MLB Player News

Ngoepe has yet to arrive at Phillies camp while he waits to secure a travel visa, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Ngoepe was already facing an uphill battle to win an Opening Day bench role with the Phillies by virtue of being a non-roster invitee, and the missed time to begin camp won't help his case. He'll likely be withheld from the Phillies' first handful of Grapefruit League contests until his visa issues are resolved.

Manager Mickey Callaway said Rosario will likely hit eighth, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Rosario spent most of his time hitting either first or last for the Mets in 2018. Following the offseason addition of veteran Jed Lowrie, it sounds like the youngster will begin the season situated near the bottom of New York's lineup, which could cut into his stolen base total -- he managed 16 of his 24 steals from the top of the order last season. Rosario made 22 starts from the eight hole in 2018, slashing .260/.333/.425 with two stolen bases in those appearances.

Frazier is set to start the 2019 season as the team's everyday second baseman.

He slashed just .239/.323/.355 in 156 plate appearances before the Pirates sent him to Triple-A in late June. After a month in the minors, Frazier returned and hit .306/.357/.533 in 196 plate appearances over the final three months. He isn't the strongest defender -- his .975 fielding percentage ranked 35th among 42 second basemen with 350 innings or more -- so he'll have to hit. The 27-year-old has no immediate competition at second base with Josh Harrison gone, so the opportunity for upside is possible.

Solarte signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

The Blue Jays declined to tender Solarte a contract in November, making him a free agent after the worst offensive performance of his major-league career with a .226/.277/.378 slash line. The 31-year-old played all four infield spots with Toronto last season and is likely to battle with the likes of Pablo Sandoval for a utility role in San Francisco. According to Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com, Solarte will receive $1.75 million, plus additional incentives, if he sticks in the majors.

McNeil is expected to primarily work in left field to start the 2019 season, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

McNeil spent much of 2018 at second and third base, making just two appearances in left field. However, with the additions of Robinson Cano and Jed Lowrie during the offseason, the Mets decided to make McNeil an outfielder for 2019. As things stand, the Mets plan to employ McNeil in left field against right-handed pitching, with Brandon Nimmo in center field and Michael Conforto covering right field to begin the season. This likely means McNeil will be in a platoon situation with Keon Broxton or Juan Lagares, which could limit McNeil's at-bats over the course of the season.

Urias (hamstring) won't face any restrictions in camp, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Urias was unable to play winter ball this offseason after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but it sounds like the issue is behind him heading into spring training. Manager Andy Green said Urias will be "involved in every drill," adding that he won't be held back at all. The 21-year-old is expected to open the season as the Padres' starting shortstop before likely shifting to second base following the promotion of Fernando Tatis.

Garcia was invited to the Nationals' major-league camp Tuesday.

Garcia has no real shot at making the Opening Day roster, as he's still just 18 years old and hasn't played above High-A, but that won't stop the Nationals from getting a look at the exciting youngster, who posted a combined .298/.336/.406 slash line with seven homers and 12 stolen bases in 127 games between Low-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac in 2018. Garcia will likely open the 2019 campaign back with Potomac or with Double-A Harrisburg.

Dubon (knee) announced via his personal Twitter account Monday that he's been cleared to play in games.

Dubon went through a long recovery process after tearing his ACL in May of 2018, but he's finally been given the green light to start participating in game action. Given this most recent news, there's little reason to believe he'll face many restrictions during spring training.

McNeil is now viewed as an outfielder and not an infielder according to Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

McNeil was almost exclusively an infielder in the minors, but with Robinson Cano locked in at his preferred position (second base) and no other clear openings, he'll have to look elsewhere for at-bats. Center field appears to be the Mets' weakest position, with Keon Broxton, Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis providing good defense but not much at the plate. The team could elect for an offense-first approach, putting McNeil in an outfield corner with Brandon Nimmo or Michael Conforto sliding over to center field.

Espinosa signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training.

Espinosa had stints with the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies in 2018 but spent the entirety of the year with their Triple-A affiliates. The 31-year-old bounced around three teams in 2017 as well, slashing .173/.245/.278 in 295 major-league plate appearances. Espinosa should provide organizational infield depth given the revamping of the Mets' infield this offseason.