MLB Player News

Cruz went 1-for-3 with a tape-measure homer off Zach Eflin in Saturday's win over Philadelphia.

The 20-year-old, who also turned a pair of nifty double plays Saturday, slashed .286/.343/.488 with 14 homers and 11 stolen bases for Low-A Bradenton in 2018. He's one of Pittsburgh's top prospects but likely remains a long ways away from making his potential major-league debut. General manager Neal Huntington said during Saturday's game that the organization plans on keeping the 6-foot-6 Dominican at shortstop despite his height, at least for the time being. Given Cruz's blend of speed and power, there's a good chance he moves up fantasy rankings quickly. He's expected to play for High-A Bradenton in 2019.

Manager Dave Martinez said Saturday that Turner will primarily bat second for the Nationals this season, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.

Turner started 141 games between the top-two spots in the lineup in 2018 and this season figures to be more of the same. Adam Eaton will serve as the leadoff hitter, assuming he is able to remain healthy. Turner figures to be a major threat on the bases once again -- he has 89 steals in 260 games over the last two years -- but those numbers could be muffled slightly if he remains in the two-hole all season.

Fletcher was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres with hamstring tightness, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Erick Salcedo will replace Fletcher at second base. If Fletcher forced to miss extended time, Tommy La Stella would be in line to fill in for him at second base, though manager Brad Ausmus said he's expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Tejada agreed to a minor-league contract with the Mets on Saturday.

Tejada rejoins the organization where he spent the first six years of his big-league career. He'll head to extended spring training before attempting to make a case for himself at the Triple-A level. He spent the entirety of last season in the minors and owns a mediocre .251/.325/.318 career line at the major-league level, so it's unlikely he makes a significant impact this season.

Edman (undisclosed) will start at second base and hit seventh Saturday in the Cardinals' Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Edman was sidelined for a stretch of four days to an unspecified injury before returning to action Thursday and Friday, going 6-for-11 at the dish across the two games. He'll pick up a third straight start Saturday in what will likely be one of Edman's final spring tuneups before he reports to Triple-A Memphis to begin the season.

Bogaerts said he feels OK following his collision with Byron Buxton (face) on Friday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Bogaerts said the brim of Buxton's helmet banged against his collarbone. The shortstop added that he felt some stiffness afterwards, but the trainer checked him out and said he was fine. Bogaerts stayed in for two at-bats following the collision, finishing the day 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. It doesn't sound like the issue is anything to worry about, though the Red Sox may play it safe and give him a day off with Opening Day less than a week away.

Lindor (calf) will open the season on the injured list, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

It turns out Lindor, who is working his way back from a right calf strain, won't have enough time to get in shape before the start of the season. It's unclear how long he will remain on the shelf at this point, but the move can be backdated to March 25, making the shortstop eligible to return April 4 should he prove ready. While Lindor is sidelined, Max Moroff and Eric Stamets are candidates to see time at shortstop.

Anderson, who isn't attempting many steals this spring, said he's saving his legs for the regular season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I've been practicing my jumps and breaking pitchers down whether I'm running or not. Use the legs when it really matters," said the shortstop.

Anderson became the first White Sox shortstop to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a season last year, and he plans to do more of the same despite attempting just one steal in the Cactus League. The 25-year-old swiped 26 bags in 2018 and could steal even more if he improves on a career .286 on-base percentage. That means taking more walks, something he started to do last year when walked 30 times, more than double the previous season.

Lindor (calf) met with the Indians' medical staff on Thursday, but his status for Opening Day remains uncertain, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona chimed in about Lindor's health, saying, "We are not going to slow him down on purpose, but we do want him to be able to play the season without dragging a leg around." Lindor recently ran at full speed and has also participated in minor-league games. With Opening Day a week away, Lindor will need to receive full clearance soon to avoid any missed action.

Seager (elbow, hip) went 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI on Wednesday in the Dodgers' 4-4 tie with the Cubs in Cactus League play.

The Dodgers have been taking it slowly with Seager this spring while he's worked through the final phases of his recovery from Tommy John and hip surgery, but he finally received clearance to play with the big club after logging action on the back fields beforehand. Seager's long ball off Cole Hamels will get most of the attention, but it's probably more encouraging that he played six innings at shortstop rather than being deployed as a designated hitter. He'll likely get in a full game in the field before the exhibition slate comes to a close and should face no limitations for the start of the regular season.