MLB Player News

The Reds have been pleased with Moustakas' defense at second base so far, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's made all the plays," manager David Bell said. "He has great hands. He has a strong arm, which you can get away without having a really strong arm at second base. But it does help, especially with the way teams play defense now. A lot of times, he'll be in a nontraditional position."

Bell elaborated that Moustakas' conditioning has improved considerably since spring training in March, and that's helped his range. It's not that second base is alien to Moustakas, but it's clearly not his top position. The Reds have made some defensive concessions to improve their hitting, between adding Moustakas at second base and either Nick Castellanos or Jesse Winker playing in the outfield, with the other at DH.

Senzel (elbow) will play in the Reds' intrasquad game Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel had been on the shelf for a few days with a hyperextended elbow, but the injury was never considered serious. He should be ready to fill a major role in a crowded Reds outfield this season, as he's now past both the minor elbow issue and the shoulder surgery that he underwent back in September.

Muncy (finger) has been swinging a bat but has some discomfort while catching a ball, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Muncy was hit in the hand with a ball nearly a week ago and has been held out of intrasquad games since. While the slugger doesn't feel his bruised left ring finger limits his offense, he has experienced tenderness when playing catch. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated Sunday that he expects Muncy to be ready for Opening Day.

Senzel hyperextended his left elbow and is expected to be back in the lineup Monday or Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Manager David Bell says Senzel is day-to-day, but that he would likely be playing if this were a regular season contest. The oft-injured center fielder underwent shoulder surgery in September of 2019 but was fully cleared from that procedure when he reported to camp.

Vargas belted two home runs and drove in six runs during Saturday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Vargas was a likely addition to the roster in spring training, and based on the way he's hit in camp, it's almost certain he'll be part of the 30-man Opening Day roster. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo estimated Vargas has hit six home runs in intrasquad and simulated games since camp opened. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has experience at three infield positions (2B, 3B, SS) and played a few games in the outfield for Arizona in 2019. That positional versatility, along with the distinction of being a switch hitter, could be helpful when Lovullo is required to trim the roster as the regular season progresses.

Busch joined the Dodgers' 60-man player pool Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The 31st overall pick in 2019 will get better coaching than he otherwise would have with no minor-league games happening this season, but he's very unlikely to fill even a depth role this season. He's only appeared in 17 professional games after suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand last year and has yet to reach High-A.

Manager Derek Shelton gave no reason as to Hayes's absence from summer camp, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Shelton previously had said all the players they expected to be in Pittsburgh had reported, which would include Hayes. A week ago the manager also said that Colin Moran would serve as the team's starting third baseman early in the season. Unless Hayes returns to the fold soon, he's likely looking at starting the year in alternative spring training in Altoona.

Hayes has not yet participated in preseason camp, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Since Pittsburgh maintains six years of control with Hayes if it keeps him off the major-league roster for six days during the regular season, it remains doubtful that the 23-year-old becomes the Pirates starting third baseman early on in his 2020 campaign. Hayes is coming off a productive season with Triple-A Indianapolis in which he hit .265/.336/.415 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI across 480 plate appearances. Colin Moran is likely to serve as the Pirates primary third base option to open the season, but Hayes could see time thereafter.

Muncy (finger) is confident in his availability for Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Muncy is still feeling pain after suffering a bruised left ring finger during an intrasquad matchup Tuesday, but he expressed confidence Wednesday that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. The 29-year-old still hasn't attempted gripping a bat, but he said that he'd likely be playing through the injury if the season had begun. However, he's electing to take his recovery slowly during camp as a precautionary measure. The Dodgers are scheduled to open the season July 23 against the Giants.

Kieboom drew praise from manager Dave Martinez for his defensive work Tuesday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports. "He looks really good. He really does," Martinez said. "I could tell that he took these last three months and really got some work done. His feet are working really well over there."

The 22-year-old was primarily a shortstop in the minors, but Kieboom's been handed the enormous task of replacing Anthony Rendon at third base this season, so his ability to make the necessary defensive adjustments is crucial. If he struggles, either in the field or at the plate, the Nats do have veteran alternatives such as Asdrubal Cabrera who can step in for Kieboom, however.