MLB Player News

Bogaerts has set a goal to steal at least 20 bases during the 2017 season, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts stole a career-high 13 bags last season, but feels Boston's offensive plan will need to be different without David Ortiz in the lineup. Whereas last season he would remain put when getting on base in front of Ortiz, he feels the offense may need to a bit more creative in 2017. Adding a stolen-base element to his burgeoning offensive repertoire will certainly enhance the shortstop's value.

Pennington (illness) is back in the lineup for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Pennington had been recovering from flu-like symptoms over the last few days, but he'll be back in action at second base Sunday. The veteran infielder is competing for a utility role with the Angels, but even if he makes the Opening Day roster, don't expect him to see enough at-bats to make much of an impact in the fantasy realm.

Gordon (illness) is still being bothered by pink eye and will likely miss Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It was originally thought that Gordon would be ready for Monday after being scratched from the Saturday game, but apparently he is still being bothered by the illness and will have to wait a little while longer for his Grapefruit League season debut. It's likely nothing to worry about, and he should be back to action shortly.

Gordon (illness) is listed in the Marlins lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins scratched Gordon from their lineup Saturday after he experienced flu-like symptoms, but it appears he's since recovered from the illness. He'll bat in his normal leadoff spot and man the keystone Monday.

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.