MLB Player News

Bogaerts has set a goal to steal at least 20 bases during the 2017 season, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts stole a career-high 13 bags last season, but feels Boston's offensive plan will need to be different without David Ortiz in the lineup. Whereas last season he would remain put when getting on base in front of Ortiz, he feels the offense may need to a bit more creative in 2017. Adding a stolen-base element to his burgeoning offensive repertoire will certainly enhance the shortstop's value.

Pennington (illness) is back in the lineup for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Pennington had been recovering from flu-like symptoms over the last few days, but he'll be back in action at second base Sunday. The veteran infielder is competing for a utility role with the Angels, but even if he makes the Opening Day roster, don't expect him to see enough at-bats to make much of an impact in the fantasy realm.

Anderson was the White Sox's leadoff hitter in Saturday's game against the Dodgers. He went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout.

White Sox manager Rick Renteria is looking for a leadoff hitter this spring after the team traded away Adam Eaton, who started 119 games last season atop Chicago's order. Anderson is being given the first crack as a replacement, but is not an ideal leadoff hitter, as evidenced by a 27.1 percent strikeout rate and .306 on-base percentage in 2016. He's cognizant of what's needed from a leadoff hitter -- seeing more pitches, reducing strikeouts -- but Anderson said he doesn't plan to change his approach too much. Renteria is confident in Anderson's ability to adapt, but also indicated others will get opportunities.

Adrianza will compete with Eduardo Escobar and Danny Santana for a utility role this spring, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Adrianza's glove rates well by advanced metrics (career average UZR/150 of 19.8) and may be needed at times to replace potentially below-average gloves at third base and shortstop in Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco. As a result, Adrianza may have the lead over Danny Santana, who doesn't have a strong infield glove, for the final spot on the bench as spring training begins.

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.