Newman could be one of the first position players Pittsburgh recalls when it needs infield help, general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Speaking on his weekly radio show, Huntington said that Newman successfully handled a crash course at second base when it looked as though starter Josh Harrison might miss an extended period of time. Newman is slashing .313/.353/.391 with one homer and 13 stolen bases in 192 Triple-A at-bats. The 2015 first-round draft pick has the potential to help fantasy teams with his batting average, but holds just a career .725 OPS in four minor-league seasons.

Newman was sent down to minor-league camp Thursday, David Adler of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newman went 5-for-19 with two RBI and three stolen bases in 12 spring training games. He's expected to begin the season with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Newman has played spring games at second base in addition to seeing time at shortstop, the 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."

EDGE Analysis

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.

The Pirates announced Monday that Newman would join the major-league squad spring training as a non-roster invitee, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In addition to Newman, fellow shortstop prospect Cole Tucker (hand) will also work out with the big club this spring, though neither is a serious candidate to make the Opening Day roster. Tucker probably offers more long-term fantasy upside of the two shortstops due to his base-stealing ability and projectable power, though Newman boasts a better hit tool. Newman slashed .283/.314/.373 across 178 plate appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis following a July promotion and is expected to open the 2018 season in the International League.

Newman was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The first-round draft pick (2015) didn't overwhelm anyone with the bat at Double-A this season, as his slash line was just .259/.310/.359. Newman was heralded as a solid middle infield prospect after mashing at the lower levels of the minor leagues, but his prospect shine has faded a bit after showing little power and posting a rough batting average in a repeat of the Double-A level.

Newman (forehead) is back in action for Double-A Altoona. He is hitting .261/.328/.353 with one home run and zero steals on one attempt.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates' potential shortstop of the future was hit in the head by a 94 mph fastball on May 10, but was back in the lineup on May 12 after showing no concussion symptoms. This has been a disappointing start to the season for the 23-year-old, as he was expected to have his way with Double-A pitching in a return trip to the Eastern League. He also has not yet shown any sign that more power is coming.

Double-A Altoona manager Michael Ryan said that Newman was diagnosed with a forehead contusion after the infielder exited Wednesday's game upon being struck with a fastball.

EDGE Analysis

Newman is experiencing no concussion symptoms and is being viewed as day-to-day, a welcome outcome considering the scary nature of the incident. The 23-year-old shortstop, who is one of the top position prospects in the organization, is hitting .267/.336/.371 with one homer and no steals across 116 plate appearances on the season.

Newman left Wednesday's game for Double-A Altoona after getting hit in the head with a 94 mph fastball, Baseball America's Kyle Glaser reports.

EDGE Analysis

He went down on one knee after getting hit by the pitch, but was able to walk off the field under his own power. It is not surprising that he was lifted, given the nature of the injury. He will likely go through concussion tests, and should be considered day-to-day for now. It had not been an impressive start to the campaign for Newman, who was slashing .267/.330/.371 with one home run in 116 plate appearances entering play Wednesday. He has now been roughly a league average hitter in 86 games at Double-A, most of them coming after his 23rd birthday.

Newman, 23, is hitting .260/.327/.350 with one home run and seven RBI through 24 games for Double-A Altoona.

EDGE Analysis

Newman certainly showed he could handle the bat in 2016, hitting .366 at High-A before ending the season at Double-A. He has returned to the same level with mixed results. While he has an advanced approach at the dish, he managed just five home runs and 10 steals last year. As a result, he may not prove much of a fantasy asset.

The Pirates assigned Newman to minor league camp Monday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We are excited about where he is," GM Neal Huntington said. "And we are looking forward to his continued growth and development offensively and defensively. We gave him some things to work on."

EDGE Analysis

Newman, who hit .389 in 17 spring at-bats, will likely start 2017 with Triple-A Indianapolis. Pittsburgh's No. 1 pick in 2015, the infielder could make his major league debut this summer. He's shown an ability to hit for average (.295/.362/.396) in the minors and projects as Jordy Mercer's heir apparent at shortstop. Mercer may leave Pittsburgh when he becomes a free agent after 2018, but even if he stays then Newman could slide over to second base.