MLB Player News

Bregman (hamstring) said he feels "90 percent" healthy, but it's unclear when he's expected to make his spring debut, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the hamstring injury while working out in January, but he's been a full participant in pregame work and is also taking live batting practice. Bregman indicates he'll be ready in time for Opening Day, and it's no surprise to see the Astros exercising caution with their star third baseman early in camp.

Ramirez is away from the team after violating COVID-19 protocols, and he'll need to pass through the testing procedures before returning to the club, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Ramirez and teammate Franmil Reyes both violated the league's protocols and were subsequently sent home. It's unclear when either player will be cleared to rejoin the team.

Chapman, who played his first game of spring in the field Friday, reported no physical setbacks after making a diving stab of a groundball in the second inning, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

The two-time Platinum Glove winner looked like he hadn't missed a beat when he dove to his right to snag the Angels' Kurt Suzuki's grounder, hopped quickly to his feet and cut down the veteran catcher at first with a strong one-hop throw. The sequence held a bit more weight than a run-of-the-mill early spring training play, considering Chapman's offseason hip surgery and how critical his defense is to the Athletics' fortunes. "He really takes pride in it," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "A lot of guys concentrate more on the bat. But defense is his calling card, even though he's a terrific offensive player, too."

Bregman (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Saturday's spring game against the Mets, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Bregman's hamstring injury has prevented him from seeing any action this spring, and his status will not change Saturday. The Astros will have a day off after their next game Sunday, so it seems likely Bregman's spring debut will not come until at least sometime next week.

Rendon didn't play in Friday's exhibition contest against Oakland, and the Angels plan to take it slowly with him early in the spring due to a recent issue with general soreness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The organization doesn't appear to be concerned about the soreness Rendon felt at the start of spring training, and manager Joe Maddon emphasized Friday that the star third baseman is not injured. He'll likely ramp up as the spring continues and should be full go by Opening Day.

Chapman will bat cleanup and play third base Friday against the Angels, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Chapman has only faced slight limitations to start camp as he works his way back from September hip surgery. He's already played in two Cactus League games, though he was limited to designated hitter duties in both. He'll take the field with just shy of four weeks remaining until Opening Day, and it's expected he'll be up to full speed by the start of the regular season.

Urshela (elbow) will start at third base and will bat second Thursday in the Yankees' Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier in the week that Urshela would make his spring debut Thursday, but it wasn't certain whether the 29-year-old would play the field or serve as the team's designated hitter. With Urshela now confirmed to be playing the field, the Yankees evidently have no concerns about his right elbow coming off arthroscopic surgery in December. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, interim skipper Carlos Mendoza said that he expects Urshela to get two at-bats Thursday before leaving the contest.

Madrigal (shoulder) is expected to make his Cactus League debut against the Dodgers on Monday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Madrigal was expected to return to action in early March after undergoing shoulder surgery during the offseason. He's on track to do so, as manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday that he's currently penciled in to start Monday. Barring any setbacks, Madrigal will have several weeks to ramp up his conditioning ahead of Opening Day.

Chapman could play third base during Friday's Cactus League matchup if he feels good after Wednesday's game, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman will serve as the designated hitter once again during Wednesday's matchup against the Rockies as the team continues to ease him back into action following offseason hip surgery. Assuming he checks out fine after Wednesday's game, he's expected to make his defensive debut after Thursday's off day. The 27-year-old has gone 1-for-3 with a double and one strikeout to begin Cactus League play.

Rendon (undisclosed) is starting Wednesday's Cactus League matchup against the Rangers.

Rendon was held out of the first few spring games of the season due to what was described as "soreness," but he'll play third base and bat fourth against Texas on Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, the 30-year-old should still have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day following his brief absence.