MLB Player News

Longoria went 2-for-2 with a home run, an RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's 9-4 win over the Rangers.

Like most of the Giants veterans, Longoria has been eased into action this spring, logging just nine at-bats so far. The 32-year-old will be asked to take over everyday third base duties -- a position that was a black hole offensively for the Giants over the past couple of years -- after coming over from Tampa Bay via trade during the offseason. The slugger saw his power come back down to earth (20 home runs and a .163 isolated power rating) after his impressive 36-homer campaign in 2016. That decline in power combined with a move to cavernous AT&T Park could theoretically result in Longoria's first season below 20 home runs in over five years. That said, batting in the heart of the order in a station-to-station offense like San Francisco's could inversely result in more run-producing opportunities for the veteran.

Anderson went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run homer in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

He's got only two hits in his first 11 spring at-bats, but both have gone for extra bases, with Friday's home run being his first of the year. Anderson will need a big camp -- or for Martin Prado (knee) to remain on the shelf -- to win the Opening Day starting job at third base, but once Prado proves he's healthy he could well join the veteran exodus out of Miami. Either way, the 24-year-old Anderson figures to be the future at the hot corner for the Marlins.

Riley went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's split-squad game against the Tigers.

The Braves' top infield prospect had been 0-for-8 to begin the spring coming into the game, but he was able to flash his tremendous power potential. Riley is still only 20 years old and isn't yet on the 40-man roster, so there's no chance of him breaking camp with the big club, but after a strong showing at Double-A to end last season, he could force his way into the picture at third base very quickly if he keeps slugging.

Vargas (hand) has appeared in six Cactus League games for the Diamondbacks this spring after undergoing right hamate bone surgery in October.

Vargas was expected to be healthy by the time spring camp rolled around, and he's been given a shot to show his potential in front of the organization after appearing in 12 big-league games last season. In 11 at-bats thus far, Vargas has picked up two hits and one RBI while adding three walks and should continue to receive more reps throughout the spring.

Newman has played spring games at second base in addition to seeing time at shortstop, Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic reports. "It's adding versatility," manager Clint Hurdle said of putting Newman at second. "It's giving him options if something happens where he's not just a shortstop."

Although he hasn't played a position other than shortstop since high school, he made a fine diving play at second base Wednesday. Newman slashed a middling .267/.311/.363 in 509 minor-league at-bats in 2017, but he's hit .283 overall in the minors. While the 2015 first-round draft pick likely won't hit for power (11 homers in three seasons), he could eventually help fantasy teams in the batting average category.

Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said that Anderson remains behind Martin Prado (knee) at third base heading into this spring, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports.

Even though Prado is recovering from a late-July scope of his right knee, Hill stated that Anderson is "behind Prado for now" and will not move over to second base. At this point, Prado is expected to return to action around the middle of March, which would give him a few weeks to get back into the swing of things before Opening Day. In the event that he's unable to get healthy, Anderson will likely take over the starting gig at the beginning of the season. Furthermore, Anderson could change the organization's opinion with a solid spring camp. This is a situation to monitor throughout the Grapefruit League, and either way, Anderson should receive a fair number of at-bats in 2018 as the Marlins head into a new era.

Farmer will get the opportunity to earn some playing time at the hot corner this spring, the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett reports.

Farmer will get a little work in at third base over the course of the club's spring training since the catching position is a little crowded with Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes clearly ahead of him on the depth chart. Don't expect to see Farmer at the hot corner once the season begins, but this will give the 27-year-old a little more time on the field over the next few weeks.

McMahon enters spring training as the Rockies' starting first baseman, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

With Mark Reynolds hitting free agency and Ian Desmond expected to see most of his playing time in left field this season, McMahon is set to enter camp atop the team's depth chart at first base. While the highly regarded prospect appears to have the inside track on the starting gig, he'll still have to prove he deserves the job during spring training, as Colorado could ultimately choose to move Desmond to first base or re-sign Reynolds if McMahon fails to seize the job during Cactus League play. Despite struggling in his first taste of the majors last year -- going just 3-for-19 in a September callup -- the 23-year-old excelled in the upper minors, hitting a combined .355/.403/.583 with 20 homers and 39 doubles in 119 games between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque.

Asuaje will compete with Cory Spangenberg for the starting second base gig this spring, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Spangenberg seems like the early favorite to break camp with the top spot on the depth chart, but Asuaje shouldn't be overlooked. While Spangenberg was incredibly inconsistent last season, Asuaje produced a solid .270 batting average and has an excellent eye at the plate. The 26-year-old also improved his defense significantly last season. That said, Asuaje really only plays second base, which could hurt him in a direct competition with the versatile Spangenberg. This situation should clear up over the course of Cactus League play, although Asuaje's lack of positional versatility may keep him off the Opening Day roster if he can't crack the starting lineup.

Senzel has been working frequently at second base and shortstop at the Reds spring training complex, having arrived nearly a month ago, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Senzel will begin the year in the minors, most likely at Triple-A Louisville, but it's a good bet that he'll be up with the big club at some point this season. The issue facing the Reds is where to play Senzel, as they are very happy with the work they are getting from Eugenio Suarez at third base. The middle infield slots are less secure -- Scooter Gennett had a good 2017 campaign, but was a waiver claim and didn't do much the previous years, and Jose Peraza was disappointing in 2017. Either Suarez could move to shortstop or Senzel could play a middle infield position upon his eventual promotion.