Astros star Jose Altuve was willing to move from second base to left field if it meant bringing back longtime teammate Alex Bregman, but those days are done in Houston.

Without Bregman, the Astros are moving forward with a spring training trial of Altuve in left field. He's taking fly balls with outfielders and working at his typical spot, second base.

Houston did reach an agreement Tuesday on a minor league deal with second baseman Brendan Rodgers, the player selected third overall and one spot behind Bregman in the 2015 draft. A defensive whiz at second who won a Gold Glove with the Rockies in 2022, Rodgers is a former top prospect in the Colorado system. He was non-tendered at the end of last season, when he hit .267 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 135 games.

Astros manager Joe Espada said it was premature to disclose any plans for the season and he doesn't want to make Altuve's spot in the field a matter of daily discourse.

"He will play some second base. Right now, it's one day at a time," Espada said. "I want to get some feedback from him before we discuss where we're going to go next, but he will play some second base."

Rodgers played only second base in Colorado the past three seasons but has 36 career games at shortstop.

Houston added third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade in December. If Altuve is used in the outfield or as a designated hitter on a given day, utility infielder Mauricio Dubon could be in the mix at second along with Luis Guillorme, who signed with the Astros last week, and Rodgers. Paredes was used at first, second and shortstop in 2022 and 2023 with the Rays but didn't make an appearance at the middle infield positions in 2024 with the Rays and Cubs.

Bregman signed a three-year deal with the Red Sox and is working through a perceived tug-of-war at third base with All-Star Rafael Devers. Red Sox manager Alex Cora downplayed reports that tensions were simmering between the two, sparked when Devers said he wasn't moving to a new position on Monday.

Altuve, 34, has spent his entire career with Houston since making his major league debut in July 2011 at age 21. A Gold Glove winner in 2015, he is the active major league leader with 1,765 games at second base, including 1,749 starts. He has played in two games at shortstop for a total of six innings.

History is on the Astros' side, having once moved Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio to the outfield to make room for Jeff Kent.

Espada said prior to spring training that Altuve is capable of playing outfield.

"He's so athletic, and he can do some things on the baseball field that a lot of people can't do," Espada said. "If we get there, we'll have that conversation with him. He wants to do whatever it takes to win. It's important to us. I think he's a cornerstone on this team. He's the heart of the organization. He understands that, but when we get to that point, we'll have that conversation with him."

Rafael Devers turned the hot corner into hot-topic material before Alex Bregman had time to back out of a perceived territorial dispute with the Boston Red Sox.

Devers emphatically stated Monday he believes third base is his position in response to whether he was comfortable playing elsewhere to make room for the newly signed Bregman.

"I'm super excited to just be [Devers'] teammate," Bregman told reporters Tuesday. "He's a great player. I think everybody in this clubhouse is worried about winning, and whatever it takes to help the team win -- that's all I'm focused on. I'll play wherever [manager Alex Cora] tells me to play."

Bregman, a Gold Glove-winning third baseman with the Houston Astros, signed with the Red Sox earlier this month without consideration as to what position he would play. His relationship with Cora underscored they would both have the team's best interest at heart, regardless of where the Red Sox decide to use their best nine players.

Bregman and Devers were alongside others at Cora's rental house for dinner on Monday night, dispelling reports of simmering drama between the All-Stars.

Cora added to the opinion that all is well with the infielders after watching Devers receive constructive feedback from Bregman during glove work on the practice field earlier Monday.

Cora also said Bregman and Devers "were talking for 45 minutes" during the gathering at his house.

"I think everybody here believes in their abilities," Bregman said. "I think all of us believe that if we all put together a good effort this season, we have a really good chance of being a winning baseball team.

"I can only talk for myself but I'll play wherever helps the team win."

It's realistic to presume top prospect Kristian Campbell is part of the equation when Cora pencils in his starting lineup on Opening Day.

Campbell, 22, said Monday he is working out exclusively at second base despite also previously playing in the outfield. He batted .330 with 20 home runs, 24 stolen bases and 32 doubles in 115 games across three levels of the Red Sox farm system in 2024.

"[Everyone] saw last year how special of a player he is," Bregman said of Campbell, who was primarily a second baseman as a freshman in his only season at Georgia Tech.

Campbell was drafted 132nd overall by the Red Sox in 2023 -- a selection Boston was granted as compensation for losing Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency -- and last year was named the top hitter in the minor leagues.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- His spot at the top of the batting order no longer secure and his statistics trending downward, George Springer has plenty to prove as he enters the penultimate season of his six-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Manager John Schneider plans to give the veteran right fielder some reps in left field this season and says the leadoff spot will likely be "a fluid situation."

