MLB Player News

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. 

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada has been scratched Sunday with a tight hamstring, according to the Newsday.

Tejada will be replaced by Anthony Seratelli at short. Tejada hit .202/.259/.260 in 206 at-bats last season.  

Though the have only played four spring training games so far, the Dodgers may already have a favorite in the battle for the second base job. According to ESPN.com Saturday, the "consensus" in Dodgers' camp is that Dee Gordon is the frontrunner for the job, which would leave Alex Guerrero slated for a trip to the minors.

Gordon is just 1 for 7 in his first four appearances of the spring, but does have three stolen bases and two runs scored. Guerrero is 3 for 11 but all of his hits have been singles, and he has yet to walk while striking out three times. 

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada went 0 for 3 and left four men on base in his team's 5-4 loss to the Nationals.

It was an inauspicious spring debut for the Mets' presumed starting shortstop, and if he struggles this spring, the Mets would likely bring in another starting option via trade or free agency. His performance fell off a cliff in 2013 when he hit just .202/.259/.260 in 208 at-bats.

The Diamondbacks are looking to trade for a backup catcher to Miguel Montero that could possibly supplant him as the starter, according to the Arizona Republic. That means current starting shortstop contenders Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius could be dangled.

"For us, it would have to be the right deal," general manager Kevin Towers said. "If it's right, top-notch catching prospect. Someone we could have right behind Miggy. More of an upper-level guy. Maybe a top, upper-end starter."

Owings might land a better prospect because of his offensive potential.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada is in line to be the team's starting option, according to Newsday.

General manager Sandy Alderson confirmed the news to reporters. It doesn't sound like Tejada will have a lot of leeway if he struggles, however. The Mets have been mentioned as a candidate for Stephen Drew, but there doesn't appear to be much happening there. 

Tejada hit .202 in 208 at-bats last year.