MLB Player News

General manager Mike Elias said Saturday that Urias and Pat Valaika are the primary candidates to start at second base, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The pair appeared to be battling for a utility role during spring training, but expected starter at second base Yolmer Sanchez was designated for assignment on Saturday, opening the path to a starting gig. Urias made his big-league debut last season and performed well in a small sample size, going 9-for-25 with one homer and two doubles in 10 games. Urias and Valaika could begin the season splitting time at the keystone for the Orioles.

Senzel is dealing with a mild groin strain but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear when Senzel sustained the injury, but he isn't in Saturday's spring lineup against the Cubs. However, general manager Nick Krall didn't sound too concerned about the issue and said that he doesn't expect Senzel to miss time to begin the regular season. Senzel will serve as the starting center fielder for the Reds if he's healthy in time for Opening Day.

Suarez was confirmed as the Reds' everyday shortstop by Reds general manager Nick Krall on Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds' shortstop options entering camp made for a very uninspiring group, so they decided to get creative. Suarez has made just two starts at shortstop in the past five seasons, but he did begin his career at the position and evidently did enough this spring to prove he can handle the role. He should be able to pick up shortstop eligibility in most formats very early in the season, giving a bit of added flexibility to fantasy teams.

Kieboom was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Kieboom lost out on playing time recently after struggling at the plate throughout spring training. Kieboom slashed .133/.204/.222 with three extra-base hits and one RBI in 17 spring games and will attempt to regain his confidence at the team's alternate training site and Triple-A to begin the season. Starlin Castro (hamstring) and Josh Harrison should spend time at second and third base early in the year, while Hernan Perez should serve in a backup role.

Moncada (leg) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring game against the Rockies, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada left Friday's game shortly after fouling a ball off his leg but will be back in action just one day later. The issue shouldn't impact the third baseman's availability for Opening Day.

Astudillo appears set to begin the season on the major-league roster after the Twins sent several utility infielders to the minors, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Astudillo is hitting .309 (12-for-34) with three home runs this spring.

Astudillo will work in a utility role in which he can serve as a third catcher and also play third base, second base and left field. It wasn't clear if he'd make the 26-man roster since he doesn't have a strong glove at most positions, but the Twins sent most of the better fielding utility candidates to the minors. Astudillo could have value in deeper leagues since his bat should be above average for a catcher.

Longoria (foot) will play third base during Saturday's spring game against the Mariners, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Longoria will play in the field for the first time this spring after dealing with plantar fasciitis to begin camp. Even though Opening Day is less than a week away, Longoria should still be available for the Giants to begin the regular season.

Moncada exited Friday's spring game against the Brewers prior to the bottom of the sixth inning, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada fouled a ball off his right leg in the top of the sixth frame Friday and was visited by a trainer, but he was able to stay in the game and hit a home run on the next pitch. It's not yet clear whether his departure was due to injury, but his status could be worth monitoring in the coming days. Prior to leaving the game, Moncada went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and one strikeout.

Paredes was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday.

Paredes was thought to be in the mix for a starting role despite hitting .220/.278/.290 in his 34-game debut last season, but his .435 spring OPS didn't exactly help his case. His demotion could open up starts for non-roster invitee Renato Nunez, though the team could also turn to utility players Harold Castro or Niko Goodrum.

Riley launched his first two home runs of the spring in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, with the shots having exit velocities of 107.7 mph and 106.4 mph, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Both blasts came off JT Brubaker, who gave up only one other hit in the game. Riley got the start in right field but will be Atlanta's starting third baseman Opening Day, and the 23-year-old appears to be finding his power stroke at the right time. Riley has a lackluster .232/.288/.448 slash line and 31.2 percent strikeout rate through his first 131 big-league games, but his 26 homers and 76 RBI provide a glimpse of his upside if he can learn to make more consistent contact.