Spring Training Job Battles: Nearing the Finish Line

All spring training stats updated through March 18.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Catcher

The Diamondbacks have kept three catchers on the roster the last two seasons and seemed ready to do the same this year. The signing of Adam Jones may lead to the team keeping just two instead, recent reports suggest. Carson Kelly and Alex Avila appear to safe. Kelly, acquired in the Paul Goldschmidt trade, has hit a respectable .286 with an .819 OPS through 11 spring games. Avila's is hitting a respectable .250, well above the awful .165 mark he managed last season, though the team seems likely to keep him around regardless of his spring numbers due to his veteran status and past success. Based purely on spring stats, Caleb Joseph would have the advantage over John Ryan Murphy should the Diamondbacks carry a third catcher. Joseph has an OPS of .857 and two homers in nine spring games, while Murphy has a .125/.263/.188 line in six contests.

Outfield

New arrival Adam Jones didn't make his spring debut until Tuesday, and time is tight for him getting up to speed by Opening Day. Ketel Marte, who's hit .323 so far this spring, reportedly won't lose any playing time to Jones but will instead rotate through second base, shortstop and center field, taking some at-bats from Jones and some from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed in the middle infield. Steven Souza, who could potentially lose some at-bats to Jones in right field, has hit just .207 but has a pair of homers and a .772 OPS.

Fifth Starter

Merrill Kelly hasn't impressed in his first spring back from Korea, allowing seven runs and posting a 7:7 K:BB in 10.2 innings. Matt Andriese's 6.17 ERA is poor, but his 11:2 K:BB in 11.2 innings is good. Matt Koch has a 3.00 ERA with seven strikeouts in 12 innings.

Closer

Archie Bradley missed several days with a stiff neck, potentially casting some doubt on his status as the favorite for the Diamondbacks' closer role. He returned Sunday but allowed two runs while getting just two outs, raising his ERA to 10.13. Further struggles could open the door for Greg Holland, who threw a scoreless inning in his most recent appearance, but Holland's ERA is still even worse at 12.27. Yoshihisa Hirano could also capitalize, as he's thrown three scoreless innings, albeit with a 2:2 K:BB.

Atlanta Braves

Rotation

Mike Foltynewicz isn't expected to return from his elbow injury until mid-April at the earliest, so two spots are up for grabs in Atlanta's rotation at the start of the year. Kyle Wright seems to be making the best case for a spot, posting an 16:2 K:BB while allowing just four runs in 12 innings. Touki Toussaint has a similarly strong 17:2 K:BB, though he's allowed nine runs in 14 frames. Max Fried has pitched well, allowing four runs in 15.1 frames with a 16:5 K:BB. Bryse Wilson also deserves a mention. The 21-year-old owns a 9:1 K:BB and a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings.

Baltimore Orioles

Catcher

Austin Wynns has been out for two weeks with an oblique injury. He's resumed batting practice but has yet to get back into game action. The combination of his injury and Chance Sisco's hot spring (.333/.517/.905 with four homers) means Sisco is likely to claim the starting job. No official announcement has been made by the team.

Shortstop

Rule 5 pick Drew Jackson has hit the best of the Orioles' trio of shortstops, going .368/.400/.474. That may be enough to keep him on the roster, probably in a utility role. Fellow Rule 5 pick Richie Martin's OPS sits at .747, while Alcides Escobar is hitting just .219 with a .597 OPS.

Right field

Austin Hays hit an excellent .351/.385/.892 with five homers in 12 spring games but was nevertheless optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. That leaves Joey Rickard the presumed favorite, and he's made a good case for playing time this spring, hitting .382 in 12 games. Dwight Smith, who came over in a trade from Toronto, is just 3-for-18 this spring.

Boston Red Sox

Catcher

Blake Swihart is doing what he can to save his spot on the roster, hitting .304. Vazquez is hitting just .167, while Leon is hitting a mediocre .231.

Closer

Ryan Brasier has returned from a toe infection, allowing a run in his only inning of work. Matt Barnes has struck out six in four innings of work, but he's also allowed 10 baserunners and four runs. Tyler Thornburg finally threw a scoreless inning in his fifth spring outing but still has an ugly 12.60 ERA in five innings of work.

