MLB Player News

Muncy (elbow) will start at third base and bat second in Monday's spring training matchup with the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Muncy was forced to miss last year's postseason after injuring his elbow in the regular season finale, but he seems to be on track to be ready for Opening Day. With the addition of Freddie Freeman this offseason, Muncy will likely be the Dodgers primary designated-hitter this season but he may be asked to play both second base and third base in addition to getting the occasional start at first when Freeman is not in the lineup. The 31-year-old will look to pick up where he left off in 2021 where he hit 36 homers and drove in 94 runs with a slash of .249/.368/.895.

Suarez singled and walked in his two plate appearances during a Cactus League loss to the Angels on Sunday.

The recently acquired slugger had gone hitless over two at-bats in his official team debut Friday, but he bounced back with a productive afternoon his second time around Sunday before being subbed out for Joe Rizzo. Although Suarez's power is above question, the Mariners hope the change of scenery helps him rebound from the combined .199 average and .293 on-base percentage he generated across 805 plate appearances over the last two seasons.

Urshela started at third base and went 0-for-3 in Sunday's spring training win over Tampa Bay.

Urshela will move to third base with the Twins signing Carlos Correa to play shortstop. Urshela will compete with Luis Arraez for the starting role, though the two could platoon. Arraez could also be used in a utility role and play nearly every day. Either way, both Arraez and Urshela are still expected to be in the regular mix for at-bats.

Muncy (elbow) is slated to make his spring debut Monday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Muncy hurt his elbow in last year's regular-season finale but has participated in baseball activities early in spring training. He played first base in a simulated game last week, and he'll make his Cactus League debut against the White Sox on Monday. It's not yet clear whether he'll face any limitations for Opening Day, but his progression early this spring has been encouraging.

Kieboom said Sunday he is expected to require 4-to-6 weeks to recover from the flexor mass strain near his right elbow, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom has been shut down from baseball activities and is scheduled to undergo testing once the swelling has subsided later this week to rule out a potential UCL tear, which would be a much more significant injury. Either way, the 24-year-old is poised to begin the campaign on the injured list. Maikel Franco, a non-roster invitee, is now the likely favorite to open the season at third base for Washington, though utility players Ehire Adrianza and Richard Urena could also be considered.

Kieboom (forearm) has been shut down from baseball activities and could begin the season on the injured list, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The 24-year-old was diagnosed with a flexor mass strain Saturday, and while the Nationals don't have an official timetable for his recovery, the condensed spring makes it unlikely he'll be ready in time for Opening Day. "I feel bad for him," manager Dave Martinez said. "And honestly, I feel bad for us. We count on him to be our third baseman. And I'm not saying that he's not, but it's just going to take some time." Kieboom will undergo further testing this week once swelling has gone down to rule out a possible UCL tear, an injury that could result in Tommy John surgery and possibly sideline Kieboom for a much more significant length of time. Non-roster invitee Maikel Franco might now be the favorite to start at third base when the regular season begins, although utility players Ehire Adrianza and Richard Urena may also factor into the mix.

Kieboom has been diagnosed with a flexor mass strain in his right forearm, reports Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com

Kieboom was a scratch from Friday's lineup due to elbow soreness, resulting in an MRI that revealed the strain. Kieboom will undergo further testing to make sure there's no ligament damage. There is currently no timetable for Kieboom's return.

Freeman (shoulder) is set to resume hitting within the next week, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Freeman is recovering from surgery to fix a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He has not been cleared to play games yet, but it seems he shouldn't miss too much of the minor-league season. He's expected to see most of his time at Triple-A Columbus this year after hitting .323/.372/.470 across 180 plate appearances with Double-A Akron in 2021.

Davis (hand) will bat second and play third base Saturday against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Davis missed the tail end of last season with a torn ligament in his left hand and underwent surgery after the season. While his health is no longer a concern, his playing time still is, as the Mets have a number of options who can play third base or designated hitter.

Urias should make his spring debut Sunday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

He underwent core muscle surgery in November, so it's good to know he's ready for game action. Urias will be a strong contender for playing time in the middle infield for Baltimore this season.