MLB Player News

Farmer was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.

Farmer hit a solid .381/.400/.738 with nine extra-base hits (two homers, two triples and five doubles) this spring, but it wasn't enough for him to lock down an Opening Day bench spot. The 28-year-old, who was acquired from the Dodgers in the offseason, should provide catching and infield depth for the Reds in 2019. Farmer owns a career .250/.309/.330 line across parts of two big-league seasons (59 games).

Senzel was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.

The move seemingly closes off Senzel's chances of making the Opening Day roster. Whether for service-time manipulation reasons or out of a legitimate desire to have Senzel work on his defense at his new position of center field, the Reds appear set to open the season with Scott Schebler as the starting center fielder. Senzel should still be up early in the season and should spend the bulk of the year in the big leagues.

Robinson went 3-for-4 with a double, four RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases Thursday.

After a slow start to the spring, Robinson has collected six hits in his last 11 at-bats. He now has 10 hits in 39 at-bats, but has also struck out 16 times. This hot stretch is coming at the right time for Robinson as he is competing for a bench spot in a crowded Cardinals lineup, though it appears likely he'll begin the season at Triple-A Memphis.

Candelario went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Candelario hit a two-run bomb in the first inning, then followed that up with a solo shot two innings later. The power outburst boosted the 25-year-old's OPS to .954 this spring. Candelario should get plenty of playing time for the rebuilding Tigers, and fantasy owners would certainly like to see him build on the 19 home runs he hit in 2018.

Anderson went 2-for-2 with two walks, a triple, a run scored and two RBI in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

Hitting second in the order between veteran bats Curtis Granderson and Neil Walker in what could easily be the Marlins' Opening Day lineup, Anderson pushed his spring slash line up to .400/.500/.725 through 48 plate appearances with an impressive 7:6 BB:K. The 25-year-old is coming off a surprisingly productive rookie season, and while he was never considered a top prospect coming up through Miami's system, the third baseman seems poised to deliver another solid campaign.

Plouffe was released by the Phillies on Thursday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The veteran was always going to be a long shot to make the team. He'll look to find work somewhere on a minor-league deal as he hopes to extend his major-league career to a 10th season.

Duffy (hamstring) will play for the first time since Feb. 28 in Thursday's spring game against the Braves, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Duffy has been bothered by a sore hamstring all spring and has been limited only to the lone game on the final day of February, but after taking three weeks to recover he is ready to get back on the field. It remains to be seen if he has enough time to get in shape for Opening Day, but if he avoids any setbacks there is still a chance he could be ready for the start of the regular season. Duffy will play third base and hit leadoff in Thursday's contest.

Candelario is slashing .220/.319/.463 through 41 Grapefruit League at-bats with a home run and six RBI.

The numbers aren't that far off from Candelario's .224/.317/.393 line in 2018. The Tigers are certainly hoping the 25-year-old takes another step forward offensively in 2019, but until he shows some sustained success, fantasy owners should probably expect an underwhelming batting average with a little bit of power.

Riley went 2-for-2 with a double, a solo home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The Braves' No. 1 fantasy prospect connected on his first spring homer in the fifth inning off Anibal Sanchez. Riley hasn't wowed anyone at the plate in camp, slashing .267/.327/.378 with a 3:12 BB:K in 18 games, but the organization's willingness to try him out in an outfield corner suggests it expects him to force its hand on a big-league promotion sooner rather than later. The 21-year-old's best path to a 2019 debut might come via a Josh Donaldson injury, however.

Chapman went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs and three RBI on Wednesday against the Mariners.

The slick-fielding third baseman also went 3-for-3 and reached base five times in Sunday's exhibition in Japan, so he has taken to this trip quite well. He underwent a minor shoulder surgery back in December but recovered quickly and already appears to be as dialed in as any A's hitter at the plate.