MLB Player News

The Reds are moving Eugenio Suarez to shortstop and Mike Moustakas to third base for Tuesday's spring training game against the Rockies, presumably with an eye towards using that alignment in-season. That would allow India to start at second base, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

India got a lot of work at second base during 2020 at the Reds' alternate training camp site, and they were impressed with his work. Presumably the 2018 first-round pick out of Florida is considered a net upgrade over their current alternatives at shortstop. This buys the Reds some time to send Jose Garcia back to the minors to develop further with the bat.

Marte left Monday's game against the Mariners after a pitch hit his foot, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

Marte walked slowly to first base with a team trainer before exiting the game. Whether or not he suffered a significant injury is not yet clear. If he's forced to miss time at the start of the regular season, Daulton Varsho or Tim Locastro could see starts in center field.

Hoerner (back) wanted to play Monday and could return to the lineup as soon as Wednesday following Tuesday's off day, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Hoerner was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, but the issue evidently isn't a particularly serious one. His readiness for Opening Day doesn't appear to be threatened.

Rodgers will continue to rest his hamstring for now, but the injury he suffered Saturday against the Mariners isn't thought to be serious, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Rodgers hasn't had the best luck with injuries, but this particular issue doesn't seem like a major one. If he can get back on the field soon, he'll still have time to make the Opening Day roster.

Hoerner was scratched from Sunday's spring game against the Angels with lower back tightness, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

It's unclear when the back issue first surfaced for the 23-year-old, though he went 0-for-2 with a walk and a caught stealing during Saturday's contest. Hoerner has been crushing the ball so far in spring training with a 1.383 OPS and four extra-base hits through seven games, and it's unclear how long the back issue is expected to keep him sidelined.

Padres manager Jayce Tinger said Kim wouldn't be available for Sunday's game against the Reds after experiencing "some aches and pains," Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Tingler seemed to imply that Kim is dealing with an illness, though the skipper was careful to note that he doesn't believe the rookie is dealing with an ailment related to COVID-19. The Padres will give Kim a day off with the hope that he'll be ready to rejoin the spring lineup early during the upcoming week. Kim, who is off to a 2-for-18 start in Cactus League play, is in contention for the Opening Day starting nod at second base, though he, Jake Cronenworth and Jurickson Profar will most likely all serve as utility men that factor into the mix for playing time at multiple spots throughout the season.

Urias (hamstring) is in the lineup at shortstop for Sunday's spring game against the Mariners, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since March 5 with with a left hamstring strain, but he'll make a relatively quick return from the minor issue. Urias has the chance for significant playing time between shortstop and third base this season, but he'll likely need to produce better than the .635 OPS he has through his first 124 big-league games to continue seeing those opportunities all year.

Marte started in center field and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's spring game against San Diego.

Marte led off the game with his first Cactus League homer and has hit safely in six of seven games played. The Diamondbacks have not confirmed which position will be Marte's primary spot this season, but Saturday's outing was his fourth start in center field compared to one at second base and two as designated hitter.

Dubon is 4-for-11 with three runs, three RBI, seven walks and one stolen base through seven games in spring training.

The 26-year-old had an 8.7 percent walk rate in 52 games last season, so his increased patience in spring training is a welcome sight. Dubon began last season working in a utility role before settling into center field, and he's on track to open 2021 as San Francisco's starter in the middle of the outfield. He had a .274/.337/.389 slash line with four homers, 19 RBI and two stolen bases for the Giants in 2020.

Urias (hamstring) will play Sunday against the Mariners, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Urias has been out for just over a week after tweaking his hamstring, but the issue never appeared to be a particularly serious one. He has the opportunity to carve out a substantial role at third base or shortstop this season, but he'll have to look considerably better than he has thus far at the big-league level if he's to interest fantasy players. He's just 23 years old and was once a highly-rated prospect, but his .226/.315/.320 line through his first 124 major-league games hasn't come close to demonstrating that potential.