MLB Player News

Vargas is hitting .394 (13-for-33) with three extra-base hits, three RBI, five runs scored and one stolen base over 12 Cactus League games.

Vargas leads the Diamondbacks in spring at-bats and hits and is sealing a spot on the Opening Day roster as the utility infielder. The 27-year-old Vargas appeared in 92 games for Arizona in 2019, playing mostly second base and making a handful of starts at shortstop and third base.

Candelario went 1-for-2 with a home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

The home run was the second of the spring for Candelario, who has mostly struggled with a .143 average and .536 OPS. Dawel Lugo finished last season as the Tigers' primary third baseman, and the two are competing for the role in camp, though Candelario could also potentially snag some playing time at first.

Suarez (shoulder) fielded grounders and made light throws to first base Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez is gradually working his way back from January shoulder surgery. He's expected to get his first Cactus League action as a designated hitter Friday, with games at third base presumably coming not long after. He's certainly cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day but appears to still have a chance to avoid the injured list.

Asuaje was assigned to minor-league camp Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Asuaje was in camp as a non-roster invitee but always seemed like a long shot to win a roster spot. He'll have a shot to add to his 586 career big-league plate appearances at some point this season, but with a career .240/.312/.329 slash line, the Cubs probably hope they don't have to turn to him.

Madrigal confirmed Tuesday that he suffered no serious injuries after a groundball struck his face Monday, but he'll sit for the next few days, Andy Masur of 720 WGN Chicago reports.

Madrigal wasn't showing any signs of a concussion immediately after leaving the game, and it appears that none have developed since then. The delay shouldn't significantly impact his readiness for Opening Day. He's expected to spend that day in the minors, but his big-league debut could come fairly early in the season. He's played just 29 games for Triple-A Charlotte but looked quite good in those games, hitting .331/.398/.424 with a typically miniscule 3.7 percent strikeout rate.

Machado is hitting .087 (2-for-23) thus far in spring.

While one of Machado's hits is a home run, he has also struck out seven times. The Padres are counting on the third baseman to take a step forward this season after signing him to a 10-year, $300 million contract last February. Machado was a mild disappointment during his first campaign in San Diego, batting .256 with 32 home runs and 85 RBI.

Madrigal left Monday's game against the Reds after a groundball hit him in the face, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Madrigal appeared to have suffered nothing worse than a bruise and was not showing signs of a concussion after leaving the game. It remains to be seen when he'll be back on the field.

Suarez (shoulder) is expected to make his spring debut either Thursday or Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez continues to rehab from surgery on his right shoulder in late January, and it appears as though he could be ready to return to game action with his shoulder feeling good. The 28-year-old has been working on his throwing and swinging over the past several weeks, and manager David Bell said Monday that Suarez is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter Friday, but he could debut Thursday if his recovery continues to progress.

Kieboom went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

The two-bagger was his first extra-base hit this spring. Kieboom had a sluggish start to camp, but he appears to be getting comfortable in the batter's box and has pushed his slash line up to .250/.419/.292 through 31 plate appearances. The same can't be said for his defense, however -- the 22-year-old committed his third error in 11 games Sunday, a clear sign that his conversion to third base remains a work in progress. Kieboom still has a couple weeks to prove to the Nats' coaching staff that he's ready to handle the position right from Opening Day, and that he won't need more time in the minors to adjust.

Hayes, who walked in both of his plate appearances Sunday, is batting .318 with a 5:3 BB:K and one homer in Grapefruit League action.

The third baseman hit just 10 Triple-A home runs in 2019 despite inflated totals around baseball. In an effort to boost that power, Hayes has been working with hitting coach Rick Eckstein to stay in his backside rather than jumping out of it early when he starts his swing. The 23-year-old will almost surely begin 2020 in the minors, but he represents the future at third base within the organization. The disappointing offense and lack of power are the only areas holding back the prospect.