MLB Player News

Anderson was the White Sox's leadoff hitter in Saturday's game against the Dodgers. He went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout.

White Sox manager Rick Renteria is looking for a leadoff hitter this spring after the team traded away Adam Eaton, who started 119 games last season atop Chicago's order. Anderson is being given the first crack as a replacement, but is not an ideal leadoff hitter, as evidenced by a 27.1 percent strikeout rate and .306 on-base percentage in 2016. He's cognizant of what's needed from a leadoff hitter -- seeing more pitches, reducing strikeouts -- but Anderson said he doesn't plan to change his approach too much. Renteria is confident in Anderson's ability to adapt, but also indicated others will get opportunities.

Crawford batted leadoff and went 0-for-2 in his spring training debut against the Reds on Friday.

The lineup order should be disregarded as Crawford likely won't lead off come Opening Day. The 29-year-old saw his power numbers dip back to regular levels last year after exploding for 21 home runs in 2015. While the homers regressed, Crawford actually improved his batting average (.275) and on-base percentage (.342) while driving in 84 in 2016. If he can maintain those levels, he will have value as a shortstop despite not hitting for plus power or stealing a ton of bases.

D'Arnaud is getting reps at first base this spring, Kevin McAlpin of Braves Radio Net reports.

It's another tool for d'Arnaud as he competes against Jace Peterson for the primary utility role this season. The right-hander played all other infield and outfield positions last season and now could be used as a spell for Freddie Freeman if all goes well. D'Arnaud hit just .245 in 84 games with the Braves last year and seems set for a reserve role this coming season, regardless of where he plays on the field.

Cecchini got the start at second base in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener Friday against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run.

The 23-year-old has posted strong offensive numbers in the high minors over the last two seasons, but would still need a lot to go his way this spring to break camp on the Mets' 25-man roster. Cecchini will likely begin the season back at Triple-A Las Vegas to continue working on his defense, but could be among the first call-ups when injuries hit the team's infield.

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.

Adrianza will compete with Eduardo Escobar and Danny Santana for a utility role this spring, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Adrianza's glove rates well by advanced metrics (career average UZR/150 of 19.8) and may be needed at times to replace potentially below-average gloves at third base and shortstop in Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco. As a result, Adrianza may have the lead over Danny Santana, who doesn't have a strong infield glove, for the final spot on the bench as spring training begins.

Pennington is dealing with flu-like symptoms, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It's unknown whether the illness has set him back at all in spring training, but it's likely nothing too serious at this point. Pennington hit just .209 in 74 games with the Angels last season and is likely to serve as a reserve infielder this season behind Andrelton Simmons and Danny Espinosa. Consider him day-to-day for now.

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.