MLB Player News

Joseph joined the Cubs as a non-roster invitee Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Joseph suited up for three big-league teams last season (Oakland, San Francisco and Pittsburgh) but played a total of just 28 games. In 68 plate appearances, he hit .156/.191/.250. The Cubs likely view him simply as organizational depth.

The Diamondbacks could have Ketel Marte (back) primarily play second base after the team acquired center fielder Sterling Marte from the Pirates, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Ketel Marte, who shuttled between second base and center field in 2019, appeared in a career-high 92 games in the outfield before sustaining a back injury late in the season. The Diamondbacks believe the extra activity involved in being a center fielder contributed to the injury, so the acquisition of Sterling Marte gives manager Torey Lovullo the flexibility to have Ketel Marte play a less stressful position.

Urias is expected to be sidelined about eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left wrist Tuesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 22-year-old sustained a fractured hamate bone toward the end of the winter season in Mexico and is now in danger of missing Opening Day. An eight-week recovery would have Urias returning to the field in late March, leaving him questionable for the March 26 opener versus the Cubs. Urias was set to compete for the starting job at shortstop in spring training after being acquired from the Padres in November, but Orlando Arcia now figures to enter the season as the likely starter.

Bannon was invited to Baltimore's big-league camp Tuesday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Bannon might not receive serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, as he's played just 20 games at the Triple-A level, but his debut will likely come at some point this season. If he can repeat his .317/.344/.549 line from those 20 games for Triple-A Norfolk last season, it won't be long before he gets his first taste of the big leagues. Bannon doesn't project as anything close to a star, but he has a decent bat and good plate discipline (12.2 percent career walk rate in the minors), which should eventually earn him at least a bench spot given his ability to play second and third base.

Peguero was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Pirates on Monday as part of a package for outfielder Starling Marte, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

Peguero was effective at the rookie level last season, hitting .326/.382/.485 with five home runs and 11 stolen bases over 60 games. After spending the past two seasons at the rookie level, it wouldn't be surprising to see him advance in 2020 as he begins his run within the Pirates' organization.

McNeil (wrist) said Saturday that his injury is fully healed, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

McNeil underwent surgery at the beginning of October, and his rehab went according to plan. The 27-year-old figures to spend a good portion of his time at third base this season, but his defensive versatility props up his fantasy value and should give him more chances to play heading into 2020.

Urias is being evaluated for a wrist injury sustained at the end of the winter season in Mexico, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Urias developed soreness at the end of the winter season, and he'll return to the United States in order to have the injury evaluated, although the exact nature and severity of the injury are unclear. The 22-year-old was traded from the Padres to the Brewers in November and figures to be the team's shortstop on Opening Day if he is healthy.

Andrus showed up at a team event Friday about 10 pounds lighter than when the 2019 season ended, Sam Blum of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus, who is entering his 12th year in the Rangers' organization, said he plans to shed at least another five pounds before training camp opens. He's coming off an unproductive season with a .706 OPS in 147 games. Texas general manager Jon Daniels made both Andrus and second baseman Rougned Odor aware of the team's displeasure with their results last year, per Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News. "We've been real clear with both guys," Daniels said. "Their position with the club is different from what it's been." The message to Andrus was to show up in better shape and be committed to the long grind of the baseball season. While there is not a ready option to take over at shortstop, Rangers manager Chris Woodward could drop Andrus in the batting order.

Chavis (oblique) said he feels good and is pleased with where his swing is at as he prepares for spring training, Stephen Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Chavis was in town to accept the Red Sox's rookie of the year award from the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2019, the 24-year-old infielder split most of his time between second base and first base, two positions without a current full-time starter in place. It's likely he sees time at each position, and he should see an increase in plate appearances in 2020.

Solarte signed a minor-league contract with the Braves on Wednesday as a non-roster invitee, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Solarte finished the 2019 season in Japan after only receiving a minor-league deal with the Marlins. The 32-year-old spent some time in the majors with the Giants at the beginning of the season, hitting .205/.247/.315 with seven RBI over 28 games prior to electing free agency. While Solarte has appeared in the majors in each of his past six seasons, his production has decreased in recent years.