MLB Player News

Manager Clint Hurdle indicated Newman would compete with Erik Gonzalez for the Pirates' starting shortstop job during spring training, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

With Jordy Mercer now in Detroit and Josh Harrison still sitting on the open market, the Pirates have vacancies for both of their middle-infield spots. While Adam Frazier is seemingly in pole position for duties at the keystone, the battle between Newman and Gonzalez, an offseason pickup from the Indians, should prove to be the more competitive job battle. Heading into camp, Newman is probably behind Gonzalez in the pecking order after slashing just .209/.247/.231 in his first taste of the big leagues last season. Gonzalez, meanwhile, didn't receive many opportunities to play behind Francisco Lindor in Cleveland the past three seasons, but he's well regarded for his dynamic defense and owns a respectable .263 batting average at the MLB level.

Reynolds was outrighted to Triple-A Fresno on Thursday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Reynolds will head to Triple-A after passing through waivers untouched. Over parts of three major-league seasons (240 plate appearances), the 28-year-old owns a lackluster .223/.295/.340 slash line. Look for him to serve as organizational depth in 2019.

Reynolds was designated for assignment Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

The Nationals needed a 40-man roster spot for new addition Brian Dozier, and Reynolds wound up being the roster casualty. The 28-year-old spent little time in the big leagues last season and only holds a .635 OPS in 240 career major-league plate appearances, but he played every position besides pitcher and catcher in the minors. He figures to act as an organizational depth piece moving forward.

Rendon agreed to a one-year, $18.8 million contract with Washington on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rendon put together yet another solid year at the dish in 2018, hitting .308 with 24 homers and 92 RBI in 136 ballgames. He's belted 20 or more home runs and driven in 85 or more RBI in each of his previous three seasons, and he should have a good chance to do so again in 2019.

Senzel was invited to the Reds' major-league camp Wednesday.

Injuries held Senzel to just 44 games last season and likely delayed his big-league debut, though he certainly looked major-league ready, as he posted a strong .310/.378/.509 line for Triple-A Louisville. The second overall pick in the 2016 draft should have at least an outside shot to break camp on the major-league roster, but he's good enough and young enough that he's a candidate to be kept in the minors for at least a few weeks so that the Reds secure an extra year of team control. His ultimate defensive position remains unclear, and could involve a move to the outfield, so the "working on his defense" excuse may be more legitimate in his case than most.

Davis was traded from the Astros to the Mets with infielder Cody Bohanek for infielder Luis Santana, outfielder Ross Adolph and catcher Scott Manea on Sunday.

The 25-year-old spent time in both the majors and minors last season, but his numbers at Triple-A suggested he has gotten enough seasoning in the minors. Davis put up a .342/.406/.583 slash line, 17 home runs and 81 RBI with Fresno while seeing time at third base, first base, left field and right field. Davis could compete for a starting gig at one of the corner infield spots out of spring training. First base is a bit uncertain until Peter Alonso is ready for the majors and third base is occupied by a declining Todd Frazier.

The Pirates announced Saturday that Hayes would attend spring training with the big club, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

The top position prospect in the organization, Hayes slashed .293/.375/.444 with seven home runs and 12 steals across 508 plate appearances at Double-A Altoona last season while providing elite defense at the hot corner. While the invitation to big-league camp is a deserved reward for Hayes, he'll likely be ticketed for Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the campaign and is expected to spend most of 2019 in the minors.

The Dodgers dealt Farmer, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and $7 million to Cincinnati on Friday in exchange for Homer Bailey, Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Farmer will provide a little extra catching depth for the Reds behind Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali after playing in 59 big-league games over the past two years. During the 2018 campaign, Farmer went 16-for-68 (.235 average) with five extra-base hits and nine RBI. Don't expect him to get much playing time barring an injury to Barnhart.

Robinson was traded from the Rangers to the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for Patrick Wisdom.

Robinson split time between Triple-A Round Rock and the majors in 2018, hitting .303/.379/.569 in 53 games for the Express but struggling to a .183/.288/.294 line across 47 games with the Rangers. The 26-year-old should fill a utility role for the Cardinals while offering a left-handed bat off the bench.

Rivera was outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

The utility man hit just .173/.269/.216 across 111 games (160 plate appearances) with the Marlins in 2018.