MLB Player News

Moustakas (groin) is starting at second base and batting third in Friday's intrasquad game.

The veteran infielder missed the past two days of intrasquad action due to some groin tightness, but his quick return to the field indicates it was a minor concern. Moustakas had an .845 OPS and 35 home runs for the Brewers last season, and he's set to start at the keystone for the Reds after signing a four-year, $64 million deal in December.

Longoria has a moderate right oblique strain, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury Newsreports.

The veteran third baseman injured his right oblique while swinging. Manager Gabe Kapler isn't certain Longoria or Brandon Belt (heel) will be ready for Opening Day. Pablo Sandoval and Wilmer Flores will likely see an uptick in playing time if either slugger is unable to play during the beginning of the season. Longoria had a rough spring, going just 5-for-25, and is coming off a .254/.325/.437 showing with 69 RBI across 508 plate appearances in 2019.

Moustakas missed Wednesday's intrasquad scrimmage due to a tight groin, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas is also expected to sit out Thursday, though the injury isn't considered serious and he likely would have played if it were the regular season. Assuming he's healthy, Moustakas is expected to serve as Cincinnati's primary second baseman during the shortened campaign.

Muncy (finger) is expected to play the field in an intrasquad game Thursday or Friday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

The 29-year-old had two at-bats during Tuesday's intrasquad action, but he was pulled for a pinch runner after reaching base both times and didn't play defense. Muncy progressed to fielding groundballs in the past couple days after previously dealing with discomfort while catching the ball. Manager Dave Roberts has continually said he expects Muncy to be at first base come Opening Day despite the finger issue, and his presence in intrasquad action this week would only reaffirm that optimism.

Muncy (finger) had two at-bats in Tuesday's intrasquad game, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The 29-year-old came off the bench and went 2-for-2 during the same inning, and he was replaced by a pinch runner after both hits. Muncy resumed swinging a bat Monday and apparently has no issues at the plate, but he's experiencing some discomfort while catching the ball and hasn't been taking groundballs. Manager Dave Roberts still expects Muncy to be at first base on Opening Day, per Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA, but until he's clear of the discomfort while catching his status will remain somewhat up in the air.

The Reds have been pleased with Moustakas' defense at second base so far, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's made all the plays," manager David Bell said. "He has great hands. He has a strong arm, which you can get away without having a really strong arm at second base. But it does help, especially with the way teams play defense now. A lot of times, he'll be in a nontraditional position."

Bell elaborated that Moustakas' conditioning has improved considerably since spring training in March, and that's helped his range. It's not that second base is alien to Moustakas, but it's clearly not his top position. The Reds have made some defensive concessions to improve their hitting, between adding Moustakas at second base and either Nick Castellanos or Jesse Winker playing in the outfield, with the other at DH.

Senzel (elbow) will play in the Reds' intrasquad game Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel had been on the shelf for a few days with a hyperextended elbow, but the injury was never considered serious. He should be ready to fill a major role in a crowded Reds outfield this season, as he's now past both the minor elbow issue and the shoulder surgery that he underwent back in September.

Muncy (finger) has been swinging a bat but has some discomfort while catching a ball, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Muncy was hit in the hand with a ball nearly a week ago and has been held out of intrasquad games since. While the slugger doesn't feel his bruised left ring finger limits his offense, he has experienced tenderness when playing catch. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated Sunday that he expects Muncy to be ready for Opening Day.

Senzel hyperextended his left elbow and is expected to be back in the lineup Monday or Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Manager David Bell says Senzel is day-to-day, but that he would likely be playing if this were a regular season contest. The oft-injured center fielder underwent shoulder surgery in September of 2019 but was fully cleared from that procedure when he reported to camp.

Vargas belted two home runs and drove in six runs during Saturday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Vargas was a likely addition to the roster in spring training, and based on the way he's hit in camp, it's almost certain he'll be part of the 30-man Opening Day roster. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo estimated Vargas has hit six home runs in intrasquad and simulated games since camp opened. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has experience at three infield positions (2B, 3B, SS) and played a few games in the outfield for Arizona in 2019. That positional versatility, along with the distinction of being a switch hitter, could be helpful when Lovullo is required to trim the roster as the regular season progresses.