MLB Player News

DeJong, a fourth-round pick in 2015, is expected to fully transition to shortstop in 2017 after playing well at the position in the Arizona Fall League, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports. "I played there all throughout the Fall League, and I felt like I made every play over there," DeJong said. "I think it just adds another edge to my game to get me in the lineup at a different position."

DeJong played primarily at third base in his first two seasons in the Cardinals organization, with only 11 starts at shortstop over that span. However, he primarily focused on the six-spot in the Arizona Fall League in 2016 and acquitted himself impressively by all accounts. On the offensive end of things, he slashed a solid .260/.324/.460 at Double-A Springfield last season, showing plenty of pop with 22 doubles, two triples, 22 homers and 73 RBI. Therefore, an ascension to Triple-A is not out of the question with a productive spring.

Pennington looks to be the primary backup middle infielder for the Angels again this season, the Orange County Register reports.

Pennington served as a backup at both second and short last season, batting .209 with three homers and 10 RBI in 188 plate appearances. Those numbers are lacking for a major league bat, but his solid defense down the middle will keep him in the conversation for acting as a backup to Andrelton Simmons and Danny Espinosa.

Adrianza was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Monday.

This is the second time in the last two weeks the switch-hitter has been scooped off waivers, with the Twins designating reliever Pat Light for assignment to make room for Adrianza. He has seen scattered time with the Giants over the past four seasons, and slashed .254/.299/.381 over 63 at-bats with them in 2016. He'll provide depth for the Twins with his solid glove and ability to play around the infield.

Anderson ranked 10th in Defensive Runs Saved and 11th in Ultimate Zone Rating among shortstops that played at least 800 innings in 2016.

Anderson's athleticism was never questioned when the White Sox selected him 17th overall in the 2013, but whether he had enough defense in him to remain at shortstop was. As evidenced by his performance in 2016, his defensive improvement means he'll be firmly ensconced as the team's starting shortstop during the organization's current rebuild window. Offensively, the 23-year-old showed good middle-infield power, but his on-base skills weren't ideal for a top-of-the-order nor was his 27-percent strikeout rate. Those are obvious areas of improvement to look for in 2017, but he's in no danger of losing plate appearances on a team that figures to be in a rebuild mode. Additionally, he has the full support of manager Rick Renteria, who feels Anderson is a threat to opposing hurlers every time he steps in the box.

Baez and Ben Zobrist could form a platoon at second base this year, with Baez used against lefties, Mike Petriello of MLB.com reports.

While this would limit the amount of time Baez sees at second, he still figures to play plenty for the Cubs in 2017. Last season, Baez appeared at third base, second base, first base, shortstop and left field, and he'll probably be used in a super-utility role again this year.

D'Arnaud will head into spring training as a favorite to win a spot on the Braves' bench.

The 30-year-old played six positions for Atlanta last season, and while the Sean Rodriguez signing does add another utility infielder to the mix, d'Arnaud is out of options and seems likely to keep his spot on the 25-man roster on Opening Day. His stay may be short-lived, however, as top prospect Ozzie Albies is knocking on the door and could seize the starting second base job in the first half, making d'Arnaud expendable.

Adrianza was designated for assignment Thursday.

Milwaukee needed to clear way for Jesus Aguilar, who was claimed off waivers from Cleveland, and Adrianza was the roster casualty. This is the second time in a little over a week that the switch-hitting infielder has been designated for assignment. He didn't excel in 2016, slashing .254/.299/.381 over 63 at-bats with the Giants, but his above-avergage defense coupled with his ability to play pretty much anywhere in the infield should attract some interest on waivers.

Owings will see time in the outfield corners during spring training, The Arizona Republic reports.

Owings filled a void in center following an injury to A.J. Pollock in 2016. The reports suggests Owings could be an option to start in place of outfielder David Peralta against lefties while keeping 26-year-old Nick Ahmed in the lineup at shortstop. Owings hit .277 in 466 plate appearances across 119 games in 2017, also swiping 21 bases in 25 attempts. The 25-year-old has also appeared at second base during his time in Arizona, so it seems he could be in line fill a sort of super-utility role to begin 2017.

Herrera received a invitation to Rockies spring training Thursday.

The 24-year-old slashed .292/.374/.379 with Double-A Hartford in 2016, adding 36 stolen bases in 44 attempts as well. He's likely to begin next season with Triple-A Albuquerque.

Castro received an invite to Rockies spring training Thursday.

Castro doesn't provide much in the way of offense, as he holds a career .217 batting average in the majors over 239 plate appearances. He is a good defensive infielder with the ability to play multiple positions, as Atlanta used him at second, third and shortstop last season. The Rockies have some of the league's top young stars at those three infield positions, however, so Castro isn't likely to get any big opportunities in the near future. He's likely to serve as organizational depth following spring training.