MLB Player News

Muncy hit .200 (5-for-25) with a pair of home runs and two RBI before Cactus League play was suspended.

In addition to the long balls, Muncy walked six times this spring -- the second highest mark on the Dodgers -- and scored six runs. The base on balls total highlights an often-overlooked part of Muncy's skill set; the slugger walked 90 times last season, second on the squad and seventh in the National League. He's set to be the Dodgers' primary first baseman this season after playing second base in all or part of 70 games in 2019.

Suarez (shoulder) will resume his throwing, swinging and fielding programs next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez was set to make his Cactus League debut before spring training was halted, but he'll continue to work towards a return to the field. He was always optimistic he'd be ready for Opening Day as originally scheduled, and the delay in game action should give him a better chance of being in the lineup for a significant portion of the Reds' contests.

Hayes was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Hayes is a highly rated prospect who spent all of last season at the Triple-A level, though he didn't exactly thrive. His .265/.336/.415 slash line was good for just a 92 wRC+, so he may still have something to prove in the minors before making his big-league debut.

Sosa was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Sosa had a shot to win a bench role this spring, especially after Yairo Munoz was released, but he'll wind up starting in the minors. With just 13 big-league plate appearances under his belt and a below-average batting line at the Triple-A level, Sosa is unlikely to make a significant impact this season.

Senzel (shoulder) played in four games as the DH prior to the suspension of spring training, and felt good making throws from the outfield in drills, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Senzel and the Reds are optimistic about his ability to play when the season begins. He's also added some muscle with offseason weight training.

Suarez (shoulder) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against the Rockies as a designated hitter, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez's first appearance is contingent on Major League Baseball not cancelling spring training due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Reds' decision to sign off on him playing Friday marks a significant step forward in his recovery from offseason right shoulder surgery. The 28-year-old will still need to prove he can field his position and throw across the diamond without issue before the Reds clear him for the March 26 regular-season opener, but for his part, Suarez remains optimistic he'll be ready to go for Opening Day.

Davis went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

He took Carlos Martinez deep in the third inning for his first spring homer, boosting his slash line to .308/.375/.615 through 16 plate appearances. Davis seems to be fully recovered from his shoulder injury, and with Michael Conforto (oblique) now iffy for Opening Day, Davis is expected to begin the season locked into a starting corner outfield spot.

Vargas is hitting .394 (13-for-33) with three extra-base hits, three RBI, five runs scored and one stolen base over 12 Cactus League games.

Vargas leads the Diamondbacks in spring at-bats and hits and is sealing a spot on the Opening Day roster as the utility infielder. The 27-year-old Vargas appeared in 92 games for Arizona in 2019, playing mostly second base and making a handful of starts at shortstop and third base.

Suarez (shoulder) fielded grounders and made light throws to first base Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suarez is gradually working his way back from January shoulder surgery. He's expected to get his first Cactus League action as a designated hitter Friday, with games at third base presumably coming not long after. He's certainly cutting it close to be ready for Opening Day but appears to still have a chance to avoid the injured list.

Asuaje was assigned to minor-league camp Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Asuaje was in camp as a non-roster invitee but always seemed like a long shot to win a roster spot. He'll have a shot to add to his 586 career big-league plate appearances at some point this season, but with a career .240/.312/.329 slash line, the Cubs probably hope they don't have to turn to him.