MLB Player News

Swanson went 3-for-3 with a double, three runs scored and an RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

He's off to a fast start in his first spring training as a major leaguer, collecting hits in four of his first five at-bats. After slashing .302/.361/.442 in 38 games last season with the Braves, big things are expected from the 23-year-old Swanson as one of the centerpieces of a rebuilding roster.

Gordon (illness) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Gordon rejoined the Marlins on Tuesday after fully recovering from a bout with an eye infection that had kept him away from the team for a couple of days. The speedster was able to stay sharp by taking some swings in his apartment while he was isolated from the team, and that was apparently enough to convince manager Don Mattingly to insert Gordon in the lineup Tuesday for his spring debut. An 80-game PED suspension ended up depressing Gordon's final numbers last season, but he still finished among the league leaders with 30 steals in just 345 plate appearances. Given the scarcity of stolen bases league wide, Gordon's elite potential in that category continues to make him a high-end fantasy commodity at the keystone, despite his lack of output in homers and RBI.

Turner went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

He once again hit leadoff, and Nats manager Dusty Baker seems committed to keeping him in that spot despite the offseason acquisition of Adam Eaton, who hit sixth in this one. Turner could have a hard time repeating his 2016 numbers at the plate given last year's .391 BABIP, but he should still provide plenty of value hitting at the top of a potent Washington offense.

Diaz went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles, sacrifice fly and one run in Sunday's 7-4 Grapefruit League win over the Marlins.

Diaz brought home Eric Fryer with his fourth-inning sac fly after having been driven in himself by Yadier Molina's second-inning two-bagger. Now in full possession of the starting shortstop job, the second-year phenom will look to build on his stellar .300/.369/.510 line from 2016 in the coming season.

Gordon (illness) is still being bothered by pink eye and will likely miss Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It was originally thought that Gordon would be ready for Monday after being scratched from the Saturday game, but apparently he is still being bothered by the illness and will have to wait a little while longer for his Grapefruit League season debut. It's likely nothing to worry about, and he should be back to action shortly.

Gordon (illness) is listed in the Marlins lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins scratched Gordon from their lineup Saturday after he experienced flu-like symptoms, but it appears he's since recovered from the illness. He'll bat in his normal leadoff spot and man the keystone Monday.

Crawford batted leadoff and went 0-for-2 in his spring training debut against the Reds on Friday.

The lineup order should be disregarded as Crawford likely won't lead off come Opening Day. The 29-year-old saw his power numbers dip back to regular levels last year after exploding for 21 home runs in 2015. While the homers regressed, Crawford actually improved his batting average (.275) and on-base percentage (.342) while driving in 84 in 2016. If he can maintain those levels, he will have value as a shortstop despite not hitting for plus power or stealing a ton of bases.

D'Arnaud is getting reps at first base this spring, Kevin McAlpin of Braves Radio Net reports.

It's another tool for d'Arnaud as he competes against Jace Peterson for the primary utility role this season. The right-hander played all other infield and outfield positions last season and now could be used as a spell for Freddie Freeman if all goes well. D'Arnaud hit just .245 in 84 games with the Braves last year and seems set for a reserve role this coming season, regardless of where he plays on the field.

Cecchini got the start at second base in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener Friday against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run.

The 23-year-old has posted strong offensive numbers in the high minors over the last two seasons, but would still need a lot to go his way this spring to break camp on the Mets' 25-man roster. Cecchini will likely begin the season back at Triple-A Las Vegas to continue working on his defense, but could be among the first call-ups when injuries hit the team's infield.

Gordon was scratched from Saturday's Grapefruit League lineup with flu-like symptoms, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It's likely nothing to worry about. Gordon was scheduled to lead off in the Grapefruit League opener against St. Louis, but should see his first spring game action in the next few days.