MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts stated Monday it's "certainly a possibility" that Vargas will contribute at the major-league level at some point this season, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Vargas has yet to play above Double-A, but he's impressed the Dodgers' skipper in spring training thus far, with Roberts also noting his improvements defensively. The infielder slashed .317/.384/.518 with 16 home runs, 59 RBI and seven stolen bases a season ago at Double-A Tulsa and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him begin the 2022 campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Garcia has been scratched from Monday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Cardinals for an unspecified reason.

Garcia was initially slated to play shortstop and bat ninth Monday, and it's not clear whether his removal from the lineup is due to an injury. Lucius Fox will take over at shortstop while batting ninth.

Drury agreed Monday with the Reds on a minor-league contract, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Drury will be attending big-league camp with Cincinnati, hoping to impress enough over the next two weeks to earn a utility role on the Reds' Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old saw action in 51 games for the injury-riddled Mets in 2021, producing a .274/.307/.476 slash line to go with four home runs and 14 RBI across 88 plate appearances.

Rojas went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, three RBI and a second run scored in Sunday's spring-training game against the Royals.

Rojas started at third base and batted second in his Cactus League debut. The versatile infielder is the leading candidate to start at third base, and he's approaching the competition like it's his to lose, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. The Diamondbacks' leadership team have talked about bringing in an established third baseman, which would move Rojas back to a utility role, but no player addition is imminent. However it shakes out, Rojas is poised to garner 500-550 plate appearances, as he did in 2021.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo expects Marte (eye) to make his first Cactus League appearance Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Marte will serve as the designated hitter Tuesday and eventually get starts at second base, where he's expected to make his primary home in 2022. He ramped up activity toward the end of last week, first batting in a cage then taking live batting practice. The 28-year-old's activity also included fielding high-intensity groundballs.

Urias (quadriceps) will be shut down for two weeks and isn't expected to be available for Opening Day, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Manager Craig Counsell didn't officially rule out Urias for Opening Day, but with less than three weeks before the April 7 opener against the Cubs, it's difficult seeing the 24-year-old being ready to play if he's down the next two weeks. The specifics of the quad injury remain unclear, and Urias still has to undergo more testing. Jace Peterson would likely benefit from Urias' absence at third base, and it would also leave Milwaukee short on depth at shortstop behind starter Willy Adames.

Marte (eye) took live batting practice Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After two consecutive days of batting in a cage, Saturday's session was Marte's first against live pitching since camp started. He's expected to make his spring game-action debut this week.

Estrada's X-ray's have come back negative following a hit by pitch to his forearm on Saturday, reports Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Estrada was forced from the game in the top of the second inning after the hit by pitch. The infielder's status should remain day-to-day, as the negative X-ray indicates he's not in store for a long-term absence.

Rodgers' late scratch from Saturday's Cactus League lineup was due to back tightness and was deemed a precautionary move, reports Thomas Harding of MLB.com.

Rockies manager Bud Black confirmed the move as precautionary following Saturday's game. Rodgers should be available to return in the near future, possibly as soon as Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Estrada was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies after being hit by a pitch on his forearm in the top of the second inning, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Estrada will undergo an X-ray as a precautionary measure following his early departure, but he didn't sound too concerned about the severity of the injury. While the results of his examination should provide a better idea of his status, he should be considered day-to-day for now.