MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker confirmed Monday that Toro (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Though Toro remains away from the team as he completes a quarantine period due to contact-tracing concerns, that likely didn't play a factor in his omission from the Opening Day roster. Instead, the Astros likely determined that the 24-year-old third baseman would be best off playing regularly at minor-league camp, rather than serving as a lightly-used backup to Alex Bregman. Toro's demotion leaves Aledmys Diaz (hamstring) and Robel Garcia as the utility men on Houston's Opening Day roster.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Toro is away from the team due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Baker said he's hopeful that Toro will be able to rejoin the team within a couple days, so for now, the third baseman looks like he's on track for Opening Day. If Houston elects to carry Toro on the 26-man active roster to begin the season, he'll likely be in store for limited reps as a backup at either corner-infield spot.

General manager Mike Elias said Saturday that Urias and Pat Valaika are the primary candidates to start at second base, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The pair appeared to be battling for a utility role during spring training, but expected starter at second base Yolmer Sanchez was designated for assignment on Saturday, opening the path to a starting gig. Urias made his big-league debut last season and performed well in a small sample size, going 9-for-25 with one homer and two doubles in 10 games. Urias and Valaika could begin the season splitting time at the keystone for the Orioles.

Moncada (leg) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring game against the Rockies, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada left Friday's game shortly after fouling a ball off his leg but will be back in action just one day later. The issue shouldn't impact the third baseman's availability for Opening Day.

Astudillo appears set to begin the season on the major-league roster after the Twins sent several utility infielders to the minors, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Astudillo is hitting .309 (12-for-34) with three home runs this spring.

Astudillo will work in a utility role in which he can serve as a third catcher and also play third base, second base and left field. It wasn't clear if he'd make the 26-man roster since he doesn't have a strong glove at most positions, but the Twins sent most of the better fielding utility candidates to the minors. Astudillo could have value in deeper leagues since his bat should be above average for a catcher.

Moncada exited Friday's spring game against the Brewers prior to the bottom of the sixth inning, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada fouled a ball off his right leg in the top of the sixth frame Friday and was visited by a trainer, but he was able to stay in the game and hit a home run on the next pitch. It's not yet clear whether his departure was due to injury, but his status could be worth monitoring in the coming days. Prior to leaving the game, Moncada went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and one strikeout.

Paredes was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday.

Paredes was thought to be in the mix for a starting role despite hitting .220/.278/.290 in his 34-game debut last season, but his .435 spring OPS didn't exactly help his case. His demotion could open up starts for non-roster invitee Renato Nunez, though the team could also turn to utility players Harold Castro or Niko Goodrum.

Jung underwent surgery Monday to place a screw into the top of his left foot to aid in healing a stress fracture, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung will return to Arizona on Thursday and will remain there for minor-league spring training. He's expected to miss at least six weeks.

Candelario is batting .353 with an .807 OPS across 14 Grapefruit League games.

Candelario doesn't have a ton of counting stats with just two runs scored, an RBI and no home runs, but it's still been a solid spring. The 27-year-old should be the regular first baseman for the Tigers this season, with Renato Nunez and potentially Miguel Cabrera picking up some starts when Candelario rests.

Entering play Monday, Ramirez has gone 8-for-29 with two doubles and two stolen bases in as many attempts.

The home-run production isn't there yet for Ramirez this spring, but his continued involvement on the basepaths is an encouraging sight with stolen bases seemingly becoming increasingly rare MLB-wide every year. Though his batting average has been highly volatile in recent seasons, Ramirez's track record of durability, prime lineup placement and power/speed combination makes him a fine selection in the first round or early second round of fantasy drafts.