MLB Player News

Kieboom cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester by the Nationals on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom is somehow still just 26 but has never come close to cashing in on the hype he had as a prospect. The fact that he passed through waivers unclaimed shows that the Nationals aren't the only organization down on his long-term outlook. Kieboom should play regularly at Rochester in hopes of earning his way back on the 40-man roster.

Pauley has been told he will be on the Padres' roster for their March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pauley seems likely to start at third base while Manny Machado (elbow) is limited to designated hitter, at least against right-handed pitching. When Machado might be ready to play the field in games again isn't clear, but Pauley will have a chance until then to show he deserves to stick around. The 23-year-old slashed .308/.393/.539 with 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases over three minor-league levels in 2023 and should be on deep-league radars.

Muncy is away from the Dodgers' camp Tuesday due to illness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He hasn't been in the team's lineup for a few days, and the illness likely explains why that's the case. The Dodgers have just one more Cactus League game before heading to South Korea to take on the Padres in the first two regular-season contests March 20 and 21, but it's not clear whether Muncy will be ready to play in Wednesday's Cactus League contest versus the Mariners.

The Rockies optioned Carreras to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday, Patrick Lyons of Just Baseball reports.

Carreras reached Albuquerque last season but had a down year overall in posting a .664 OPS, so he'll receive more development time. The 24-year-old should be Albuquerque's regular shortstop.

Burger started at first base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

While the 27-year-old is locked in as the Marlins' starting third baseman, Burger does have some limited experience at first base and the club envisions having him move across the diamond on occasion, especially on days when Josh Bell is getting a partial breather as the DH. Burger is still trying to find his timing at the plate this spring, hitting .160 (4-for-25) with a 0:8 BB:K, but after slugging a career-high 34 homers in 2023, he's expected to hit in the heart of Miami's batting order this season.

Harrison is projected for a roster spot, per the latest roster projection from C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.

The 80-game suspension handed out to Noelvi Marte opens up a roster spot that figures to come down to Harrison, Mike Ford or Tony Kemp. Rosecrans makes the point that of those three, Harrison provides the most versatility. He started games at four different defensive positions for the Phillies in 2023. Harrison is 3-for-16 with a double and an RBI in seven games this spring.

The Marlins optioned Bride to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

Bride logged 106 plate appearances in the majors with Oakland in 2023, but he'll likely have a tougher path to meaningful action in the big leagues with the Marlins, who acquired him in February. The 28-year-old should play on an everyday basis for Jacksonville to begin the 2024 campaign and will likely need one of the Marlins' corner infielders to fall victim to an injury before he receives an opportunity with the big club.

Batten was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Monday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The move further clarifies the Padres' third base picture, as Batten had been in competition with Graham Pauley and Eguy Rosario for playing time at the hot corner until Manny Machado (elbow) is ready to play the field. Batten probably has the best glove of the trio, but he's limited offensively and went just 3-for-24 at the plate this spring.

Riley has gone 5-for-20 (.250) over eight Grapefruit League games with a solo home run and a 0:3 BB:K.

The 26-year-old third baseman has been getting in his work and looks set to once again hit in the heart of Atlanta's batting order. Riley has averaged 36 homers and 99 RBI over the last three seasons while missing only eight total games, making him one of the most dependable fantasy options available at the hot corner.

Lipcius was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

Lipcius was acquired by the Dodgers on Monday, and he appeared in two Cactus League games with the team before being sent down, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. The infielder will now look to perform well while in Triple-A in an attempt to get called up to the majors at some point this summer.