MLB Player News

Turner is expected to be the Nationals' leadoff hitter this season, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Turner hit second more than anywhere else last season, though he also spent 63 games in the leadoff spot. A leadoff role would be a slight bump to his fantasy value, as it would come with a few more opportunities to run and a few more at-bats overall.

Seager (elbow) took his first swings against live pitching Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Seager had been limited to tracking pitches prior to Tuesday's live batting practice session, after which he reported feeling fine. If the shortstop continues to progress on schedule, manager Dave Roberts said he could be cleared to play in minor-league games as early as next week. At this point, Seager is still on track to be ready for the start of the season.

Swanson will make his spring debut Friday against Toronto, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson underwent wrist surgery in November and has started spring training slowly, though the Friday return date is reportedly ahead of his original schedule. Barring setbacks, the shortstop should have time to be up to speed by Opening Day.

Story (elbow) will return to the lineup Monday against the Royals, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Story was hit by a pitch Saturday and skipped Sunday's game, but the injury wasn't a serious one. The single missed day should have no bearing on the shortstop's readiness for Opening Day.

Story (elbow) is fine after getting hit by a pitch Saturday and expects to return to the lineup within a day or two, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Story exited Saturday's game with an elbow contusion and isn't in the lineup Sunday, but starters don't necessarily play every day early in camp, so that's not particularly a sign of concern. Barring setbacks, he'll have more than enough time to be ready by Opening Day.

Story left Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks with a right elbow contusion after being hit by a pitch.

Story's elbow has been through a lot recently, as elbow issues in mid-September appeared to threaten Tommy John surgery at one point. Saturday's injury is unlikely to linger and won't affect his readiness for Opening Day unless tests reveal an issue worse than a bruise.

Seager (elbow) completed throws across the diamond and to second base during his workout Saturday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Seager wasn't included in the lineup for the Dodgers' first Cactus League game Saturday versus the White Sox, there doesn't seem to be any concern about the shortstop's health outlook for Opening Day. He had already received clearance for most baseball activities upon reporting to camp this week and has now cleared one of the final obstacles in his recovery program by making throws from his defensive position. Seager might be ready for game action at some point during the upcoming week, though the Dodgers would likely use him at designated hitter before returning him to his normal role in the field.

Reyes will see time at shortstop during spring training in an effort to win an Opening Day roster spot as a super-utility player, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Although he exceeded expectations last fall September, slashing .293/.349/.483 with three home runs and seven RBI in 63 plate appearances, the 25-year-old isn't assured of making the team. The Pirates have added multiple options around the infield and outfield and Reyes still has minor-league options remaining. In seven minor-league seasons, he's slashed an underwhelming .277/.352/.411. He's averaged six homers and 16 steals per year, however, and those stolen bases could land him on the fantasy radar. Even if he's sent back to Triple-A, look for Reyes to see time with Pittsburgh in 2019.

Manager Dave Martinez said he talked to Turner about attempting to steal more bases in 2019, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Turner racked up 43 stolen bases -- good for second most in the majors -- in 52 attempts last season, but Martinez apparently wants the speedy shortstop to be more aggressive on the basepaths in 2019. When all is said and done, the hope is that Turner finishes with closer to 75 or 80 stolen base attempts this season, which would only make the 25-year-old more valuable after he chipped in a career-high 19 homers while hitting .271 across 740 plate appearances in 2018.

Seager (elbow/hip) is able to do all baseball actions except throw across the diamond, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Seager is able to hit off live pitching and do most defensive work. He remains on track for Opening Day after missing most of last season while recovering from both Tommy John surgery and hip surgery.