MLB Player News

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's shaky play this spring has renewed concerns for management he will not be able to handle the starting shortstop job. Therefore, the Mets are continuing to monitor the shortstop market, according to the New York Daily News.

A team source said Tuesday the Mets continue to scout Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, as they decide whether or not Franklin can play shortstop well enough to justify his offensive potential and giving up a starting pitcher prospect for him.

Also, a source for another team told the Daily News the Mets are also monitoring the Diamondbacks' shortstop competition, and "could jump in" to make a trade for Didi Gregorius or Chris Owings before spring training ends. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said recently he would consider trading one of his young shortstops, ideally for a top catching prospect, which would likely be Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki.

There is also free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but there is no indication from Drew's agent, Scott Boras, that his client would be willing to sign a bargain-type contract.

The Padres are taking a long look at infielder Ryan Jackson as a potential bench bat this season, MLB.com reports.

Jackson has shown versatility in the infield this spring, playing second base, third base and shortstop, and has been impressive defensively. While he isn't a major threat with his bat, he did go 2 for 3 with a triple and a home run in his previous two games heading into Tuesday's action.

Jackson made a brief, seven-game appearance with the Cardinals last season while hitting .278/.352/.346 in 442 at-bats at Triple-A Memphis.

MLB.com Dodgers beat writer Ken Gurnick seems to think Dee Gordon has the inside track to be the primary second baseman for Los Angeles to begin the season. Gordon was teamed with shortstop Hanley Ramirez for Monday's spring game, while Alexander Guerrero -- who is also considered a strong candidate for the starting job -- was playing in an intrasquad game.

The Diamondbacks announced a slew of roster moves Sunday, which included Eury De La Rosa, Ender Inciarte, Alfredo Marte and Zeke Spruill being optioned to Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks also reassigned Nick Ahmed, Jake Barrett, Mike Bolsinger, Danny Dorn, Nick Evans, Jake Lamb, Adam Russell, Matt Stites and Bobby Wilson to minor-league camp.

Making his first appearance in a week, Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada went 0 for 2 and committed a fielding error in his team's 5-5 tie with the Cardinals Friday.

Tejada missed the past week while dealing with a tight hamstring, making Friday's game his second of the spring. He's 0 for 5 at the plate thus far, and his spring struggles, if they continue, could lead the team to go a different direction at the position this season.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada is ready to go Friday, according to ESPN.

Tejada is dealing with some hamstring issues, but was expected to be ready to play Friday. Tejada is expected to open the season as the team's starter at short. He hit .202 in 208 at-bats last year.

Nationals infielder Zach Walters was scratched with flu-like symptoms Wednesday, according to MASN. 

Walters was set to start, but was scratched in favor of Mike Fontenot. Walters has gotten off to a hot start this spring, and is fighting for a role on the 25-man roster. He received eight at-bats in the majors last season.

Nationals infielder Zach Walters has been scratched from Wednesday's starting lineup, according to MASN.

He'll be replaced at second by Mike Fontenot. No reason was given for Walters' absence. Walters got off to a nice start this spring, so a potential injury would be worrisome. Walters is fighting for a spot on the team's 25-man roster.

Mets first baseman Ike Davis and shortstop Ruben Tejada won't play until Friday, Newsday reports.

Davis is dealing with calf tightness, but his competitor for the starting first baseman role is also battling soreness. Tejada has tightness in his left hamstring. Both players are looking to establish themselves as the clear starter at their respective positions.

Nationals prospect Zach Walters has been singled out by coaches as having one of the more impressive springs so far. Through three games, the infielder -- who has played shortstop and third base -- has two doubles and a triple, while playing stellar defense. 

"He's doing everything that he's asked to do and swinging it from both sides of the plate and playing great defense," manager Matt Williams told the Washington Post. "Couldn't ask for anything more."

Walters, 24, hit .253 with 29 home runs and 32 doubles last season in the minors. he is competing for a bench spot this spring.