MLB Player News

Toro started at third base and went 0-for-2 in Sunday's spring game against the Marlins.

Toro slotted in for the injured Alex Bregman (hamstring) in the spring opener for both teams. Bregman has been dealing with a sore hamstring and limited to hitting during workouts. The injury is not considered serious, and his absence from the lineup Sunday was expected. Toro appears to be the top fill-in at the hot corner, but he's been working to develop defensively at first base and left field during camp.

Burger started at third base and went 0-for-3 in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers.

This was Burger's first game action since Feb. 2018, when he ruptured his left Achilles. The 2017 first-round draft pick then missed 2019 with a second Achilles injury and didn't play during 2020. Burger filled in at third base for Yoan Moncada (arm) and is reportedly in the mix for designated hitter, though it would seem he needs work in the minors after a three-year layoff.

Moncada (arm) went 0-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers.

Moncada's experiencing soreness in his arm that's preventing him from playing the field, but he did work as the designated hitter in the Cactus League opener. And his legs appear fine as he reached on a fielder's choice, then stole a base and came home on Adam Engel's two-run home run.

Astudillo started at third base and went 1-for-2 in the Twins' spring training opener Sunday against Boston.

Astudillo will compete for a utility role in which he can serve as a third catcher and also play third base, second base and left field. It's not clear if the Twins will need a third catcher and the team has other utility options to consider that are better with the glove, so he may be on the roster bubble until late in spring training.

Candelario went 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Candelario started at third base in this one, but Isaac Paredes, who has been delayed this spring by visa issues, is likely to get regular playing time there moving forward. That could push Candelario over to first, where Renato Nunez will also be competing for at-bats. Candelario had a solid 2020 campaign, posting a career-best .872 OPS in 52 games, so he should play regularly no matter where he finds himself defensively.

Paredes won't be available for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies while he waits to pass a physical, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After his arrival to spring training was delayed by visa issues, Paredes wasn't scheduled to start in Sunday's spring opener, but the 22-year-old has at least completed his COVID-19 intake testing. Passing the physical should merely be a formality for Paredes, who could be ready to play as soon as Monday's game against the Yankees.

Moncada (arm) will bat second as the designated hitter in Sunday's spring opener against the Brewers, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 25-year-old has been limited at the start of camp due to arm soreness, but he's still able to hit with no issues. Manager Tony La Russa previously said Moncada was set to resume throwing and could be playing the field early this week, so he should be back on the field at full strength in the near future.

Bregman (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman's absence for the Astros' spring opener was fully expected, as the 26-year-old has yet to take part in fielding work during workouts while managing a hamstring injury. The issue is believed to be a minor concern, given that Bregman has been able to take batting practice in recent days.

Moncada (arm) won't take the field in Saturday's intrasquad contest but will serve as a designated hitter, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Moncada came into camp limited by a bit of arm soreness, but the issue doesn't appear to be a particularly serious one. He'll be able to hit Saturday and could take the field as soon as Sunday or Monday.

Lewis underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lewis was diagnosed with a torn ACL during intake testing Wednesday, and he's now expected to face a recovery timeline between nine and 12 months following his successful surgery. He'll spend some time in Minnesota before heading back to Fort Myers to begin his rehab process.