MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Muncy -- who is batting first in Thursday's season opener against the Giants -- will hit leadoff for "the foreseeable future," Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Roberts said the goal is to stagger the team's lineup, so the lefty-hitting Muncy will be followed by righty-swinging Mookie Betts. Muncy has occupied the leadoff spot just seven times in his career, going 5-for-17 (.294) with a home run and two RBI in those appearances.

Nevin didn't make the Rockies' initial 30-man roster.

Nevin was able to work with the major-league roster during summer camp, but he'll head to the alternate training site ahead of the regular season. The 23-year-old is a potential option at first base in the future for the Rockies, but it's unlikely that he'll see significant time in the majors this year. Nevin slashed .251/.345/.399 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI with Double-A Hartford last season.

Maton was added to the Phillies' 60-man roster Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Maton was a non-roster invitee during spring training but wasn't able to work with the team's player pool during summer camp. He'll report to the team's satellite camp for developmental purposes ahead of the regular season. While the 23-year-old likely won't be in consideration for a major-league roster spot this year, he'll get to work with some of the organization's top prospects.

Riley will start at third base in Friday's season opener against the Mets, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The departure of Josh Donaldson this offseason opened up the starting job, and Johan Camargo (hamstring) is limited by injury, leaving Riley as the clear starter for Opening Day. Manager Brian Snitker has consistently indicated both Riley and Camargo will receive starts at the hot corner, but a hot start likely would secure regular more consistent chances.

Hayes was sent to the Pirates' alternate training camp in Altoona on Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes wasn't able to join his teammates until Monday after previously testing positive for COVID-19, so it makes sense that he won't be ready for game action just yet. He wasn't necessarily ever all that likely to be on the Pirates' Opening Day roster, as he's yet to make his major-league debut. However, he played a full season for Triple-A Indianapolis last year and hit a sold .265/.336/.415, so he should be called upon at some point this year.

Vargas got a start at first base late in summer camp, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Vargas displayed a big bat during summer camp and the exhibition games in Los Angeles, which has manager Torey Lovullo thinking creatively about how to get him in the lineup. The switch-hitting utility infielder has a career .968 OPS against left-handers, which Lovullo might be able to exploit. Vargas came up as a middle infielder and played third base, but he's blocked at those spots. That leaves first base -- already the domain of Christian Walker (groin) -- and designated hitter.

Farmer will be a part of the Reds' Opening Day roster, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The versatile player will be both the Reds' third catcher and a utility infielder; he appeared behind the plate and at all four infield spots last season. His versatility is his primary calling card, as he hasn't done much with his bat in his first 294 career plate appearances, hitting just .236/.289/.384.

Muncy (finger) started at first base in Monday's exhibition game against Arizona and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

Muncy missed some time in early July after being hit on the finger by a pitch, but he's now back to full activity and has played first base in the team's last two exhibition games. He's fully expected to be in the Dodgers' lineup on Opening Day.

Hayes (illness) was healthy enough to practice at PNC Park on Monday while his teammates traveled to Cleveland for an exhibition game against the Indians, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

He may report to the Pirates' alternate training site in Altoona after missing summer camp time due to COVID-19. Colin Moran has had a strong camp at third base, alleviating the need to bring Hayes along quickly. Look for the prospect to make his debut sometime in August.

Vargas hit a solo home run and a single in Monday's 12-1 loss in an exhibition game against the Dodgers, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Vargas provided Monday's lone highlight for the Diamondbacks, who lost both exhibition games to the Dodgers by a combined score of 21-3. He's swung a hot bat during summer camp and is expected to be part of the 30-man roster that opens the season Friday in San Diego.