MLB Player News

Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Vargas moved up all the way from High-A to Triple-A in 2016, thanks to his ludicrously consistent ability to make contact. He struck out just 37 times across 575 combined plate appearances at Double-A and Triple-A last season, and if he can come anywhere near replicating the .354/.418/.449 line he posted in 49 games for Reno last season, he'll find his way to Arizona quickly. For now, though, the Diamondbacks will stick with their stable of veteran middle infielders.

Alvarez patrolled the outfield during the Orioles' "B" game Friday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Alvarez made a dive on a sinking line drive to hold a hit to a single, while also hitting a home run and a double during the contest. The veteran is trying to expand his defensive horizons in an effort to make the major league club, though it's far from a guarantee that he'll stick on the outfield grass. Even with his flaws in the field and at the dish (career .238 average), that faint possibility of extra work and position eligibility gives deep mixed and AL-only fantasy players another reason -- on a trial basis -- to roster the slugger, who has launched at least 22 home runs in four of his last five seasons.

Donaldson (calf) will hit in a minor league game Friday, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

Donaldson remains on a cautious schedule that appears to have him set to return on or close to Opening Day. There's little reason yet to discount him on fantasy cheat sheets.

Moncada went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Moncada, who was hitting .200 with 13 strikeouts in 30 at-bats entering Wednesday's game, finally busted out this spring. The two-homer explosion doesn't move the needle in terms of him starting the season with the White Sox, but it is a reminder of the elite talent that's half a season away from the majors. He's expected to start the 2017 season at Triple-A Charlotte, where Moncada will work to improve his pitch recognition and better handle breaking balls.

Arenado went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Team USA's victory over Team Canada on Sunday.

The longball was Arenado's first hit of the tournament, but it was a big one, sparking the Americans to win and advance to the second round of the World Baseball Classic. The US will face Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic during the next segment of the WBC, allowing the star third baseman a few more opportunities to showcase his talents on the global stage.

Robinson is slashing .296/.441/.704 and has hit three home runs through 13 spring games.

While Robinson has yet to appear in the majors, his performance this spring is making a case for that to change during the upcoming campaign. However, while he regularly brings power to the plate, history would suggest that Robinson's batting average is due to come down. During the 2016 season at Triple-A Round Rock he posted a .257 batting average but notched a phenomenal .480 slugging percentage.

Donaldson (calf) will get three or four at-bats in Tuesday's minor league game in Clearwater, The Athletic Toronto's John Lott reports.

It was anticipated that Donaldson would soon get into game action, and this marks the beginning of that stage in his rehab. It is unclear if he is ready for action in the field yet, but so far his status for Opening Day has not been seriously questioned.

Bregman got his first at-bat of the World Baseball Classic in Team USA's 8-0 victory over Canada on Sunday, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports. He struck out while pinch-hitting for Nolan Arenado.

To see the promising Bregman get so little playing time bothers Houston manager A.J. Hinch, who would like to see his player get more at-bats. Bregman is expected to be Houston's starting third baseman this spring, but won't have the benefit of a full training camp due to his participation in the WBC.

Devers was assigned to minor-league camp Tuesday, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

Devers remains one of the top prospects in the Red Sox organization, but the 20-year-old is probably at least a season or two away from making an impact in the big leagues. Manager John Farrell mentioned that the organization's main priority will be in helping Devers improve his body composition, but he's already quite advanced as a hitter. After slashing .282/.335/.443 over 546 plate appearances at High-A Salem a season ago, Devers is expected to move up a rung to Double-A Portland to kick off 2017.

Sosa was optioned to High-A Palm Beach on Monday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Sosa was another Cardinals prospect that needed to be added to the 40-man roster for Rule 5 protection, although he won't be an option for the big league team anytime soon. He'll start the season in High-A, where he slashed .294/.314/.412 in 34 at-bats to end 2016.