Chicago Cubs

Second base

David Bote is doing all he can to stake a claim for regular playing time, as his spring slash line now sits at .462/.583/.769. That's quite the contrast from Ben Zobrist, who's hitting just .238/.304/.381 after a late start due to personal reasons, though he's still expected to play frequently and may even lead off. Daniel Descalso, originally expected to split time with Zobrist, has battled a sore left shoulder, casting his readiness for Opening Day in some doubt. Christian Adames, who has three homers and a .444 average so far this spring, could earn a temporary roster spot should Descalso miss time, but he's unlikely to earn many starts.

Outfield

Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora are having excellent springs, with Schwarber's OPS sitting at 1.081 and Almora's coming in at an even 1.000. At the other end of the scale, Ian Happ and Jason Heyward have been struggling. Happ is hitting .146/.205/.195, while Heyward's line sits at .125/.222/.125.

Chicago White Sox

Outfield

Eloy Jimenez has been optioned to Triple-A Charlotte, a move which was likely to happen regardless of his 4-for-26 spring performance. He could make his debut in mid-April if the White Sox promote him as soon as they secure an extra year of team control. Jon Jay could cover for him in right field in the meantime. He's been battling general soreness in recent days but is unconcerned about his readiness for Opening Day and has a .942 OPS. In center field, Leury Garcia has hit .351, easily outperforming Adam Engel's .250, though Engel has added a pair of homers and is still expected to start. Garcia could get some time in the corners and at second base. Over in left, Daniel Palka has hit just .154, far below the .333 average posted by Nicky Delmonico. Delmonico missed time due to a concussion but has returned to game action in a designated hitter role.

UPDATE: Jimenez and the White Sox are finalizing a six-year extension Wednesday, a move that would pave the way for Jimenez to break camp with the team and leave the rest of Chicago's outfielders fighting for two remaining starting spots.

Fifth Starter

Ervin Santana will make his spring debut Wednesday after starting camp delayed by a finger issue. It may be tough for him to get enough innings to open the season in the rotation, although early off days could buy him time to get up to speed. Of the team's two other options, Dylan Covey has had the better spring, allowing just two runs in eight innings but striking out only two batters. Manny Banuelos is at the opposite end of the spectrum, striking out 14 in 14 innings but allowing eight earned runs.

Closer

The White Sox haven't provided much clarity in the closer battle. Kelvin Herrera has pitched slightly better than Alex Colome so far this spring. Herrera has allowed two runs in 5.2 innings while posting a 5:1 K:BB. Colome has allowed one more run in the same number of innings, striking out just three but not walking any batters.

Cincinnati Reds

Center field

The Reds still haven't clarified their center field plans, but Nick Senzel is doing a good job pushing for a role, hitting .300. The impending arrival of Senzel seems to be motivating Scott Schebler, who is hitting .429 with an incredible 1.368 OPS. Schebler should still see occasional starts in the outfield corners even if Senzel ends up being the primary center fielder.

Cleveland Indians

Catcher

Roberto Perez has started to heat up, and he's now hitting .273 with a pair of homers and an .818 OPS. Kevin Plawecki's OPS sits at an uninspiring .641.

Outfield

A murky mix of mediocre outfielders didn't get any clearer when the Indians landed Carlos Gonzalez on a minor-league deal Saturday. The 33-year-old's 96 wRC+ last season wasn't particularly good, but he managed to find a team without any particularly strong candidates for playing time. He may not be ready to go by Opening Day, however. Leonys Martin's starting role isn't at risk, as he was named the team's starting center fielder, though Gonzalez's arrival could still cost him the occasional at-bat. Greg Allen is having the best spring of the Indians' corner options, hitting .419 with a 1.148 OPS. Jordan Luplow (.125/.256/.281) and Tyler Naquin (.205/.225/.333) are both struggling. Luplow, as a righty, could be a candidate to platoon with Gonzalez. Bradley Zimmer has returned from shoulder surgery to participate in minor-league action but appears likely to open the year on the injured list.

Colorado Rockies

Catcher

Tom Murphy, who appeared likely to be the odd man out, has a .926 OPS so far in camp, hitting three homers. Chris Iannetta is hitting just .111, but the veteran's roster spot is likely safe. Tony Wolters is valued for his glove, not his bat, which is good news for him, as he's hitting just .143. Wolters has options remaining while Murphy does not, which could give Murphy a path to playing time.

