MLB Player News

Marlins manager Don Mattingly confirmed Wednesday that Anderson will open the season as the team's everyday third baseman after Martin Prado (knee) suffered a setback that will result in the veteran heading to the disabled list, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Prior to experienced renewed soreness in the back of his surgically repaired right knee during a workout Tuesday, Prado hadn't appeared in any Grapefruit League games and was always facing an uphill battle to be ready for Opening Day. Prado's setback should at least give Anderson a little more leash in the full-time role, which the 24-year-old may have been able to earn outright in any case due to his strong performance at the dish in spring training. Anderson has maintained a .400 on-base percentage through 14 Grapefruit League appearances and has notched five extra-base hits, including two home runs. Fantasy owners throwing a late-round dart on Anderson shouldn't expect much in terms of power, but the youngster offers a solid batting-average floor due to his line-drive tendencies and could be a better-than-expected source of runs if his on-base skills earn him a spot in the top half of the order.

Longoria (ankle) participated in fielding drills and took batting practice Tuesday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Due to a bout of ankle soreness, San Francisco withheld Longoria from the lineup for a few days as a precautionary measure. After Longoria participated in Tuesday's workout without any issues, the Giants plan on having him play in Wednesday's game against the Mariners. Over six games this spring, Longoria has gone 4-for-14 (.286) at the dish and drawn three walks.

McMahon has gone 16-for-45 (.356 average) with a home run, six doubles and six RBI through 17 Cactus League appearances.

Though McMahon entered camp as the frontrunner for the starting first-base gig, the possibility lingered that the Rockies could re-sign Mark Reynolds to handle the position if they weren't confident the rookie was up to the task. McMahon hasn't given the Rockies any reason to look outside the organization for first-base help, however, as he's hit for both power and average while striking out just six times. While Reynolds remains a free agent, the Rockies did recently re-sign longtime corner-outfield stud Carlos Gonzalez, which could result in Ian Desmond logging more time at first base with the Colorado outfield looking quite crowded. Even if Desmond ends up eating into McMahon's workload at first base, the 23-year-old's path to playing time won't necessarily become closed off. McMahon also has experience at second and third base, so he could move around on the diamond if DJ LeMahieu or Nolan Arenado ever require time off.

Muncy (oblique) was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

After he finishes recovering from his oblique injury, Muncy will likely play at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Muncy went 4-for-14 (.286) with two doubles and a triple for the Dodgers this spring. Muncy spent the entire 2017 season with Oklahoma City and compiled a .309/.414/.491 line over 110 games.

Anderson went 2-for-2 with a walk, a double, a home run, three runs scored and three RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

It's his second homer and third double of the spring, giving Anderson a robust .640 SLG through 13 games, but perhaps more impressive has been his 7:5 BB:K after he struck out 29.5 percent of the time in his big-league debut last year. Martin Prado (knee) is still expected to be healthy by Opening Day, but the veteran may have to settle for a bench role with the 24-year-old Anderson making a strong case for the starting job at third base.

Sosa was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.

Sosa played well for the Cardinals this spring, going 7-for-16 with three walks over 11 games. He'll head to Triple-A Memphis for the first time once the season begins. Sosa spent most of the 2017 season at High-A Palm Beach, hitting .285/.329/.347 over 51 games.

Asuaje went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's contest against the Indians.

Asuaje is batting .367 (11-for-30) with a homer and a steal this spring. His main competition, Cory Spangenberg, is performing equally well, and manager Andy Green hasn't shed light on who might have a leg up in the race up. If Asuaje were to win the job, he wouldn't be more than an empty batting average after hitting just four homers with no steals in 307 at-bats last season in the majors.

Senzel will make his third start of the spring at shortstop Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds are exposing Senzel to shortstop because they are more than happy with Eugenio Suarez at third base. There's a good chance Senzel reaches the majors this season and having a position other than third base to play will enable him to get consistent at-bats.

Longoria indicated Saturday he is battling left ankle joint soreness and is still considered day-to-day, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Longoria was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game with what was originally reported as a sore heel. Regardless, the injury doesn't appear severe as the 32-year-old said, "It's nothing to be nervous about...When I feel ready I'll play."

Longoria was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game with a sore heel, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Longoria should be considered day-to-day and could be back in the lineup later this weekend, though the team may choose to give him a couple days off to rest. The third baseman is coming off a 2017 campaign where he slashed .261/.313/.424 with 20 home runs and 86 RBI with Tampa Bay. He was replaced by Pablo Sandoval in Friday's lineup.