MLB Player News

Ahmed said he jammed his shoulder toward the end of summer training camp last year, which impacted him at the plate and in the field, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Ahmed said the injury was never serious enough to prevent him from playing, but a nagging pain caused him to alter his throws and may have contributed to a 2-for-31 slump to start the season. The two-time Gold Glove winner's fielding percentage dropped from .979 to .963 as did his DRS (from 17 to 4). Ahmed has improved at the plate since his early years and had a career-high 19 home runs and .753 OPS in 2019.

Baez, who could become a free agent after the 2021 season, said he is open to a contract extension during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Coming off of a subpar 2020 performance, Baez and the Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $11.65 million contract in January. However, the 28-year-old said "I don't want to play for another team," and noted he is open to extension talks during spring training. The Cubs have decisions to make on a number of core players, including Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras, and it's possible they go for a rebuild and let some of those pieces move on. Either way, Baez will be looking to restore his value with a bounceback 2021 campaign.

Edman is still projected to serve as the Cardinals' primary second baseman this season but is prepared to put in time at other positions again if necessary, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Edman has been a true jack of all trades for the Cardinals over his first two seasons, logging 37 appearances at second base, 86 at third base, 13 at shortstop and 34 in the outfield, the majority in right field. With long-time second baseman Kolten Wong signing with the Brewers during the offseason, Edman appears to be a natural fit at the keystone, but Matt Carpenter's presence could factor into that equation. Manager Mike Shildt would like to keep Carpenter's bat in the lineup if the veteran distinguishes himself during spring training, and with the acquisition of Nolan Arenado, the latter's old third base spot is spoken for. Edman may therefore split some time at second with Carpenter, but he could shift to other positions when Shildt wants to keep both hitters in the lineup. Although the majority of his spring training reps have come at second thus far, he's also already put in some work tracking flyballs in the outfield.

Berti is not considered part of the competition for the Marlins' starting second base job, Andre C. Fernandez of The Miami Herald reports.

Prospects Jazz Chisholm and Isan Diaz are fighting for that spot, with the loser of the battle expected to begin the season at Triple-A Jacksonville, while Berti slots in as the backup in either case. With both younger players unproven, however, it wouldn't be a surprise if neither can hold onto the job, giving Berti a path to plenty of playing time at the keystone in addition to his utility duties elsewhere on the diamond. The 31-year-old has taken advantage of his opportunities in Miami the last two seasons, posting a .269/.362/.388 slash line with 26 steals in 31 attempts over 436 plate appearances while seeing action around the diamond everywhere except first base and catcher.

Garcia spent the offseason bulking up and working on his swing, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Garcia is expected to begin the season back in the minors after being rushed in 2020, but the Reds didn't improve with a full-time major league offseason, opening the door for him to make the team, even if it's just a small chance. "We just have to be really thoughtful about doing what's best for Jose," manager David Bell said. "Obviously our goal is to win as a team. We'll have to see how it plays out. It wouldn't surprise me if he started in the minor leagues, and it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up being a big part of our major league team this year."

Arcia will work at third base "a substantial amount" during spring training, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Arcia is most likely to see playing time at shortstop this season, but Luis Arcia should also get increased reps at the position during spring training. As a result, manager Craig Counsell said that the team will move Orlando around during camp, and he could see plenty of time at the hot corner. The 26-year-old slashed .260/.317/.416 with five home runs and 20 RBI over 59 games in 2020.

Mateo will have the chance to compete for the backup center fielder job during spring training, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Mateo played center field in 29 minor-league contests in 2017 and got one start there with the Padres last season, so he's not a complete stranger to the position. He'll be vying for an Opening Day roster spot during spring training, though his struggles at the plate last season suggest that he's not certain to make the cut.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez acknowledged Sunday that he's considering moving Turner from the leadoff spot into the No. 2 or 3 spot in the order in 2021, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports. "Possibly," Martinez said, regarding the possibility of shifting Turner down a spot or two in the lineup. "Like I said, we're running a lot of different lineups, different numbers, talking to a bunch of our analytical people."

Coming off an abbreviated 2020 campaign in which Turner slashed an impressive .335/.394/.588, the Nationals are looking for ways to maximize his production at the plate. While slotting one spot lower in the lineup would likely result in a hit to Turner's stolen-base opportunities, he would benefit from an increase in chances to drive in runs. Only 58 of Turner's 259 plate appearances last season came with a runner in scoring position, resulting in the 27-year-old netting only 41 RBI in 59 games despite a monstrous .982 OPS. The Nationals don't have an ideal option on the roster who can come close to providing Turner's speed and on-base skills versus right-handed pitching, but Martinez floated the possibility of Victor Robles replacing Turner as the leadoff man versus lefties. Expect Martinez to experiment with his lineups throughout Grapefruit League play before determining whether Turner will slot in the order once Opening Day arrives.

For the first time Sunday, general manager Ben Cherington announced that Cruz could practice at other positions in addition to shortstop during spring training, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

While Cherington believes that the 22-year-old could play shortstop in the big leagues, Cruz's most likely path to Pittsburgh may be as a right fielder given his 6-foot-7 stature. The general manager gave no update to the offseason accident involving Cruz, but he has already gone on record indicating alcohol was not a part of the car crash that took the lives of three people, and he doesn't expect the tragedy to impact Cruz's baseball future. The prospect batted .245 with a 1:14 BB:K in 49 at-bats during Dominican Winter League play.

Amaya will attend the Dodgers' big-league camp this spring, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Amaya spent last season at the team's alternate training site after hitting a combined .260 with seven homers and 71 RBI across two levels in 2019. He has considerable defensive talent and a good eye at the plate but hasn't yet demonstrated an ability to hit for power.