Second base

A platoon has been mentioned as a possibility at second base, to the benefit of lefty Ryan McMahon and the detriment of righty Garrett Hampson. McMahon has been on fire this spring, hitting .444 with a 1.335 OPS. Hampson missed some time with hamstring tightness but has since returned to the lineup. He's hit .313 with three homers and six steals in 15 games.

Fifth starter

Chad Bettis' velocity is up this spring, and his results have improved along with it. He has 13 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA in 16 innings. Jeff Hoffman was likely always behind him, and his 5.52 ERA hasn't done anything to help him move ahead. Antonio Senzatela has an infected blister on his foot and is unlikely to be ready by the start of the regular season, taking him out of the competition.

Detroit Tigers

Rotation

With Michael Fulmer expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, all three of Daniel Norris, Matt Moore and Tyson Ross could make the rotation. Spencer Turnbull lingers as a threat. Norris' ERA sits at 5.06, Ross' rests at 5.74, while Moore's comes in at 4.60. Meanwhile Turnbull has allowed just three runs in 10 spring innings. Turnbull had a 6.06 ERA in a 16.1-inning debut last season, hiding a quite-good 2.85 FIP.

Closer

Shane Greene hasn't done anything to lose his closing role, allowing just one run in eight innings, though he has an unimpressive four strikeouts. Joe Jimenez remains a capable deputy, striking out 10 with a 3.52 ERA in 7.2 frames.

Houston Astros

Right field

Josh Reddick continues to get some work at first base, likely in preparation for the eventual arrival of the optioned Kyle Tucker but also to serve as a backup to Yuli Gurriel and Tyler White. Jake Marisnick has .915 OPS while Tony Kemp's sits at .82. They're likely to remain in bench roles.

Kansas City Royals

Rotation

Danny Duffy's shoulder tightness is now expected to cause him to miss Opening Day, so one open spot in the Royals' rotation has become two, at least temporarily. Jorge Lopez has thus far been the only leading candidate to have a strong spring. He has a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings, albeit with a 9:6 K:BB. Heath Fillmyer has given up nine runs in 8.2 innings, while Rule 5 pick Chris Ellis has allowed the same amount of runs in eight frames.

Closer

Brad Boxberger has just one scoreless outing in four appearances this spring, and his ERA sits at an ugly 18.00. Wily Peralta, on the other hand, has been quite good, allowing just a single run in 6.2 innings. Tim Hill has the exact same surface numbers as Peralta, but he's only struck out two batters.

Right field

Brian Goodwin won this battle. Both Brett Phillips and Jorge Bonifacio were optioned down Tuesday.

Los Angeles Angels

Setup man

Ty Buttrey has been solid enough in 5.2 innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven batters. Justin Anderson has the same number of runs and strikeouts over 6.1 frames. Hansel Robles and Cam Bedrosian aren't doing much to make themselves the second in line after Cody Allen, with Robles recording a 7.71 ERA and Bedrosian struggling to an 8.44 mark.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Left field

Manager Dave Roberts has said he expects Alex Verdugo to break camp with the team. The 22-year-old is hitting .270 this spring but has an unimpressive .678 OPS. As a lefty, there's no obvious platoon situation with him and Joc Pederson, so it remains to be seen how the playing time will break down. Pederson is hitting just .189 this spring, though his three homers and four doubles give him a solid .820 OPS. Enrique Hernandez has continued his hot spring, hitting .341 with three homers. With Verdugo now in the mix, Hernandez could wind up getting more of his at-bats in the infield.

Miami Marlins

Outfield corners

Austin Dean has had a strong spring, hitting .364 with an .845 OPS. Peter O'Brien's .216 average isn't good. Veteran Curtis Granderson has been quite poor, hitting .136/.174/.318.

Closer

Adam Conley is having the strongest spring out of the Marlins' closing options, allowing two runs while recording a 7:1 K:BB in 7.1 innings. Sergio Romo has a strong 9:2 K:BB, with a mediocre 4.26 ERA in 6.1 frames. Drew Steckenrider is struggling, giving up seven runs in 6.1 innings with a 2:4 K:BB.

