MLB Player News

Gimenez was invited to the Mets' major-league spring training Thursday.

Gimenez isn't a real candidate to break camp with the Mets, as the 20-year-old has yet to appear at Triple-A, but he'll get a chance to prove himself against big-league competition this spring after his breakout campaign in 2018. The youngster hit .281 and stole 38 bases across stops at High-A and Double-A. Look for him to return to the upper minors to begin the 2019 season.

Urias is progressing after a setback with his hamstring injury cancelled his plans to play winter ball this offseason, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

A pulled hamstring ended Urias' debut season in early September, but he had originally planned to play in the Mexican winter league. He felt something when resuming his running program, however, and elected to be cautious and take it easy. He is currently at about 75 percent and expects to be at 100 percent by the start of spring training. It sounds as if Urias will be unaffected to start the season, but a recurring hamstring issue is at least something to keep an eye on.

Hernandez agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Friday, avoiding arbitration, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The Dodgers were able to reach deals with all seven of their remaining arb-eligible players. Hernandez played more than ever before in 2018 and put together an impressive campaign, grading out as 18 percent better than league average at the plate thanks to a big improvement against right-handed pitching. Hernandez should continue to see regular action while helping all around the diamond.

Ngoepe signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Ngoepe made it further than any African-born player ever had when he made his big-league debut for the Pirates in 2017, though he hasn't done much in his limited major-league opportunities. In a short stint for Pittsburgh that season and an even shorter one in Toronto last year, the infielder has hit just .181/.272/.236 in 82 plate appearances. He'll fill an organizational depth role in Philadelphia this season and is unlikely to receive more than a handful of at-bats.

McNeil is expected to be used more in the outfield following Thursday's addition of Jed Lowrie, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The Mets have now acquired both Robinson Cano and Lowrie over the offseason, so they'll plan to use McNeil in the outfield more than previously anticipated. The 26-year-old has yet to make a single start in the outfield at the big-league level and has played just four games in the outfield while in the minor leagues, so it's unclear as to how he'll fare when the Mets roll him out there.

Haggerty was traded from the Indians to the Mets with pitcher Walker Lockett for Kevin Plawecki on Sunday.

Haggerty's offensive profile leaves something to be desired: He hasn't hit north of .253 since 2015, when he was in short-season ball. However, he takes walks at a good rate and has experience playing all over the field. He could be a reserve utility player for the Mets in the future if he can become a bit more competent at the plate.

Petit agreed to a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Petit played in 26 games for the Twins this past year, hitting .246/.313/.279 with three RBI and three stolen bases in a reserve role. The 34-year-old will try to latch on with the Phillies in a similar capacity, though starting the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley seems more likely barring a phenomenal spring training. Either way, don't expect Petit to provide much value from a fantasy perspective.

General manager Neal Huntington suggested last week that Frazier would open the 2019 campaign as the Pirates' everyday second baseman, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. "We feel good about Adam Frazier getting a chance to play second base on a regular basis and letting him go play one position," Huntington said.

With the Pirates declining Josh Harrison's 2019 team option, the path is finally clear for Frazier to seize control of a regular gig after being deployed mostly in a utility role during parts of three seasons in the big leagues. Despite the somewhat sporadic at-bats, Frazier has been an above-average contributor at the dish during his time in the majors, slashing .280/.345/.422 (106 wRC+). Frazier won't offer much power, but if he can claim a spot near the top of the order, he could be a sneaky source of runs and steals. It's the batting-average category where he'll supply the bulk of his value, however, especially coming off a season in which the MLB mean dipped to its lowest mark (.248) since 1972.

Urias may move over to shortstop following the Padres' signing of Ian Kinsler on Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Urias was expected to start the 2019 season as the club's starting second baseman, but his role is a little muddled now that Kinsler is on the team. Urias was groomed at both middle infield spots during his time in the Padres' minor leagues, though Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added that the team still views him at the keystone while envisioning Kinsler at third base. Either way, he should be penciled into an everyday role unless the club elects to keep him in Triple-A for the start of the season to gain an extra year of control.

Dubon (knee) has progressed to hitting off a tee, according to his personal Twitter account.

Dubon continues to slowly work his way back from surgery that he underwent in May to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. While the 24-year-old is expected to be fully healthy by spring training, he'll open the season with Triple-A San Antonio. Dubon could make his major-league debut in 2019 if he picks up where he left off prior to suffering his injury (.343/.348/.574 with four homers and six stolen bases in 27 games at Triple-A in 2018).