MLB Player News

McMahon and Garrett Hampson could share second-base duties to start the season, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

As the left-handed hitter, McMahon would benefit greatly from a platoon at second base, while Hampson, who hits right-handed, would see his stock diminish in such a setup. Both players have played well this spring, and nothing has been officially decided, but the fact that Hampson hasn't separated himself means there should be an up arrow next to McMahon and an unfortunate down arrow next to Hampson. At the very least, McMahon seems assured of a roster spot and would be the primary backup at third base and first base, in addition to his duties at the keystone.

Riley is starting in left field and hitting sixth Wednesday against the Nationals.

This is Riley's first spring start in the outfield. He previously saw time this spring at third base and first base, and the Braves will continue to expand his positional utility. Riley will open the year at Triple-A, but is positioned to potentially serve as an injury replacement at all four corner spots.

Kieboom went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Tuesday's spring game against the Astros.

Kieboom has put on a show in spring training, producing a 8-for-22 mark at the plate while drawing five walks in 14 games. Both of his home runs Tuesday notably came off Astros ace Justin Verlander, so the 21-year-old isn't merely feasting on overmatched pitching. Kieboom could return to Double-A Harrisburg after slashing .262/.326/.395 in 62 games last season, but is making the case for an early promotion. The Nationals have been giving him time at second base this spring with his big-league future in mind, as Trea Turner is entrenched as the team's franchise shortstop.

Urias was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Urias still has more to prove at the Triple-A level after posting a mediocre .261/.291/.430 line in 46 games for Memphis last season. As a member of the 40-man roster, Urias has a decent shot to make his big-league debut at some point this season.

Nevin was reassigned to minor-league camp on Monday.

Nevin earned a big-league camp invitation on the back of a .328/.386/.503 season for High-A Lancaster last season. He'll likely head to Double-A Hartford to open the year and could push for a big-league callup in 2020.

Moustakas was confirmed as the Brewers' primary starting second baseman Monday, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Moustakas has played the position throughout spring, so manager Craig Counsell called the announcement a "little bit of a foregone conclusion." It remains to be seen how reliable he'll be defensively at his new spot, but that won't matter for fantasy owners in most leagues. Even if the Brewers decide he's unplayable at the keystone at some point this year, that decision isn't likely to come until he's picked up the added positional eligibility in most formats.

Muncy went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI in Sunday's spring game against the Rockies.

Muncy's second double of spring training came in the sixth inning to center field and would plate a pair of runs. The 28-year-old has yet to hit his first homer of camp and is 5-for-23 with four RBI to this point.

Escobar went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI on Sunday against Colorado.

Escobar doubled home a run in both the first and third innings, his first two RBI of spring training. He's now 6-for-26 with two RBI and a run scored in camp.

Davis went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The 25-year-old has had an up-and-down spring so far, but his overall numbers (.324/.378/.471 through 37 plate appearances) are solid. Davis, who joined the Mets from the Astros in an offseason trade, has been seeing a lot of work at third base with Jed Lowrie (knee) and Todd Frazier (oblique) on the shelf, but the team's recent decision to get Jeff McNeil more work at the hot corner makes it unclear whether the Mets view Davis as a viable Opening Day starter, or whether he'll remain in a utility role to begin the season.

Riley is starting at first base and batting cleanup in Sunday's spring game against the Marlins, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

There was some indication previously that the Braves may test Riley in the outfield in spring training, but it instead appears as though they would prefer to give him a look at first base. The signing of Josh Donaldson this offseason pushed Riley from the organization's immediate plans at third base, and any additional versatility would only further his chances of cracking the majors in the near future.