Milwaukee Brewers

Rotation

Jimmy Nelson has made a pair of appearances as he works his way back from the shoulder injury which cost him all of 2018, but the Brewers have already confirmed that he won't be ready to go by the start of the season. That opens a second spot in the Brewers' rotation, at least temporarily, and possibly a third if Zach Davies' job isn't guaranteed. Davies' numbers are the worst of the quartet of arms competing for the job. He has a 9:7 K:BB and a 7.88 ERA in 16 innings. Corbin Burnes' 5.93 ERA doesn't look good, but it comes with a 12:2 K:BB. Freddy Peralta is a similar case, as he's combined a 6.14 ERA with a 12:3 K:BB. Brandon Woodruff has been the best of the bunch, throwing nine scoreless innings while striking out 12 batters and walking four.

Minnesota Twins

Catcher

Jason Castro has hit just .217 but has a pair of homers. He looks lined up to receive the most starts behind the plate. Mitch Garver has a similar line, hitting .206 with two homers of his own. Willians Astudillo is lined up for a utility role, including the occasional start behind the plate. He's performed similarly to his fellow catchers, homering twice while hitting .237.

Fifth starter

Martin Perez's numbers no longer look quite as good after one poor start, as he now has a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings with a 10:3 K:BB. Adalberto Mejia has similar numbers, posting a 9:3 K:BB and a 4.50 ERA in eight frames.

Closer

Manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't indicated which way he's leaning at the closer position, and some of his recent comments have suggested he'll choose a committee approach. Up to five relievers seem to have a good shot at being part of that committee. Trevor May has a 2.45 ERA in 7.1 innings, striking out seven while walking two. Blake Parker's 4.05 ERA in 6.2 frames isn't quite as good, though his 10:2 K:BB is strong. Taylor Rogers has an 8:3 K:BB while allowing three runs in 7.1 innings. Trevor Hildenberger wasn't originally considered a strong candidate but could get the occasional save should Baldelli go with a committee. He's struck out eight and walked just one while allowing three runs in 7.2 innings. Addison Reed has had a very poor spring but could also form part of a committee if he recaptures some of his former success. He's given no indication that's about to happen this spring, allowing 10 runs in 5.1 frames.

New York Mets

First base

It's still not clear if the Mets will keep Pete Alonso down for service-time reasons or if he'll be up at the start of the year. Dominic Smith looks like a fine alternative for the first time in a while, hitting .349/.404/.465, though Alonso has been even better, hitting .360/.396/.680 with four homers.

Outfield

Jeff McNeil looks likely to be needed at third base at the start of the season unless either Todd Frazier (oblique) or Jed Lowrie (knee) returns sooner than expected. That means one of Keon Broxton, Rajai Davis or Juan Lagares is likely to spend some time in center field early in the season. Davis' .905 OPS is the best of the bunch, but he's also the only one not on the 40-man roster. Broxton's .725 OPS is acceptable, while Lagares has struggled, hitting .182/.200/.227.

New York Yankees

First base

The Yankees have yet to declare a winner of their first base battle, but manager Aaron Boone has said he likes the look of Luke Voit in the cleanup spot, which certainly sounds like an endorsement. It's hard to say Voit hasn't earned it, as he owns a 1.061 OPS in 13 games. Greg Bird has actually outperformed him, as his OPS sits at 1.137. Bird has a shot at a temporary roster spot even if he loses the battle with Aaron Hicks set to open the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury.

Rotation

With Luis Severino out until May with a shoulder injury and CC Sabathia recovering from heart and knee surgeries, the Yankees have a pair of rotation spots open. Gio Gonzalez was signed in part to fill that hole, but it would be a surprise to see him get ready for the start of the season in just 10 days. Luis Cessa seemed to be the favorite prior to Gonzalez's signing, and he could still fill the role to start the year before the veteran lefty gets up to speed. He's been excellent so far this spring, allowing just a single run in 17 innings of work while recording an 18:1 K:BB. Domingo German appears to be next in line after Cessa and has been similarly strong, giving up two runs in 11.2 innings with an 18:2 K:BB. Jonathan Loaisiga has exciting potential but has struggled in the Grapefruit League, posting an ERA of 7.50 in 12 innings with an 11:7 K:BB.

Oakland Athletics

Catcher

Chris Herrmann's arthroscopic knee surgery was successful, but he remains without a clear timeline and won't be ready for the start of the season. Josh Phegley and Nick Hundley are expected to split time until he returns. Both have had strong springs, each hitting two homers. Hundley's OPS sits at 1.013, while Phegley is right up there with him at 1.011.

