MLB Player News

Vargas was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Vargas was vying for a bench role with the Cubs, but non-roster invitees Matt Duffy and Eric Sogard both earned roster spots Sunday, pushing Vargas out of the mix. The 29-year-old infielder now may end up with a new team or join the Chicago minor-league system, likely at Triple-A Iowa.

Duffy had his contract selected by the Cubs on Sunday and will be on the Opening Day roster, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Duffy was a non-roster invitee to camp, but he impressed the coaching staff this spring. The 30-year-old gives the Cubs a veteran option who can play both corner infield positions. Ildemaro Vargas was designated for assignment to make room on the roster. Eric Sogard, who was also a non-roster invitee to camp, will join Duffy on the Chicago bench. Duffy likely won't play enough to be fantasy relevant, though that could change if there are any injuries to the regular starters.

The Reds informed Farmer on Sunday that he secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

With experience at every spot in the infield and the ability to step in as a No. 3 catcher if needed, Farmer's versatility was likely the main reason he was able to win a roster spot. The Reds are unlikely to count on Farmer to fill an everyday role for an extended period at any point this season, however, given his meager career .242/.297/.370 slash line.

Longoria (foot) started at third base and went 0-for-2 in Saturday's spring training loss to Seattle. He played three innings in the field.

Longoria played in the field for the first time this spring after dealing with plantar fasciitis to begin camp. It looks like he's ready for the regular season, but Longoria could be used at DH the first three games since the Giants begin the season at Seattle.

Senzel is dealing with a mild groin strain but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear when Senzel sustained the injury, but he isn't in Saturday's spring lineup against the Cubs. However, general manager Nick Krall didn't sound too concerned about the issue and said that he doesn't expect Senzel to miss time to begin the regular season. Senzel will serve as the starting center fielder for the Reds if he's healthy in time for Opening Day.

Suarez was confirmed as the Reds' everyday shortstop by Reds general manager Nick Krall on Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds' shortstop options entering camp made for a very uninspiring group, so they decided to get creative. Suarez has made just two starts at shortstop in the past five seasons, but he did begin his career at the position and evidently did enough this spring to prove he can handle the role. He should be able to pick up shortstop eligibility in most formats very early in the season, giving a bit of added flexibility to fantasy teams.

Kieboom was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Kieboom lost out on playing time recently after struggling at the plate throughout spring training. Kieboom slashed .133/.204/.222 with three extra-base hits and one RBI in 17 spring games and will attempt to regain his confidence at the team's alternate training site and Triple-A to begin the season. Starlin Castro (hamstring) and Josh Harrison should spend time at second and third base early in the year, while Hernan Perez should serve in a backup role.

Longoria (foot) will play third base during Saturday's spring game against the Mariners, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Longoria will play in the field for the first time this spring after dealing with plantar fasciitis to begin camp. Even though Opening Day is less than a week away, Longoria should still be available for the Giants to begin the regular season.

Riley launched his first two home runs of the spring in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, with the shots having exit velocities of 107.7 mph and 106.4 mph, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Both blasts came off JT Brubaker, who gave up only one other hit in the game. Riley got the start in right field but will be Atlanta's starting third baseman Opening Day, and the 23-year-old appears to be finding his power stroke at the right time. Riley has a lackluster .232/.288/.448 slash line and 31.2 percent strikeout rate through his first 131 big-league games, but his 26 homers and 76 RBI provide a glimpse of his upside if he can learn to make more consistent contact.

Vosler was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old inked a major-league deal with the Giants in November and had a .311/.333/.444 slash line with two home runs and 14 strikeouts in 45 at-bats during spring training, but it wasn't enough to earn a roster spot. Vosler should be in the mix for a promotion when the Giants need infield depth this season.