MLB Player News

General manager David Stearns said Urias (illness) will need 2-to-3 weeks to get up to speed once he's cleared all health protocols, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Urias missed all of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of July, and he'll need a couple of weeks to make up for lost time once he's cleared to return to workouts. As such, he doesn't seem likely to join the Brewers until at least mid-August. With Keston Hiura (arm) and Orlando Arcia expected to start up the middle for Milwaukee, Urias will likely have to fight Brock Holt for the top utility infield job once he's healthy.

Hernandez and Chris Taylor will share time at second base at the start of the season, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Most expected Gavin Lux to take the reigns at second base this season, but his assignment to the team's alternate training site Tuesday opens the door for veterans Hernandez and Taylor to each log significant time at the position, at least until Lux's inevitable return. Both players have proven capable of major-league production in the past, and both stood out in Tuesday's exhibition win over the Angels. Hernandez went 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBI and Taylor slugged a three-run home run for the second consecutive game.

The Brewers plan to assign Urias (illness) to their alternate training site in Appleton to begin the season, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

Urias never reported to summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and is still waiting to clear all health-related protocols, even though he's said to be asymptomatic. Once Urias is cleared to head to Appleton, he likely won't take long to ramp up and could be activated from the COVID-19 injured list in short order. The Brewers appear content to proceed with Keston Hiura and Orlando Arcia as their primary options at second base and shortstop, respectively, so Urias will likely have to fight Brock Holt for the top utility infield job once he's reinstated from the IL.

Lux was optioned by the Dodgers on Tuesday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

In somewhat of a surprising move, the highly talented young infielder won't be part of the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. The 22-year-old didn't do a ton in his 23-game debut last season, hitting a modest .240/.305/.400, but he slashed an incredible .392/.478/.719 in 49 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City. It's likely that this move was made primarily because Lux wasn't able to report to camp until July 10 for undisclosed reasons. There's still a good chance he fills a major role for the Dodgers this season once he's in game shape.

Lux isn't in the lineup for Monday's exhibition game against the Diamondbacks.

Lux arrived late to camp but was able to participate in intrasquad action following his arrival. However, he hasn't been in the starting lineup for either of the team's two exhibition games ahead of Opening Day on Thursday. It's unclear whether his early absence is preventing his availability, but he may not be the starting second baseman to begin the season, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. Chris Taylor started at second base Monday while Enrique Hernandez started at the keystone Sunday.

Chicago manager David Ross confirmed that Hoerner and Jason Kipnis will be the team's primary options at second base this year, with David Bote serving in a utility role, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

No real surprise here, as the righty Hoerner and the lefty Kipnis complement each other well in a platoon, and Bote has the versatility to work at second while also spelling Kris Bryant at third. While Kipnis appears to have the strong side of this platoon, the younger Hoerner could take the job and run with it if he performs well to start the season. He slashed .282/.305/.436 in a 20-game stint in the majors last year.

Rodgers is expected to begin the season on the major-league roster and should see occasional starts at second base, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old's availability for the original Opening Day was in doubt as he continued his recovery from the shoulder surgery he underwent last June, but Rodgers completed his rehab and will be available for the start of the shortened season. The starting jobs in the middle infield are locked up by Trevor Story and Ryan McMahon, but Rodgers could still see some starts at second base when McMahon covers first base in place of Daniel Murphy. However, Garrett Hampson and Chris Owings will also be competing for those opportunities.

Beckham (undisclosed) returned to camp Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Beckham wasn't at camp over the past few days for an undisclosed reason, but he was able to return Thursday. It's unlikely that his short absence will impact his status heading into the regular season as he's expected to play a depth role.

Garcia arrived at Nationals camp Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia wasn't with the team for the start of the camp, but he'll join the player pool ahead of the regular season, likely for developmental purposes. The 20-year-old progressed to Double-A last season, where he hit .258/.282/.337 with four home runs, 31 RBI and 11 stolen bases over 130 games.

India has homered twice in camp, once against Amir Garrett and on another occasion against Tyler Mahle, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

India has made a good impression in this summer camp for the Reds, but he's going to require a few injuries to get a chance this season. It's more likely that he'll spend most of 2020 training at Prasco Park, the Reds' alternate training site.