Left field

Nick Martini won't return from his knee injury until late March, which won't leave him enough time to get ready for Opening Day. Chad Pinder has been the best of the remaining options, hitting .355 with a pair of homers and seven doubles. He could find his playing time at various spots all over the diamond. Franklin Barreto has been similarly strong, hitting .375/.459/.594. Mark Canha, who is probably looking at more of a reserve role, has been fine, posting a .740 OPS. Finally, Robbie Grossman has been the weakest of the bunch, hitting .265/.324/.324.

Rotation

The Athletics' early two-game series against the Mariners in Japan on Wednesday and Thursday clouds their rotation picture, as the week-long break between Thursday's game and the bulk of the regular season means that some roster manipulation is possible. Five pitchers are competing for three rotation spots. Daniel Mengden has already been optioned but could be up in early April when a fifth starter is needed. Jesus Luzardo is not yet on the 40-man roster but has done all he can to get called up right away, striking out 15 while allowing just a single run in 9.2 innings. Brett Anderson seems fairly likely to get a job but has been mediocre at best this spring, posting a 4.66 ERA with seven strikeouts in 9.2 innings of his own. Frankie Montas is making a very strong case, allowing just a single run in 13 innings and striking out a batter per inning. He's out of options, so he should be a good bet to make the roster in some capacity. Chris Bassitt has a 5.40 ERA in 10 frames but has an excellent 12:1 K:BB.

Philadelphia Phillies

Third base

Maikel Franco hasn't done much this spring, hitting just .231/.268/.333, but Scott Kingery is hardly pushing him, hitting an even worse .214/.250/.357. Kingery no longer appears needed as a fill-in second baseman, with Cesar Hernandez returning from a hip strain two weeks before Opening Day.

Center field

Odubel Herrera returned from his hamstring strain 12 days before Opening Day and looks to be ready to claim his starting spot. Roman Quinn is still out with an oblique issue, and the Phillies will probably not want to push things with the oft-injured outfielder. That probably opens up a spot for Aaron Altherr as the fifth outfielder, with Nick Williams as the primary backup. Altherr has more experience in center than Williams, though both fit better in a corner. Williams could still get some starts in place of Herrera if the team trusts Bryce Harper or Andrew McCutchen to deputize in center. The 25-year-old has had a strong spring, hitting .324 with an .824 OPS.

Closer

The Phillies still haven't clarified their closer situation, so a matchups-based approach rather than a traditional one appears likely. David Robertson, Seranthony Dominguez and possibly Hector Neris remain the most likely candidates to stumble into saves. Robertson has barely pitched this spring, throwing just two innings, but there has been no word of an injury. Dominguez has been good, posting an 8:2 K:BB while allowing just one run in seven innings. Neris has given up five runs in eight frames but also has an excellent 14:2 K:BB.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Shortstop

Erik Gonzalez has officially been named the Pirates' starting shortstop. Defense was cited as the reason, which makes sense, as his career wRC+ is just 78 and he's given little indication he'll improve on that number this spring, hitting just .233/.303/.367. Kevin Newman will be limited to a reserve role and could spend more time in the minors to get regular at-bats.

Fifth starter

Jordan Lyles was mentioned by general manager Neal Huntington as having the inside track on the fifth starter spot, but Lyles has recently battled side cramps. The issue appears minor, and he's been back on the mound throwing simulated games. Steven Brault and Nick Kingham would be the primary options if Lyles isn't ready, but both have been poor this spring. Brault's ERA sits at 6.30, while Kingham's is 7.11.

San Diego Padres

Catcher

The Padres still haven't given any clear statements about how they'll split catching duties this season. Both candidates are having very strong springs. Austin Hedges is hitting .280/.400/.680 with three homers, while Francisco Mejia has outdone him, posting a .400/.432/.771 line with three homers of his own.

Outfield

Recent reports point in the direction of Wil Myers starting in center field at the expense of Manuel Margot, likely in an attempt to get one more power bat in the lineup in an outfield corner. That would be a downgrade on defense, and Margot's .793 OPS this spring is far better than Myers' .550, but Myers has a far more extensive offensive track record. Myers moving to center would be good news for Franmil Reyes and Hunter Renfroe, who now look like regulars in the corners. Reyes missed a few games with fatigue but has since returned and has a strong .896 OPS this spring. Renfroe has an ugly .536 OPS and has recently returned from the same issue. Franchy Cordero will likely open as the team's fifth outfielder. He has four steals this spring but is hitting just .206.

