MLB Player News

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.

Turner will hit leadoff Saturday in the Nationals' Grapefruit League opener against the Mets, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Nats manager Dusty Baker made it clear that he hasn't decided on an Opening Day batting order, but Turner will most likely hit first or second during the regular season. The 23-year-old, who is 35-for-43 (81.4 percent) on the basepaths in 100 games to begin his big league career, figures to get frequent green lights in 2017 no matter what slot in the order he occupies.

Turner, who was summoned for jury duty Wednesday morning and missed a team workout, returned to camp that afternoon, Ben Cosman of MLB.com reports.

He was informed his services weren't required, and ended up only missing a few hours of camp. Turner's services are very much required by the Nats as he looks to build on last season's impressive rookie campaign, so the club can consider themselves fortunate he didn't get dragged into a case that lasted for weeks.

D'Arnaud will compete with Jace Peterson for the primary utility spot on the Braves' bench, Zak Kerr of MLB.com reports.

For a rebuilding club, the Braves actually have a fairly set starting lineup following the acquisition of Brandon Phillips, so playing time could be tough to come by for the team's bench. D'Arnaud did play everywhere but pitcher, catcher and first base in 2016, however, giving him a leg up in the battle. The team also lacks any depth in the outfield -- starters Matt Kemp, Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis are currently the only outfielders on the 40-man roster -- so if d'Arnaud or Peterson show they can handle center field on a semi-regular basis, they could see enough at-bats to become a viable option in deep NL-only leagues.

Turner skipped Wednesday's team workout because he was summoned for jury duty, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Turner understands that even MLB superstars must fulfill their civic obligation, and he shouldn't miss more than a few days as he returns to D.C. Turner, the Nationals' starting shortstop, is coming off a breakout year in which he finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

The Cubs want Baez to be more consistent in the field before he assumes an everyday role at second base, CSN Chicago reports.

As manager Joe Maddon put it, he wants Baez to cut down on the "chrome" and focus on making all the routine plays. Maddon added that Baez "has a flair about his game, so I don't necessarily want to subtract that. But just have him understand the routine stuff has to be made routinely well." The 24-year-old often makes amazing plays in the field, but he's still fairly error-prone at this point (see the two errors he made in Game 7 of the World Series). For Baez to grab an everyday role at second base, he'll have to show more day-to-day consistency.

Baez could become the full-time starter at second to start the season or sometime during the year, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Baez's versatility in 2016 was a big boon for the Cubs, but second base is his best position, and it's possible he becomes an everyday player there sometime in 2017. "Obviously, when I get my years in the big leagues, I want to have my own spot," Baez said. Ben Zobrist is in the mix at second as well, but he'll likely spend time platooning with Kyle Schwarber in left field.

Noonan agreed to a minor league contract with the Brewers on Tuesday.

The 2007 first-round pick has struggled during his limited time in the majors, most recently slashing .125/.182/.225 across 44 plate appearances over the past two years. He will serve as organizational infield depth for Milwaukee in 2017.

Seager enters camp as the Dodgers' everyday shortstop.

Seager was everything the Dodgers hoped he could be, and more, in his first full season as a starter. He slashed an impressive .308/.365/.512 in 687 plate appearances. His 40 doubles ranked first among MLB shortstops and his 26 homers ranked second. Those numbers themselves are worth early-round consideration in fantasy drafts, but the potential of the 22-year-old shortstop improving this season is what makes him such a desired commodity.

Baez said he will play second base for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Baez appeared at first, second, third and short stop for the Cubs last season, and also got some run in the outfield. It appears he will focus on second base in the WBC, but his versatility could come into play for Puerto Rico.