MLB Player News

Mondesi is a candidate to bat leadoff for the Royals this season Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi primarily hit late in the order last season, though he spent several games in the second spot. He has the speed of a prototypical leadoff hitter but may not get on base enough for the role, as his on-base percentage even in an exciting half season last year was still just .306. Still, moving up in the order would be a boost to his fantasy value, as it would come with more opportunities to steal, more runs and more at-bats overall.

Lindor (calf) fielded some grounders standing up Wednesday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Lindor had been taking grounders from his knees in recent days but is now able to field normally again. The shortstop's readiness for Opening Day is questionable due to a calf strain he suffered in early February, but Wednesday's news is certainly a step in the right direction.

Anderson went 2-for-3 with a run scored, two RBI and a triple in Tuesday's spring win over the Royals.

Anderson is coming off a 20-20 season in which he slashed .240/.281/.406 in 606 plate appearances. The Padres' signing of Manny Machado provides some added security at shortstop for Anderson heading into the season.

Velazquez was 2-for-2 with a run and two RBI during Tuesday's spring training win over the Orioles.

Velazquez pinch ran for Kevin Kiermaier in the sixth inning and subsequently took over in center field. The 24-year-old went 3-for-10 with a double and a stolen base in 13 games with the Rays last September, and faces a difficult path to an Opening Day roster spot in his utility role.

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.

Adrianza, a switch hitter, is limited to hitting left handed as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He batted leadoff and played third base in a split squad game Saturday, going 0-for-2. "I don't know how long it's going to be, but I have to follow the [recovery] protocol. ... I'll switch-hit again, later in the season," he said.

Adrianza underwent surgery in October to repair a badly torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. It was thought he would need six months to recover, so it's encouraging to see him play in the first spring game even with his limitation at the plate. However, the injury and the signing of versatile Marwin Gonzalez could severely limit his playing time off the bench.

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.