MLB Player News

LeMahieu has tested positive for coronavirus, Marly Rivera of ESPN reports.

LeMahieu is reportedly asymptomatic, but it remains unclear when he'll be able to join his teammates. With Opening Day less than three weeks away, he won't have much time to get in game shape even if he's back with the team soon, which could open up a temporary role for Tyler Wade or Thairo Estrada at second base.

Kieboom will be the Nationals' starting third baseman to open the season, Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington reports.

The 22-year-old failed to impress in a brief, 11-game stint at the big-league level last season, hitting .128/.209/.282 with a 37.2 percent strikeout rate. He's evidently going to be handed an everyday role for the defending champions despite the fact that he's yet to establish himself, though the Nationals do have Asdrubal Cabrera available to take the job from him should he stumble early.

Candelario will likely be the Tigers' starting third baseman to begin the 2020 season, but he's facing pressure from prospects Isaac Paredes and Spencer Torkelson in camp, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Candelario and Dawel Lugo were battling for the third base job before play was suspended, and the belief was that Candelario had separated himself. However, Paredes and Torkelson are expected to be big parts of the team's future, and both were added to the summer camp roster. Lugo is also still in the mix at camp. While the organization likely won't rush Paredes or Torkelson into action, Candelario is going to need to perform well to earn any type of job security.

Astudillo has tested positive for COVID-19, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Astudillo is reportedly asymptomatic, but he'll nevertheless remain quarantined for the time being. The lost time these next few weeks could shrink his role early in the season, and he's already not guaranteed too many at-bats, as he hit an unimpressive .268/.299/.379 in 204 plate appearances last season.

Hayes is not expected to serve as the team's Opening Day starter at third base, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Manager Derek Shelton said that he "doesn't think it's (the third base job) an open competition." Pittsburgh maintains six years of control with Hayes if it keeps him off the major-league roster for six days during the regular season. Colin Moran will likely get most of the hot corner starts during the first week of the season, but Hayes could see time thereafter.

Senzel (shoulder) is 100 percent healthy, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel underwent shoulder surgery back in September. His health is hardly a surprise, as he'd been able to appear as a designated hitter before spring training play was paused and wasn't expected to miss much if any time even if the season wasn't delayed. The Reds' outfield got more crowded over the offseason with the additions of Shogo Akiyama and Nick Castellanos, though the universal designated hitter should create enough extra at-bats to keep Senzel in the lineup for most games, as he appears to be the team's top option in center field.

Toro is expected to make the Opening Day roster, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

This represents no change from the spring when Toro was expected to claim the final spot on what was then a 26-man roster. With rosters expanded to 30 for the first two weeks of the season, Toro should be on the Astros' bench Opening Day. He can play multiple infield positions, which puts him in competition with Jack Mayfield, a less-accomplished hitter than Toro.

Vargas is expected to be carried on the active roster to start the season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Vargas was having a strong spring before the coronavirus pandemic prompted MLB to hit the pause button on the 2020 season. With a plan in place to play 60 games beginning in late July that includes an expanded active roster of 30 players, there should be room to Vargas and others that were competing for the final couple of spots on what was then a 26-man roster. Vargas along with Josh Rojas and Jon Jay should open the season on the active roster. Eventually, the roster limit drops to 28 then 26, so there will be some cuts during the first month of the season. A player like Vargas, who can play multiple positions, is in a good position to hang on to a spot.

Maggi was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Maggi spent last season in the Twins' organization, where he hit .258/.384/.405 with 10 home runs, 46 RBI and nine stolen bases while playing for Triple-A Rochester. He's likely to spend most his time with with Minnesota's alternate training site, but gives the Twins an older veteran minor leaguer for depth.

Lewis was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Lewis was set to continue to develop as a shortstop in the minors this season, but it's possible he could be called up as a center fielder if the Twins have a need during the 60-game season (which is possible due to Byron Buxton's injury history). The Twins will likely decide to leave him at Minnesota's alternate training site all year. Lewis likely needs more time -- likely a full season -- at Double-A and Triple-A before he is ready for the majors, but it's possible that the abnormal season could cause the Twins to get more aggressive with his timetable.