MLB Player News

Manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Newman will head into Opening Day as the Pirates' regular shortstop, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

After taking a big step back at the plate during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Newman entered the spring having to battle with the likes of Erik Gonzalez and Cole Tucker for an everyday role in the middle infield. Newman was able to easily separate himself from the competition, recording a whopping 20 hits in 29 at-bats (.690 average) while going 2-for-3 on stolen-base attempts through his first 12 Grapefruit League games. While this level of production is obviously unsustainable, Newman's bat-to-ball skills and willingness to run should at least make him a decent late-round target for fantasy managers looking for a boost in batting average and steals. He's just two years removed from a season in which he hit .308 with 16 stolen bases over 130 games.

Escobar (illness) will bat third and play third base Monday against the Cubs, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Escobar missed Sunday's game against the White Sox with a non-COVID illness, but it was evidently a minor one. A one-day absence shouldn't have any impact on his readiness for Opening Day.

Senzel (groin) will bat sixth and play center field Monday against the Mariners.

Senzel had been dealing with a mild groin strain for the past few days, but his readiness for Opening Day wasn't thought to be at risk. He's set to be the Reds' everyday center fielder this season and will face minimal competition to start the year, as Shogo Akiyama (hamstring) will miss the beginning of the season.

Escobar was scratched from Sunday's Cactus League lineup with a non-COVID illness, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old was set to start at third base and bat third, but he'll instead take it easy Sunday. The specifics of the illness remain unclear, but it shouldn't affect Escobar's availability for Opening Day.

Senzel (groin) was able to complete a live batting practice session Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel has been out of the Cactus League lineup since Thursday while managing a left groin strain, but if all goes well Sunday, the Reds believe he'll be ready to start in their spring finale Monday against the Mariners. The 25-year-old is projected to begin the season as Cincinnati's everyday center fielder and leadoff man.

Vargas was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Vargas was vying for a bench role with the Cubs, but non-roster invitees Matt Duffy and Eric Sogard both earned roster spots Sunday, pushing Vargas out of the mix. The 29-year-old infielder now may end up with a new team or join the Chicago minor-league system, likely at Triple-A Iowa.

Duffy had his contract selected by the Cubs on Sunday and will be on the Opening Day roster, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Duffy was a non-roster invitee to camp, but he impressed the coaching staff this spring. The 30-year-old gives the Cubs a veteran option who can play both corner infield positions. Ildemaro Vargas was designated for assignment to make room on the roster. Eric Sogard, who was also a non-roster invitee to camp, will join Duffy on the Chicago bench. Duffy likely won't play enough to be fantasy relevant, though that could change if there are any injuries to the regular starters.

The Reds informed Farmer on Sunday that he secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

With experience at every spot in the infield and the ability to step in as a No. 3 catcher if needed, Farmer's versatility was likely the main reason he was able to win a roster spot. The Reds are unlikely to count on Farmer to fill an everyday role for an extended period at any point this season, however, given his meager career .242/.297/.370 slash line.

Longoria (foot) started at third base and went 0-for-2 in Saturday's spring training loss to Seattle. He played three innings in the field.

Longoria played in the field for the first time this spring after dealing with plantar fasciitis to begin camp. It looks like he's ready for the regular season, but Longoria could be used at DH the first three games since the Giants begin the season at Seattle.

Senzel is dealing with a mild groin strain but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear when Senzel sustained the injury, but he isn't in Saturday's spring lineup against the Cubs. However, general manager Nick Krall didn't sound too concerned about the issue and said that he doesn't expect Senzel to miss time to begin the regular season. Senzel will serve as the starting center fielder for the Reds if he's healthy in time for Opening Day.