"He's open to anything and everything, which is awesome," Schneider said. "So it's just trying to use him appropriately."

Springer, 35, posted strong numbers in his first year with Toronto -- an injury-riddled 2021 season -- but his statistics have been on a steady decline since.

He hit .267 with 25 homers and 76 RBI over 133 games in 2022. A year later, he played in 154 games and hit .258 with 21 homers and 72 RBIs.

The four-time All-Star endured a terrible first half last season. He was able to pull his numbers up but still hit just .220 over 145 games with 19 homers and 56 RBIs.

"Obviously I did not do what I had hoped to do last year," Springer said. "I understand that, I accept that, I acknowledge that. I think a lot of it is just understanding what went wrong, how it went wrong and understanding how to get yourself out of it slowly but surely."

Springer chose not to reveal specifics of any adjustments he has made as camp returned to normal Wednesday on the heels of the failed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension talks. The 25-year-old slugger plans to become a free agent after this season.

"I just kind of watched it from afar," Springer said. "I know who he is, I know what kind of player he is, but the most important thing is he's a great human.

"He's here to win and obviously a guy like that on your team -- for however long -- is great."

After spending his first seven seasons with the Houston Astros, Springer, the 2017 World Series MVP, signed a team-record $150 million deal with the Blue Jays in early 2021.

His arrival signaled the franchise was aiming for big things after a wild-card round appearance in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Springer helped Toronto return to the playoffs in two of the next three years, but the team didn't make the Divisional Series.

With a veteran-heavy starting rotation and homegrown players Guerrero and Bo Bichette entering contract years, the pressure is on the Blue Jays to take advantage of an open competitive window that could slam shut if there's a weak first half.

"I'm very confident in the group that we have and the mentality," Springer said. "It isn't about tomorrow. It's about now and I think guys understand that."

Springer's engaging personality and jovial style help keep things light and energetic around the player development complex.

"He's a veteran guy who has been through a lot," Schneider said. "He knows when to push the envelope and knows when to back off. He knows when to have a little bit of urgency and knows when to not panic."

Schneider expects he'll "mix and match" in the leadoff spot this season depending on the opposition and pitching matchups. That list, at least as of Wednesday, included Springer, Bichette, Will Wagner and Andres Gimenez.

"There's a handful of guys who can do it and we're just going to try to maximize [it] each night," Schneider said.

While his defensive play has been steady, Springer's on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS have dropped every year since his Toronto debut.

He had an OBP of .352 in 2021 but it was just .303 last season. His slugging percentage (.555 to .371) and OPS numbers (.907 to .674) have dropped more sharply over the same span.

"I'm not trying to chase results," Springer said. "I'm just doing whatever I can to help us win that day. Whether it's in the box, in the field, in the clubhouse. I also understand that results matter.

"So it's just being the best version of myself and we'll see what happens."

Hurricane Milton wrecked the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark last fall, leaving them without a stadium. For this season, they will play their home games in the Yankees' spring training facility, which has a capacity in the range of 11,000 fans.

And yet the Rays have outspent the Chicago Cubs in free agency this winter.

Which says so much more about the conduct of the big-market Cubs than about the Rays. Last week, the Cubs were outbid by multiple teams for the services of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, and the question that should hang over the franchise is: why? Why aren't the Cubs spending more?

Owner Tom Ricketts provided no answers last week when he briefly stopped by camp in Arizona, told the players that it was a privilege to play for his organization (according to manager Craig Counsell) and then left without speaking to reporters. Jed Hoyer, the team's head of baseball operations, cited the club's budget when asked about the Bregman bidding. The Cubs dangled a four-year, $115 million deal that left them outbid significantly by the Tigers and Astros, and Bregman chose a three-year deal with the Red Sox, partly to give himself the option of testing the market again next fall since the deal includes two opt-outs.

Nothing about the Cubs' offer could've given them a legitimate shot at landing a player who would've been a perfect fit. The Tigers offered the most total dollars on the table; the Astros offered a chance for Bregman to continue his Houston legacy, without being tapped for state taxes. The Red Sox deal offered the highest average annual salary with contractual flexibility. It was as if the Cubs wanted Bregman to play for less money and the privilege of being part of their organization.

But it's hard to see that being appealing enough to convince someone like Bregman, who has played in the postseason in every year of his career and aims to continue that tradition. Despite the fact that the Cubs are playing in baseball's land of opportunity, the incredibly weak NL Central, they've given no indication that winning is actually a priority. Making money seems to be the modus operandi.

