MLB Player News

Manager Ned Yost has named Mondesi as the Royals' Opening Day starter at second base, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi beat out Whit Merrifield and Christian Colon for the job at second base. The 21-year-old struggled at the plate during his 47 games with the Royals in 2016, slashing just .185/.231/.281 over 149 plate appearances, though he did flash impressive defense and swipe nine bases (on 10 attempts). His speed and defense, coupled with his impressive spring -- where he is 17-for-46 with three homers (.370/.383/.609) -- have made him a popular late-round middle infield target, one that is even more justifiable now that he is solidified as the starter.

Mondesi went 1-for-2 with three stolen bases and a run in Sunday's game against the Angels.

The 21-year-old had only one stolen base in his first 18 Cactus League games, but he finally flashed the kind of speed that has made him a popular late-round middle-infield target. Mondesi went 9-for-10 on the basepaths and provided stellar defense in 47 games with the big club last season, but batted just .185/.231/.281 over 149 plate appearances. He's gone 17-for-46 with three homers and a 1:12 BB:K so far this spring (.370/.383/.609), positioning himself to break camp as the starter at second base.

Tejada was assigned to the Yankees' minor-league camp Monday.

Even with everyday shortstop Didi Gregorius (shoulder) expected to open the season on the DL, Tejada wasn't able to secure a roster spot out of spring training despite slashing a solid .286/.366/.429 in 35 at-bats during Grapefruit League play. Ronald Torreyes and Rob Refsnyder look like manager Joe Girardi's preferred utility-infield options for the big club, so Tejada will have to bide his time at Triple-A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before an opportunity opens up for him.

Seager (back) isn't satisfied with the quality of his swing, and he could stay back in Arizona when the team heads to Los Angeles for its final exhibition games later this week, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

There are no reports of a setback with the shortstop's back, it just sounds like he isn't satisfied with his swing after missing the majority of spring training action. Seager has played in three minor league games this past week, and reportedly felt fine physically. If the Dodgers decide to hold their young star out of Freeway Series, it would simply be to get him more consistent at-bats in minor league camp, rather than a sign that they are planning on placing him on the disabled list to start the season.

Adrianza (oblique) will sit out for at least a few more days, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Adrianza was still feeling sore Sunday after exiting Saturday's Grapefruit League game with a strained right oblique, so he'll undergo treatment for a few days before resuming baseball activities. The 27-year-old could be a candidate to land on the 10-day DL to begin the season if he fails to return to game action before spring training draws to a close.

Correa (illness) will play shortstop and bat in the cleanup spot in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros held Correa out Saturday while he battled flu-like symptoms, but one day off was all he needed to make a full recovery. Correa, who has been away from the Astros for much of March while playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, shapes up as a solid early-round selection in drafts after hitting .274 with 20 homers, 96 RBI and 13 steals in 2016.

Adrianza exited Saturday's game against the Orioles after fouling a ball off his foot, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The versatile Adrianza is vying with Eduardo Escobar and Danny Santana for a utility role in the Twins' infield this spring and has strung together a strong .313/.405/.469 slash line across 32 at-bats. More updates on the severity of his foot injury should be made available following Saturday's game. Adrianza was replaced by Benji Gonzalez at second base Saturday.

Manager Andy Green announced that Sardinas is no longer is the running for the Padres' starting shortstop gig, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 23-year-old was given every opportunity to seize the job this spring, but his constant struggles at the plate (.184 in 38 at-bats) have cost him the opportunity to serve as the Padres' starting shortstop. Sardinas will now compete for a utility role and can safely be ignored in almost all fantasy formats.

Correa will be out of action Saturday due to flu-like symptoms, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Correa returned to Grapefruit League play Friday after blasting three home runs for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He'll be looking to build off a steady 2016 campaign in which he slashed .274/.361/.451 and knocked in 96 runs.

Owings is still battling with Nick Ahmed and Ketel Marte for the starting shortstop role, Adam Green of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Owings is looking like the frontrunner for the position at this point in the spring, as he is outperforming both of his counterparts at the plate. The 25-year-old is 17-for-41 (.415) so far, while Marte is 11-for-41 (.268) and Ahmed is 10-for-45 (.222). There is still time for each individual to make their case, but time is running out as manager Torey Lovullo is looking to lock in a starting lineup within the next week. "We're going to put the best shortstop out there that's going to help us win games, bottom line," Lovullo said. "That competition is still running thick, so we're going to try to figure that out here in the coming week."