MLB Player News

Suarez hit his first homer of the spring in Monday's exhibition game against the Braves, Ben Weinrib of MLB.com reports. Suarez had been having a slow spring, hitting just .217/.294/.283 prior to the game.

Reds manager David Bell suggested that Suarez purposefully was seeing more pitches in earlier spring training at-bats in order to be more ready for the regular season. "He had a plan all along," Bell said. "He was trying to see more pitches early on and go deeper in the count and let the ball get a little deeper. It really paid off for him because his timing here over the last probably 10 days has been really good. It's nice to have some results too, so that's nice to see."

Senzel (ankle) is slated for an MRI on Tuesday after his X-rays returned negative, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

While this is positive news for the Reds, they aren't quite out of the woods yet. The extent of Senzel's injury won't be determined until his MRI results are looked at by the team doctor.

Senzel exited a minor-league game Monday with an apparent ankle injury, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The extent of Senzel's injury remains unknown at this time, although the Reds are running tests to determine the severity.

Rendon went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run, a walk and two runs scored Monday against the Yankees.

Rendon launched a two-run blast in the first inning to left field, his fifth long ball of spring. After a slow start to camp, the 28-year-old third baseman finished 12-for-44 with six extra-base hits, 10 RBI and eight runs scored over 16 contests.

Muncy went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and an RBI in the Dodgers' 8-4 Cactus League defeat to the Angels on Sunday.

Muncy was hitting just .178 with 16 strikeouts against four walks during spring training coming into this contest, but he was able to bust out of the slump with two extra-base knocks. The 28-year-old was an unexpected revelation for the Dodgers last season when he cranked 35 homers and posted a .973 OPS, so hopefully this performance was a sign he's putting his spring struggles behind him ahead of the regular season.

Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Vargas was sent down despite a strong spring in which he hit .367/.397/.500. He'll have a chance to get called up when injuries hit the Diamondbacks' infield.

Robinson's spot on the Opening Day roster is now locked in with Jedd Gyorko (calf) opening the season on the injured list, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Robinson had already helped his cause with a solid spring at the plate, but Gyorko's season-opening absence helps cement Robinson's status. The 26-year-old has hit .268 with eight RBI over 56 Grapefruit League at-bats and is capable of filling in at all three outfield positions.

Moustakas has gone 8-for-18 (.444) with two home runs and four RBI over his previous six spring games.

Moustakas is getting hot at the right time with Opening Day just a few days in the distance. He is set to play second base regularly this year for the first time in his career, and despite his inexperience at the position, figures to be in the lineup nearly every day out of the gate. He also figures to hit somewhere in the middle third of the Brewers' order, but could move around a spot or two depending if the opposing starter on a given day throws right-handed or left-handed.

Alvarez opted out of his minor-league contract Saturday with the Marlins and has 48 hours to decide whether to remain in the organization, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez exercised the opt-out after being informed he would not make the Opening Day roster, and now has a chance to pursue other opportunities. The veteran slugger would be headed to Triple-A New Orleans should he choose to stay with the Marlins.

Kieboom was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Kieboom reached Double-A for the first time last season, hitting .262/.326/.395 in 62 games. It's unclear if he'll head back there to start the year or open with Triple-A Fresno.