San Francisco Giants

Outfield corners

Steven Duggar has been named the Giants' starting center fielder, leaving the rest of the candidates to battle for two spots in the corners. Those spots seem to be largely decided as well. Mac Williamson is reportedly the leader in left field, even though he's hitting just .229/.289/.371. Gerardo Parra seems to be the leader in right, and he's making a decent case for himself, posting a .790 OPS. That would leave Cameron Maybin in a fourth outfielder role. It's hard to say he deserves more after a spring in which he's been arrested for DUI and hit just .167. Austin Slater is no longer in the competition, having been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.

Closer

The Giants haven't announced anything, but Will Smith still looks to be the favorite for the ninth-inning role. He's only thrown three innings, but all three were scoreless, and he's struck out three while allowing just two baserunners. Mark Melancon seems to have pitched himself out of the conversation, allowing seven runs in 5.2 innings with a 4:3 K:BB. Sam Dyson is doing what he can to provide competition for Smith, recording a 6:2 K:BB while allowing just one run in five innings.

Seattle Mariners

Shortstop

Tim Beckham won this battle with J.P. Crawford optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Dylan Moore is around but will likely fill a utility role.

Closer

Hunter Strickland returned from a back injury to pitch in an exhibition game Saturday and looks set to open the season as the Mariners' closer. Anthony Swarzak could compete with him eventually but will start the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury.

St. Louis Cardinals

Right field

Dexter Fowler has been regularly filling the second spot in the Cardinals' order, but he hasn't had a good spring, hitting an awful .194/.237/.222. Neither of his competitors are jumping at the chance for more at-bats, however. Jose Martinez is hitting .235/.297/.353, while Tyler O'Neill is hitting just .178, though he at least has four homers.

Fifth starter

John Gant and Dakota Hudson are the last two men standing in the battle for the Cardinals' fifth starter spot. Gant has a solid 3.46 ERA in 13 innings, but he's struck out just six batters. Hudson's numbers are better, as he owns a 2.53 ERA and nine strikeouts in 10.2 frames. The winner could hold a spot for at least a month until Carlos Martinez returns from his shoulder injury, although there's no guarantee Martinez will re-enter the rotation when he's healthy, so the opportunity could prove to be an extended one for the winner of this battle.

Closer

Jordan Hicks' incredible start to spring has cooled off a bit, but he still has a 3.60 ERA and an impressive 11 strikeouts in just five innings. Andrew Miller is struggling, allowing seven runs in 4.2 frames. The Cardinals have not yet announced a winner.

Tampa Bay Rays

First base/designated hitter

All three of the contestants for these two spots are having strong springs. Avisail Garcia's OPS sits at .924, Yandy Diaz's is .943 and Ji-Man Choi's is all the way up at 1.065. All three hitters will likely play fairly regularly, but a specific rotation is not yet clear.

Texas Rangers

Catcher

The Rangers have changed their tune from earlier in camp and are now suggesting Jeff Mathis and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will split time evenly rather than have Mathis start the majority of games. It's a sensible move given Kiner-Falefa's youth and the Rangers' position in the competitive cycle, and it's good news for fantasy owners, as Kiner-Falefa is much more likely to be a viable fantasy option. The 23-year-old's .455/.520/.682 line through 11 spring games certainly makes Texas' decision seem like the right one.

Toronto Blue Jays

First base/designated hitter

Rowdy Tellez is doing what he can to push for playing time, hitting .300 with three homers. Justin Smoak isn't giving up at-bats easily, recording a 1.119 OPS. Kendrys Morales' job could be a little more at risk.

Second base

Devon Travis is injured yet again. He underwent knee surgery and won't be evaluated until mid-April, leaving Lourdes Gurriel the winner of this particular battle. Gurriel deserved the job based on his numbers, as he's hitting .345/.441/.621. Brandon Drury will open the year at third base but could compete with Gurriel once Vladimir Guerrero is promoted. He's done quite well for himself this spring, hitting .351/.400/.649.

Washington Nationals

Catcher

Kurt Suzuki will be Anibal Sanchez's personal catcher, but the Nationals haven't clarified their catching situation when the rest of the rotation pitches. Both Suzuki and Yan Gomes have had strong springs, with Suzuki posting a .947 OPS and Gomes recording an incredible .448/.467/.897 line.