This all comes at the end of a winter in which Ricketts already made headlines for his comments about the Cubs' inability to keep up with the sport's top payrolls when he told 670 AM in Chicago that "it's really hard to compete" with the Dodgers. In that January interview, he said that fans "think somehow we have all these dollars that the Dodgers have or the Mets have or the Yankees have and we just keep it. Which isn't true at all. What happens is we try to break even every year, and that's about it."

But that doesn't really align with the available numbers from Sportico's MLB team values rankings. The Cubs' franchise value, as assessed by Sportico, was at $5.3 billion as of last season. That's the fourth highest in Major League Baseball, and more than three times greater than the combined value of the Brewers ($1.6 billion), Reds ($1.5 billion) and Pirates ($1.4 billion). The Cubs' revenue generated last season, as estimated by Sportico, was at $502 million, the fourth highest in the majors, behind the Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox.

With the draw of Wrigley Field, the Cubs' ability to generate income is Teflon-coated, especially compared to other teams that didn't spend much this winter. The Rays' situation is fragile; it's really tough for fans to get to and from the Marlins' park; and even Cardinals' fans have vacated their park in recent years because of the team's lackluster play. But even in the worst years, the Cubs draw. It's one benefit of playing in the third-largest market in the nation.

And yet the Cubs' payroll will be significantly lower than last year. Per Sportico, the Cubs are in line to spend $186 million in player salary, or nearly $30 million less than last year.

Sure, the Cubs traded for All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros -- for one year, perhaps, because Tucker will be a free agent in the fall -- but the front office seemingly had to move Cody Bellinger and his $27.5 million salary to make that happen. Tucker will make $16.5 million.

The Cubs swapped for Ryan Pressly, after the Astros agreed to pay down some of his salary. Colin Rea was signed for $5 million. And the Cubs signed Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million deal.

The storm-ravaged Rays? They landed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim for $29 million over two years and signed catcher Danny Jansen to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. With those two contracts, Tampa Bay spent more in free agency than the Cubs.

Yes, the Cubs' overall payroll currently sits just above $185 million compared to $72 million for the Rays, but in a crucial offseason for the franchise, Chicago has elected to spend like its small-market counterparts. And, yes, the Cubs do have reason for hope in 2025, but also likely not enough star talent to stand toe to toe with the National League's best.

The defense is excellent -- Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner are exceptional up the middle, and the outfield of Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Tucker will probably be the best in the majors. A signing of Bregman would've given the Cubs another lockdown defender, another Gold Glove contender feeding into a distinct style. The Dodgers might have the most prolific offense; the Phillies have a great group of veterans; Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider will be back for the Braves; the Mets added Juan Soto -- but with a high-end third baseman, the Cubs could have been the best run prevention team in baseball, which often translates well in the postseason. And Bregman would've improved an offense that was so inconsistent last year.

Instead, the financially mighty Cubs chose to effectively stand down in the bidding for Bregman, content to fall somewhere in the range of 12^th to 14^th among the 30 teams in their payroll size, and they have a roster that feels unequipped to take on the teams that were willing to spend.

Ricketts can rightly expect the best effort from his players. But sadly, he has not reciprocated. The Cubs players -- the Cubs fans -- deserve better.

Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man who "exhibited fixated behaviour" during her second-round loss to Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships, the WTA said.

An emotional Raducanu, 22, was seen hiding behind the umpire's chair two games into her second round loss to Karolina Muchova.

"On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour," the WTA said.

"This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma's match on Tuesday and subsequently ejected."

The man has been banned from all WTA events, "pending a threat assessment".

Raducanu alerted the chair umpire to the situation and was comforted by 14th seed Muchova as the individual was removed from court three.

The Briton returned to the court to applause from the crowd and continued playing, but fell to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.

In 2022, a man who walked 23 miles to the London home of Raducanu was given a five-year restraining order.

The WTA said: "Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.

"The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.

"We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players."

Robbie Henshaw believes competition for places is helping Ireland's players get "the best out of each other" in their Six Nations campaign.

Led by interim head coach Simon Easterby, the back-to-back champions remain on course for a third title in succession after opening wins over England and Scotland and will secure the Triple Crown with victory over Wales on Saturday.

Henshaw started against Scotland after coming off the bench against England with Easterby also able to call upon Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose for his midfield spots.

The trio have rarely all been fit for the duration of the same Test window but the 31-year-old says the switches in personnel have been "seamless" so far.

"We know each others' strengths inside out at this stage," he said.

"A lot of work goes on to make sure everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet.

"Everyone is delighted to have contributed in the first games. We're always pushing the bar to keep improving each other and keep getting the best out of each other."

