Neuse will have a chance to compete for playing time at the corner infield spots this spring, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "He looks great," manager Mark Kotsay said. "Last year, he had time with the Dodgers and on that roster, I think he was utilized in the way that we probably would like to have that opportunity for him. But he's got to earn that spot."
Neuse appeared in 33 games in Los Angeles, and although his .169/.182/.323 slash line left plenty to be desired, he did display some welcome defensive versatility by logging time at second base, third base, left field and right field. The 27-year-old, who also has five games of minor-league experience at first base, will have no shortage of opportunity to earn playing time both there and at third base, which are wide open with the trade departures of Matt Olson and Matt Chapman, respectively. Neuse also has offered some encouraging early signs with his bat, as he hit well to all fields during Thursday's batting practice session and launched one ball over the left-field scoreboard and completely out of Hohokam Stadium.