MLB Player News

McMahon received an invite to big league camp for spring training.

McMahon started 2016 off very poorly, resulting in a .242 average over 534 plate appearances with Double-A Hartford, though he did manage to get things going towards the end of the season. Perhaps his most significant problem was going down on strikes, which he did 30.1 percent of the time over the course of the season. The 22-year-old isn't really a candidate for a spot on the major league roster, but spring training will provide a good opportunity to get a look at McMahon against some tough competition.

Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports.

The 25-year-old will fill a depth need within the organization -- he's not a contender for a significant major league role. Astudillo hit .267/.293/.332 with the Braves' Double-A Mississippi affiliate last season while playing mostly behind the plate. He also made eight appearances at first base and two in right field.

Rendon and the Nationals avoided arbitration Friday with a one-year, $5.8 million deal, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Rendon bounced back from a disappointing 2015 season with a solid .270/.348/.450 line and 20 home runs in 2016. He'll get a $3 million raise for that uptick, but the best could be yet to come for the 26-year-old.

Arenado agreed to a two-year, $29.5 million deal with the Rockies on Friday, avoiding arbitration, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reports.

He will receive $11.75 million in 2017 and $17.75 million in 2018 and will have one more arbitration-eligible year in 2019 before becoming a free agent after the 2019 season. Arenado was never in danger of leaving Colorado, so his long-term fantasy value does not change as a result of this two-year deal. He enters the year as a clear first-round fantasy talent.

Asche was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Friday.

Asche's stock fell after yet another disappointing season at the major league level, as his .213/.284/.350 slash line led to him being usurped of a regular role in the big leagues. The 26-year-old was expected to be non-tendered anyway, so it seems his time in the organization is nearing its close. One thing he does have going for him is defensive versatility, as he has experience in the corner outfield spots and at the hot corner, although this will likely only put his ceiling to that of a major league reserve.

Sosa was added to the Cardinals' 40-man roster Friday.

The 20-year-old shortstop won't be an option for the major league team anytime soon -- he just advanced to the High-A level late in 2016 -- but he had to be added to the 40-man roster for Rule 5 protection. Sosa has hit at a nice clip in the minors but doesn't pack much power, and at 5-foot-11, he doesn't project to add a whole lot in time.

Noriega signed a minor league contract with the Brewers on Monday.

Noriega's bat has been shaky at best during his tenure in the minor leagues, so he'll likely just act as organizational depth for Milwaukee.

Asuaje has started a stint in the Dominican Winter League, the Padres' official site reports.

With little left to prove at Triple-A, Asuaje will get an opportunity to compete for an Opening Day roster spot during spring training. Second base is currently crowded with the emergence of Ryan Schimpf in 2016 and the expected return of Cory Spangenberg from a quad injury. Asuaje has appeal as a utility option, however, as he can play at least three positions capably and serve as a left-handed bat off the bench for manager Andy Green.

LeMahieu is out of the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.

The Rockies will hold LeMahieu out during the season finale in order to protect his .348 average on the season, which will allow him to claim the NL batting title by a narrow margin over injured Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (glute). Pat Valaika will man second base with LeMahieu sitting out.

Rendon is not in the lineup for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Rendon had previously started 12 straight games but will get the day off Sunday as the Nationals prepare for their opening playoff game against the Dodgers on Friday. Stephen Drew will replace him at third base for the finale, batting fifth for the Nationals.