Ireland will be without captain Caelan Doris due to a knee injury, but Henshaw thinks the side have an able replacement in the shape of Jack Conan who excelled off the bench in the first two games.

"It's unfortunate for Caelan to be missing this week, hopefully he'll be back soon," said Henshaw.

"To have someone like Jack coming in, it goes to show the talent we have across the board in terms of the competition for places, the strength and depth.

"It's great that we have people of that talent to step in."

Head coach Steve Borthwick says England are a "very different" side to the one which was beaten by Scotland in last year's Calcutta Cup meeting.

Scotland claimed their fourth consecutive win over England with a 30-21 victory at Murrayfield in the 2024 Six Nations, but Borthwick says his class of 2025 are "not looking to the past" as they prepare to welcome their northerly neighbours to Allianz Stadium.

Only seven starters from the defeat in Edinburgh have retained their place in England's XV 12 months on.

Both sides have won one game and lost to Ireland in this year's Six Nations but defeat is likely to curtail their chances of competing for the title.

"As part of the preparation of any game, I always look back at the most recent matches against the opponent," Borthwick told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.

"What we also have to acknowledge is this [England] team is a very different team to the one that played last year.

"Danny Care started at scrum-half last year and he has retired from Test duty so you have to be conscious of drawing parallels.

"In comparison to previous England teams, the strengths of this one are wider than they used to be.

"There are different distribution strengths and there is an athleticism to this team which is different to 12 months ago.

"We are not looking at the past and the focus is on this weekend. The atmosphere is going to be phenomenal and I think it will be a brilliant Test match."

Despite Scotland's recent dominance, the past seven meetings have been largely tight affairs.

The average final score across those matches is 23-19 in Scotland's favour. Five of the seven meetings have been decided by a score or less.

Crucially, Scotland lead the combined try count 19-13 and only once in the sequence have England managed to score 25 points or more - in the extraordinary 38-38 draw at Twickenham in 2019.

"It's almost like Scotland have very much looked forward to this game more than England have in the last number of years," Laidlaw said.

"Scotland have been on the front foot and it's almost like England have just tried to defend their way to a win rather than using their attack."

BBC pundit and former England international Chris Ashton - who won four from four against Scotland during his Test career - says Steve Borthwick's current side will be desperate to avoid a record fifth consecutive defeat.

"I can't really comprehend being beaten by Scotland four times in a row," Ashton told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"That is not something I would want hanging over my head. But there's not too many in this England team who have experienced all that - maybe three or four.

"So I don't know how transferable it is. But, no matter what, if they get beat, it's a hell of a tag to have against your name, isn't it?"

Lamine Yamal has said it would be "impossible" for him to leave Barcelona and that he never hears about offers from other clubs.

Barça president Joan Laporta previously claimed the club turned down a bid of 250 million (260m) for the 17-year-old last summer, with club official Enric Masip later suggesting the offer came from Paris Saint-Germain.

"I don't hear about it," Yamal told Mundo Deportivo when asked if PSG's offer or interest from any other club had been relayed to him.

"If someone in my camp does, they wouldn't have told me, either. Firstly, and above all, because I have a contract and then because I think it's impossible that I would go to another club."

Yamal's current terms expire in 2026, but ESPN have previously revealed there is a verbal agreement to extend his deal until 2030 when he turns 18.

"I don't think anyone doubts how much I love this club," he added of his contract situation. "I have said as much since I made my debut and everything will be resolved in the end.

"If both parties want something to happen, it will happen. In July [when he turns 18 and can sign a longer-term deal], when the next season starts, everything will be resolved and everyone will see.

"But right now I am focused on LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey."

In LaLiga, Yamal's five goals and league-high 11 assists have helped Barça into first place with 14 games to be played.

"Being favourites or not doesn't give you anything," he added of the title race with just one point separating Barça, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the top of the table.

"We have to think that we're the best team and the side that play the best football, and I think we are. We play the best football and we want to win LaLiga."

As the battle to win the league has intensified, refereeing in Spain has been under increased scrutiny, with Madrid this month complaining about decisions and even claiming match officials are "adulterating" the competition.

Yamal said he has empathy for the job referees have to do and that none of the teams in the title race -- Barça, Madrid or Atlético -- can complain.

"Recently everything is being put in doubt," he said. "A referee's job is really difficult. If you whistle one way, the other team will complain. And if neither complains, another team that's not playing does.

"I don't think we can complain, Madrid, Barça and Atlético. Referees try to do the best possible. Games between teams like Alavés and Leganés aren't spoken about as much and maybe there are more controversial moments. It's a hard job and someone will always complain."