MLB Player News

Velazquez signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Velazquez was let go by the Orioles in late October after appearing in 40 games with the club in 2020. The shortstop has struggled in the majors over the past few seasons, but he should get the chance to develop in the minors with the Yankees. Given his past experience, the 26-year-old could certainly receive an invitation to major-league spring training in 2021.

Basabe was traded from the Rangers to the Rays on Thursday in exchange for Nate Lowe, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Basabe was one of several prospects who will head to the Rays in exchange for Lowe. The 20-year-old has hit well at every level he's been at so far, most recently recording a .315/.344/.388 with 32 RBI and seven stolen bases in rookie ball in 2019. He improved his defensive versatility in recent years, and he could advance up the minor-league ladder during the 2021 campaign.

Franco was officially diagnosed with biceps inflammation and shoulder soreness, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

He was examined in St. Petersburg and there was no structural damage or long-term concern. Franco won't play winter ball again this season, but he should be ready to go for spring training. This is still mildly concerning, as inflammation could reoccur or get worse when he resumes baseball activities. Assuming he is healthy, Franco should spend the bulk of spring training in big-league camp and could debut this summer.

Franco (sore right biceps) has returned to the United States to be evaluated by Rays team doctors, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. The club is hopeful it is not a serious injury.

The game's top prospect was playing in the Dominican Winter League but had been sidelined for a week due to the injury, so the Rays are bringing him back stateside to evaluate the seriousness of the injury. He hit .350/.435/.500 with a homer and a stolen base through the first five games. If Franco is fully healthy this spring, he could put himself in position for a first-half call-up, but if this injury turns out to be serious, that could delay his arrival in 2021.

Franco hasn't played in the Dominican Winter League since Friday due to an arm injury, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The 19-year-old was hitting well with a .935 OPS through five games before suffering the injury. The specifics of the issue remain unclear, but the organization is likely exercise plenty of caution with Franco this offseason due to his status as one of the top prospects in baseball.

Lopez's contract was purchased by the Blue Jays on Friday.

While Lopez probably won't reach the majors until at least 2022, he has a very intriguing skill set as an infielder with defensive versatility and a good hit tool. He hit .324/.371/.425 with five home runs, 20 steals and a 12.8 percent strikeout rate at Low-A in 2019 and should open the 2021 season at High-A or Double-A.

The Indians have informed several other clubs that they intend to trade Lindor prior to Opening Day, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Lindor is set to earn approximately $21 million this winter in his final year of arbitration, and the Indians are apparently eager to move him with the aims of cutting payroll for the upcoming season and getting back future assets in return for the star shortstop before he hits free agency next offseason. Though Lindor took a step back offensively in the 60-game 2020 campaign with a career-worst .750 OPS, his long track record of success at the dish coupled with the premium defense he offers should keep the Indians' asking price for the 26-year-old high. Expect a number of playoff-hopeful clubs to touch base with the Indians in trade discussions over the next few months.

Velazquez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Velazquez appeared in 40 games for the Orioles during the shortened 2020 season, but he failed to get into a rhythm as he slashed .159/.274/.206 with three RBI and four stolen bases prior to being sent down in September. He won't have a spot on the 40-man roster heading into the offseason, and it's unclear how much major-league playing time he could see in 2021.

Wendle is not in the lineup for Game 4 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Wendle will head to the bench with left-hander Julio Urias set to start for the Dodgers. Mike Brosseau will take over at third base in his absence.

Correa went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Game 6 of the ALCS.

Correa didn't repeat his heroics of Game 5, but he still managed to rack up hits. He has now reached base in five of six games in the ALCS and 11 of 12 contests across the entirety of the postseason. That's resulted in a .372/.471/.814 line in 51 plate appearances, as he looks to help power the Astros to another World Series appearance.