MLB Player News

Seager (elbow) is starting at shortstop and hitting third Wednesday against the Cubs.

As expected, Seager is set to make his Cactus League debut after getting up to speed in minor-league action. The shortstop also plans to participate in the team's three-game exhibition Freeway Series prior to the beginning of the regular season. Barring any setbacks, Seager should be starting at shortstop for the Dodgers on Opening Day.

Correa is expected to slot in as the Astros' primary No. 5 hitter to begin the regular season, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Kaplan suggests the Astros' batting order for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game is a good representation of the lineup the team will trot out for Opening Day against the Rays on March 28. While Kaplan acknowledges it's possible that Correa and Michael Brantley could swap spots versus left-handed starters, manager AJ Hinch will likely keep the lefty-hitting Brantley as the cleanup hitter versus right-handed pitching. That arrangement would help alleviate some of the stacking of the team's right-handed bats, as George Springer, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman will fill the top three spots in the order.

Gordon went 1-for-4 with a stolen base, run and RBI in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Athletics in Japan in the season opener for both teams.

With Mallex Smith (elbow) unavailable for the two contests in Tokyo, Gordon made for the most sensible choice for the leadoff role as the Mariners looked to get some speed atop the lineup. It didn't take long for him to put his wheels on display, as Gordon swiped second base in the third inning after singling to right field in his second at-bat of the contest. Smith could be ready to play once the Mariners resume regular-season action in North America on March 28, so Gordon may not necessarily be in line for an extended stint as the team's table setter.

Manager Terry Francona said Lindor (calf) ran at "almost, pretty much" full speed during a minor-league game Tuesday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Lindor could be cleared to run the bases "full out" this weekend, which would be a significant step with Opening Day right around the corner. The 25-year-old has seen plenty of at-bats in minor-league games over the past week, but his running and defensive work have remained limited. The Indians have yet to rule out Lindor for Opening Day, but time is running out for him to gain full clearance.

D'Arnaud will report to Triple-A to open the season, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

D'Arnaud hit a respectable .286/.444/.500 with a stolen base and a pair of extra-base hits in eight games this spring, but it wasn't enough for him to lock down a bench role. He'll remain in major-league camp for the time being.

Chang (finger) is scheduled to play in a minor-league game Tuesday against the Reds.

Prior to getting demoted from big-league camp last week, Chang had been nursing a minor finger injury. His return to action in a minor-league game suggests he'll enter the Triple-A Columbus season at full strength.

Herrera's ability to play center field could give him an advantage in the battle for a bench job with the Marlins, Wells Dusenbury of The Sun-Sentinel reports.

He hasn't done much at the plate this spring -- Herrera is slashing .216/.293/.297 through 17 games -- but he's 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts, and the Marlins need someone to back up Lewis Brinson in center. If Herrera does break camp on the 25-man roster, his defensive versatility would fit in well on a roster that already includes utility players like Miguel Rojas and Martin Prado, even if it doesn't afford him many opportunities for playing time.

Swanson went 1-for-2 with a walk, two RBI and a stolen base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

Facing bullpen arm Stephen Tarpley in the sixth inning, Swanson slapped a bases-loaded single to right field for his first two RBI of the spring. The shortstop has been brought along slowly after offseason wrist surgery as the Braves try to make sure he's healthy for Opening Day. While he's been contributing, posting a solid 3:5 BB:K in eight games and going 2-for-2 on steal attempts, none of his five hits have gone for extra bases. Swanson figures to hit near the bottom of the order in a stacked Atlanta lineup and, barring a major breakout, the 25-year-old's fantasy ceiling will be limited in 2019.

Seager (elbow) is set to play seven innings in his Cactus League debut Wednesday against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Seager completed 15 innings of minor-league spring game action Monday and is now prepared to make the next step in his preparation for Opening Day. He also plans to participate in all three Freeway Series exhibition games prior to the beginning of the regular season. Assuming there are no setbacks, Seager should be in the lineup as the Dodgers shortstop on March 28 as the season gets underway.

Bichette was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bichette flashed his upside in camp, slashing .417/.475/.833 with four homers, five RBI and two stolen bases in 18 games, but the youngster was always expected to open the season in the minors given his lack of experience above Double-A. Assuming the 21-year-old holds his own following his jump to the highest level of the minors, Bichette could make his major-league debut as early as this summer.