MLB Player News

Newman is expected to serve as the Pirates' primary leadoff man in 2020, though he could also slot third ahead of cleanup hitter Josh Bell occasionally, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

After hitting seventh at the beginning of last year, Newman took full advantage of his opportunity to bat atop the order -- the 26-year-old slashed .328/.374/.502 in 75 games as a leadoff hitter. It remains to be seen how long he'll stick at shortstop, though. He ranked 22nd of 25 with a minus-1.7 dWAR (min. 800 innings). If Pittsburgh trades second baseman Adam Frazier, then Newman could shift to second, with standout defensive prospect Cole Tucker taking over at short. Regardless of where Newman plays in the field, his ability to hit for a high batting average and steal bases -- he swiped 16 bags in 24 tries in 2019 -- gives him fantasy value in two categories.

Longoria went 5-for-25 with two doubles and four RBI in 10 games prior to the suspension of spring training.

The veteran third baseman is poised for another season starting at the hot corner for San Francisco, though he didn't find much success before Cactus League play was suspended. Longoria finished 2019 with a .254/.325/.437 slash line, 20 home runs and 69 RBI in 129 contests.

Nevin or Colton Welker will have a chance to play first base for the Rockies in the coming years, according to farm director Zach Wilson, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Wilson notes that Ryan McMahon has found a home at second base, so as things stand, it could be Nevin or Welker, assuming the Rockies decline Daniel Murphy's mutual option for 2021. Michael Toglia is the best first base prospect in the system, but he is at least a year behind Nevin and Welker. Nevin took advantage of the hitter-friendly conditions at Asheville and Lancaster in 2017 and 2018, but his slash line dipped to .251/.345/.399 in the more neutral conditions at Double-A Hartford.

Escobar batted .208 (5-for-24) with one extra-base hit, two walks and six RBI over nine Cactus League games.

Escobar hit third in the order in all nine games and is expected to be a key piece in the middle of the Diamondbacks' lineup in 2020. He launched a career-best 35 home runs in 2019, his third straight year with more than 20 homers, but there's reason for skepticism about his 2019 achievements: the suspicion about the 2019 baseball, a hard-hit rate that was below league average, and his track record as a power hitter. However, factoring in a regression, Escobar is still worthy of a spot on fantasy rosters. He'll be the everyday starter at third base in 2020, but the 31-year-old infielder is also eligible at second base (32 games played). It's at second base where Escobar gives fantasy teams an edge even with a statistical correction.

Muncy hit .200 (5-for-25) with a pair of home runs and two RBI before Cactus League play was suspended.

In addition to the long balls, Muncy walked six times this spring -- the second highest mark on the Dodgers -- and scored six runs. The base on balls total highlights an often-overlooked part of Muncy's skill set; the slugger walked 90 times last season, second on the squad and seventh in the National League. He's set to be the Dodgers' primary first baseman this season after playing second base in all or part of 70 games in 2019.

Suarez (shoulder) will resume his throwing, swinging and fielding programs next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez was set to make his Cactus League debut before spring training was halted, but he'll continue to work towards a return to the field. He was always optimistic he'd be ready for Opening Day as originally scheduled, and the delay in game action should give him a better chance of being in the lineup for a significant portion of the Reds' contests.

Hayes was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Hayes is a highly rated prospect who spent all of last season at the Triple-A level, though he didn't exactly thrive. His .265/.336/.415 slash line was good for just a 92 wRC+, so he may still have something to prove in the minors before making his big-league debut.

Sosa was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Sosa had a shot to win a bench role this spring, especially after Yairo Munoz was released, but he'll wind up starting in the minors. With just 13 big-league plate appearances under his belt and a below-average batting line at the Triple-A level, Sosa is unlikely to make a significant impact this season.

Senzel (shoulder) played in four games as the DH prior to the suspension of spring training, and felt good making throws from the outfield in drills, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Senzel and the Reds are optimistic about his ability to play when the season begins. He's also added some muscle with offseason weight training.

Suarez (shoulder) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against the Rockies as a designated hitter, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez's first appearance is contingent on Major League Baseball not cancelling spring training due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Reds' decision to sign off on him playing Friday marks a significant step forward in his recovery from offseason right shoulder surgery. The 28-year-old will still need to prove he can field his position and throw across the diamond without issue before the Reds clear him for the March 26 regular-season opener, but for his part, Suarez remains optimistic he'll be ready to go for Opening Day.