MLB Player News

Bogaerts' slump during the second half of 2016 was partially due to him making a decision where he wanted to hit the ball before the pitch reached him, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Bogaerts hit just .253/.317/.412/.729 after the All-Star break, though within that stretch there were pockets of a better approach, something that assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez pointed out to the shortstop. "You just have to start up the middle," Bogaerts said. "If you start up the middle, you can hit in and away. Sometimes I think too much away, and when they throw me in, all I can do is a little jam shot. If you think middle and keep your body straight, you see it and recognize -- and boom." As much as the 24-year-old shortstop has developed since entering the majors, the last bit of potential that remains untapped is avoiding those annoying prolonged slumps. That will come when he consistently stays back and reacts accordingly to the pitch delivered to him.

Correa (teeth) reported to spring training Friday but will not resume baseball activity for a couple of days, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The star shortstop's arrival to Astros camp was delayed after he had to have his wisdom teeth removed Thursday. Fortunately, it appears Correa will only need a few days to recover before resuming full baseball activity. More updates on Correa will follow once he's ready to return, which will likely come early next week.

Correa (teeth) might be limited for the first few days of Astros spring workouts after having his wisdom teeth removed Thursday according to manager A.J. Hinch, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The club still expects him to report on Friday, before the team starts full-squad workouts Saturday. After a brief rest, the elite fantasy shortstop should be ready to go for normal preseason prep.

Bogaerts is slated to play third base for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop confirmed it while he said he'd play second base. Bogaerts is no stranger to the hot corner, having logged 53 games there in two big-league seasons. Perhaps there's a modicum of concern for someone playing out of position in this exhibition tournament, but Bogaerts remains a solid top shortstop in a crowded fantasy class.

Baez could become the full-time starter at second to start the season or sometime during the year, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Baez's versatility in 2016 was a big boon for the Cubs, but second base is his best position, and it's possible he becomes an everyday player there sometime in 2017. "Obviously, when I get my years in the big leagues, I want to have my own spot," Baez said. Ben Zobrist is in the mix at second as well, but he'll likely spend time platooning with Kyle Schwarber in left field.

Noonan agreed to a minor league contract with the Brewers on Tuesday.

The 2007 first-round pick has struggled during his limited time in the majors, most recently slashing .125/.182/.225 across 44 plate appearances over the past two years. He will serve as organizational infield depth for Milwaukee in 2017.

Seager enters camp as the Dodgers' everyday shortstop.

Seager was everything the Dodgers hoped he could be, and more, in his first full season as a starter. He slashed an impressive .308/.365/.512 in 687 plate appearances. His 40 doubles ranked first among MLB shortstops and his 26 homers ranked second. Those numbers themselves are worth early-round consideration in fantasy drafts, but the potential of the 22-year-old shortstop improving this season is what makes him such a desired commodity.

Baez said he will play second base for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Baez appeared at first, second, third and short stop for the Cubs last season, and also got some run in the outfield. It appears he will focus on second base in the WBC, but his versatility could come into play for Puerto Rico.

O'Malley is the early favorite for the Mariners' utility spot entering spring training, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old has seen action in 113 games over the last two seasons in Seattle and slashed .229/.299/.319 with nine doubles, two triples, two homers and 17 RBI in 2016. Last season, the switch-hitter was deployed at second base, third base and shortstop while also seeing action at all three outfield positions. His versatility and experience give him the early edge, but O'Malley could be pushed by newcomer Taylor Motter and Mike Freeman.

Braves manager Brian Snitker plans to have Swanson hit second in the batting order this season, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Swanson primarily hit near the bottom of the order in his MLB debut last season, getting 108 of his 129 at-bats from the No. 7 or No. 8 spot, but he has the skill set to thrive closer to the top of the order. With Ender Inciarte as the leadoff man and Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp hitting behind Swanson, the 23-year-old shortstop should get plenty of opportunities to rack up runs and RBI.