Associated Press reports.

While he is the least proven of the keystone hopefuls in Kansas City, Mondesi is easily the best defender and is most clearly a part of the team's long-term future, as he will likely slide over to shortstop when Alcides Escobar leaves after the 2017 season. If he were to beat out Christian Colon, Cheslor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield for the starting job, Mondesi would likely post a batting average in the low .200s, but he stole nine bases (on 10 attempts) in 149 plate appearances last year, so he could be a big contributor in that category.

Bogaerts' slump during the second half of 2016 was partially due to him making a decision where he wanted to hit the ball before the pitch reached him, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Bogaerts hit just .253/.317/.412/.729 after the All-Star break, though within that stretch there were pockets of a better approach, something that assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez pointed out to the shortstop. "You just have to start up the middle," Bogaerts said. "If you start up the middle, you can hit in and away. Sometimes I think too much away, and when they throw me in, all I can do is a little jam shot. If you think middle and keep your body straight, you see it and recognize -- and boom." As much as the 24-year-old shortstop has developed since entering the majors, the last bit of potential that remains untapped is avoiding those annoying prolonged slumps. That will come when he consistently stays back and reacts accordingly to the pitch delivered to him.

Correa (teeth) reported to spring training Friday but will not resume baseball activity for a couple of days, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The star shortstop's arrival to Astros camp was delayed after he had to have his wisdom teeth removed Thursday. Fortunately, it appears Correa will only need a few days to recover before resuming full baseball activity. More updates on Correa will follow once he's ready to return, which will likely come early next week.

Correa (teeth) might be limited for the first few days of Astros spring workouts after having his wisdom teeth removed Thursday according to manager A.J. Hinch, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The club still expects him to report on Friday, before the team starts full-squad workouts Saturday. After a brief rest, the elite fantasy shortstop should be ready to go for normal preseason prep.

Bogaerts is slated to play third base for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop confirmed it while he said he'd play second base. Bogaerts is no stranger to the hot corner, having logged 53 games there in two big-league seasons. Perhaps there's a modicum of concern for someone playing out of position in this exhibition tournament, but Bogaerts remains a solid top shortstop in a crowded fantasy class.

O'Malley is the early favorite for the Mariners' utility spot entering spring training, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old has seen action in 113 games over the last two seasons in Seattle and slashed .229/.299/.319 with nine doubles, two triples, two homers and 17 RBI in 2016. Last season, the switch-hitter was deployed at second base, third base and shortstop while also seeing action at all three outfield positions. His versatility and experience give him the early edge, but O'Malley could be pushed by newcomer Taylor Motter and Mike Freeman.