MLB Player News

According to his manager, Donaldson (calf) is "moving around pretty good" and not far off from making his spring debut, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports.

Donaldson has been hitting outside, long tossing and taking ground balls, but must try running before playing in Grapefruit League games. That hasn't happened yet, but the Jays are encouraged by the third baseman's progress. At this point, his status for Opening Day doesn't appear to be a concern.

Manager Terry Francona hinted Ramirez will hit fifth, behind Edwin Encarnacion, in the batting order, Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer reports.

Francona says it's too early for him to establish a definitive lineup, but the Tribe manager is thinking about it. The skipper has penciled in Encarnacion as the No. 4 hitter, replacing the departed Mike Napoli, and said their new slugger needs to be protected. He elaborated, "Jose [Ramirez] did a great job behind Nap last season," indicating Ramirez will once again hit fifth. The Tribe's switch-hitting third baseman batted .312 versus right-handers and .311 against southpaws, producing a .355 batting average with runners in scoring position. The 24-year-old Ramirez dropped 11 home runs with 76 RBI and finished second in the league with 46 doubles.

Donaldson (calf) is "very happy" with his progression from a calf strain and "way better" than last week, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet Canada reports.

It's great news to hear Donaldson talk positively about his recovery. The three-time All-Star has been gradually increasing his workload throughout camp and will likely aim to begin running within the coming week. "The fact is we're trying to give it some time to heal up and make sure we're not rushing it at this point," he said. There's still plenty of spring left, so expect Donaldson to receive ample Grapefruit League playing time upon his return.

Chapman was a late scratch from Saturday's Cactus League game after he cracked his toenail on a chair, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Manager Bob Melvin took Chapman out as a precaution, so it's safe to consider him day-to-day. The 23-year-old has one hit in 10 at-bats this spring after slugging 29 home runs at Double-A Midland last season. Expect to see him back in the lineup soon.

Moustakas (knee) is expected to make his Cactus League debut at third base Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas, who underwent ACL surgery last July, has been eased back into team workouts this spring and now will finally get his shot on the field. He appeared in just 27 games last season, hitting seven home runs before suffering his season-ending injury. Manager Ned Yost has reiterated that Moustakas will be completely ready by Opening Day, and Tuesday seems to be a major step in that process.

Moncada hit a single and an RBI triple and scored a run in Friday's game against the Padres. He also struck out twice.

Moncada showed off his speed in beating out the triple and later scored from second on a Jose Abreu single. The performance, coming after the White Sox announced the release of second baseman Brett Lawrie, could lead to speculation about the organization's top prospect opening the season as Chicago's starting second baseman. However, general manager Rick Hahn reiterated to the Chicago Tribune that Moncada will open the season in the minors. He still needs some polish as evidenced by his seven strikeouts in 12 spring at-bats.

Longoria went 2-for-3 in Friday's 5-2 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers.

The veteran slugger, coming off a career-high 36 home runs in 2016, has quietly been swinging the bat well this spring. Factoring in Friday's pair of singles, Longoria is hitting .500 (4-for-8) with one RBI over the three games he's seen action in.

Segura will replace Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) on the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic roster, according to Dominican general manager Moises Alou, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports.

Ramirez's absence will be a precaution heading into the season. Segura, meanwhile, will have less time in camp to work with his new Mariners club, but he gives the Dominican squad a more versatile infielder than Han-Ram. It's an unexpected disruption to Segura's first spring with Seattle, though the leadoff candidate remains a sensible starting shortstop or second baseman for any eligible fantasy owner.

Donaldson (calf) took ground balls Wednesday and participated in batting practice earlier in the week, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The veteran's workouts are encouraging and suggest that he may not be sidelined much longer. Donaldson can probably get by with only a few weeks of spring action to mold himself into game shape, and, unless something changes before draft day, he should remain a first-round candidate in mixed fantasy drafts.

Urshela is 2-for-5 with a strikeout through his first four Cactus League games.

Despite hitting .308 with five homers and 12 RBI during last year's spring training, the Indians decided to let Urshela incubate in Triple-A for the entirety of 2016. Urshela will join Team Columbia at this month's World Baseball Classic, and his performance in the tournament could determine his fate with the Indians.