MLB Player News

Tejada will likely split time at shortstop with Wilmer Flores while Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) is out, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.

This is nothing new for Tejada, who split the starting shortstop position with Flores for most of the 2015 season. Both are right-handed and share a similar hitting and fielding profile, so the decision on which to use will rest on which way Terry Collins is leaning. Rubin also notes that there was some trade chatter around Tejada before Cabrera's injury, so that might be something to keep an eye on when Cabrera is healthy again.

Sardinas is battling a tight calf muscle and won't play in Friday's game, the Tacoma News-Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.

It sounds like a very minor issue, as Dutton reports that Sardinas should be back in action Saturday. Sardinas can play both middle infield spots well, and can also play third base in a pinch, which is giving him the leg up on the competition to break camp as the Mariners' utility infielder.

Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and his first home run this spring Thursday.

Baez is one of the most interesting players to watch in Cubs camp, as he's fighting to make the team as a backup all over the diamond. While the home run is nice, he also has a 0:5 BB:K in 15 at-bats this spring.

Tejada, who entered the game when Asdrubal Cabrera was forced out with an injury, homered Thursday against the Cardinals. He could be in line for more time if Cabrera is sidelined due to the injury.

Cabrera is due for an MRI on his sore left knee. If the scan shows anything other than some soreness, he could miss some time. Tejada and Wilmer Flores would split time at the position. There has been some rumblings that Tejada could be in danger of getting waived or traded due to his $3 million salary, but any extended absence by Cabrera could keep Tejada in New York.

Baldoquin was reassigned to minor league camp Thursday.

The 21-year-old shortstop had a solid showing with the Angels' big league camp this spring, going 3-for-8 with two doubles and four RBI over six games. He'll head down to minor league camp to get more reps and he remains a ways away from cracking the major league roster.

Cecchini made his first game appearance Wednesday after reportedly dealing with some back issues, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

It wasn't known that the young shortstop was dealing with an ailment, but it's good to see that he's good to go for game action. It's unlikely that Cecchini will make the major league roster out of camp, but the added experience against major league pitching that he's getting during spring training is definitely nice.

Diaz had a huge day Tuesday in his first start since news of Jhonny Peralta's injury broke, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored.

Diaz was signed out of Cuba in 2014. He missed nearly two full years of games in coming to the United States but hit well across Double-A and Triple-A last season, slashing .278/.339/.445. It's just spring training but the 25-year-old could play his way into a starting role by Opening Day with a good enough spring. Diaz has the ability to be a 15/15 guy if he can cut it as an MLB regular.

Crawford (shoulder) will make his first spring start at shortstop Wednesday, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports.

The Giants waned to limit Crawford's throwing earlier this spring, but his shoulder is healthy enough to be deployed at his natural position Wednesday. He may get more days off than the Giants' other regulars over the next couple weeks, but Crawford is expected to be a full go once the regular season commences.

Lindor is 3-for-8 with one RBI, two walks, and one stolen base through three games this spring.

Lindor is coming off his first major league season in which he hit .313/.353/.482 with 12 home runs 51 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in just 99 games played. Barring injury, the 22-year-old will be in the lineup everyday, leading to an increase in counting statistics and overall offensive production and making him one of the top fantasy options at shortstop for 2016.

Arcia is holding up well in major league camp, going 2-for-8 with a double and two strikeouts through four spring games.

General manager David Stearns said that Arcia will not make the major league club out of spring training this season, but it is promising to see that he can hold up against major league-caliber pitching. The Brewers' top prospect will likely start in Triple-A, but if he can continue to hit well, Arcia could crack the major league roster at some point in 2016.