MLB Player News

Vargas got a start at first base late in summer camp, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Vargas displayed a big bat during summer camp and the exhibition games in Los Angeles, which has manager Torey Lovullo thinking creatively about how to get him in the lineup. The switch-hitting utility infielder has a career .968 OPS against left-handers, which Lovullo might be able to exploit. Vargas came up as a middle infielder and played third base, but he's blocked at those spots. That leaves first base -- already the domain of Christian Walker (groin) -- and designated hitter.

Farmer will be a part of the Reds' Opening Day roster, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The versatile player will be both the Reds' third catcher and a utility infielder; he appeared behind the plate and at all four infield spots last season. His versatility is his primary calling card, as he hasn't done much with his bat in his first 294 career plate appearances, hitting just .236/.289/.384.

Muncy (finger) started at first base in Monday's exhibition game against Arizona and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

Muncy missed some time in early July after being hit on the finger by a pitch, but he's now back to full activity and has played first base in the team's last two exhibition games. He's fully expected to be in the Dodgers' lineup on Opening Day.

Hayes (illness) was healthy enough to practice at PNC Park on Monday while his teammates traveled to Cleveland for an exhibition game against the Indians, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

He may report to the Pirates' alternate training site in Altoona after missing summer camp time due to COVID-19. Colin Moran has had a strong camp at third base, alleviating the need to bring Hayes along quickly. Look for the prospect to make his debut sometime in August.

Vargas hit a solo home run and a single in Monday's 12-1 loss in an exhibition game against the Dodgers, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Vargas provided Monday's lone highlight for the Diamondbacks, who lost both exhibition games to the Dodgers by a combined score of 21-3. He's swung a hot bat during summer camp and is expected to be part of the 30-man roster that opens the season Friday in San Diego.

The Phillies believe Segura is OK after being hit on the left hand by a fastball during Monday's exhibition game against the Yankees, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Philadelphia's X-ray technician was not at Yankee Stadium on Monday, so no images were taken. Segura may receive more tests Tuesday that will provide a clearer timetable for his return. The 30-year-old is expected to serve as the Phillies' primary third baseman this season after Didi Gregorius was acquired to play shortstop. If Segura is forced to miss time early on, Neil Walker could get increased playing time.

Longoria (oblique) will open the season on the 10-day injured list, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Longoria has been dealing with a moderate right oblique strain in recent days. He's been able to take grounders in practice but won't be fully game-ready by Opening Day on Thursday against the Dodgers. Just how much time he misses to start the year remains to be seen.

Segura left Monday's exhibition game against the Yankees after getting struck on the left hand by a fastball, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Whether Segura was removed as a precaution or is seriously injured remains to be seen. He's expected to serve as the Phillies' third baseman this season after Didi Gregorius was acquired to play shortstop. If he winds up missing time, the Phillies could turn to veteran Neil Walker or give highly-rated prospect Alec Bohm an earlier debut than originally anticipated.

Hayes (illness) cleared MLB protocol Monday and will rejoin the team soon, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes hadn't yet reported to camp while recovering from COVID-19, but he'll be able to join the team soon after producing two negative tests. It's unclear whether the 23-year-old experienced any symptoms or what shape he'll be in upon his return. He was always expected to open the year at the team's alternate training site, but could eventually replace Colin Moran at third base if he gets back to 100 percent.

Muncy (finger) is in the lineup for Sunday's exhibition game against the Diamondbacks.

Muncy was limited in intrasquad action over the past several days while dealing with a left finger bruise, but it appears as though he'll perform a full range of activities Sunday. Given his smooth progression in his recovery, Muncy will likely be ready to take the field for Opening Day on Thursday.