MLB Player News

CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Marlins' opening day roster is beginning to take shape. Heyman said the defensive alignment will be Rob Brantly at catcher, Casey Kotchman at first base, Donovan Solano at second base, Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, Placido Polanco at third base, Juan Pierre in left field, Justin Ruggiano in center field and Giancarlo Stanton in right field.

The rotation isn't settled yet, but Ricky Nolasco, Henderson Alvarez and Nate Eovaldi have secured spots. The final two spots remain up for grabs.

The Diamondbacks are talking to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt about a long-term extension, according to FoxSports.com. The 25-year-old hit .286/.359/.490 in 587 plate appearances with the club last season. Goldschmidt is under team control through the 2017 season, so a long-term deal would buy out his arbitration years and give the team cost certainty going forward. 

Reds first baseman Joey Votto had another productive day at the plate in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He went 3 for 4 with a homer and three RBI in the 9-9 tie. Votto singled in his first at-bat then driving in two with a base hit in the second inning. He led off the seventh with a solo shot off Travis Webb.

Votto is batting .400 (10 for 25) through 12 spring games with two homers and eight RBI. He is also slugging .720.

The New York Mets continued trimming their roster Friday by sending infielder Wilmer Flores, first baseman Josh Satin and pitcher Carlos Torres to their minor-league camp. Flores, one of the team's top prospects, is the only player among the group on the 40-man roster. Flores, 21, spent most of the spring playing second base as he continued his transition from third base.