MLB Player News

Moncada said that his body "hasn't felt the same" since having COVID-19 in mid-July, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada was able to produce a negative test ahead of opening day, but continues to feel the effects of contracting the virus, saying he feels a "lack of energy, strength." The third-baseman, who is also continuing to deal with leg soreness, is hitting .248/.338/.421 on the campaign. While those numbers are nothing to scoff at, it's worth noting that the post-virus effects could be part of the reason that he's seen a drop-off in production from last season.

Madrigal isn't in Thursday's lineup against the Royals.

Madrigal is riding a five-game hitting streak since returning from the injured list, but he'll get a breather for the series opener against Kansas City. Danny Mendick will start at second base.

Bregman (hamstring) took batting practice Thursday and is close to coming off the injured list, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

According to Kaplan, Bregman said he is 100 percent healthy, so his activation should come any day now. He also did some running and fielding Wednesday, with his hamstring apparently responding well to the activity. Aledmys Diaz will act as Houston's primary third baseman until Bregman is deemed ready to go.

Donaldson went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI during Wednesday's victory over the White Sox.

Donaldson, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the White Sox, wasted no time in contributing to his team's win, knocking in a two-run double off Reynaldo Lopez in the second inning. The 34-year-old third baseman missed the month of August with a strained right calf and should continue to make an immediate impact on Minnesota's lineup.

Vargas was designated for assignment by the Twins on Wednesday.

Vargas will be removed from the 40-man roster after Josh Donaldson (calf) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. However, the Twins are hopeful that he'll clear waivers and remain in the organization. The 29-year-old saw inconsistent playing time while on Minnesota's 28-man roster, hitting .227 with a double and two RBI over 10 games.

Donaldson (calf) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and is starting Wednesday against the White Sox.

Donaldson's return puts the Twins' lineup back at full strength after he missed all of August with a sore right calf. He'll start at third base in his first game back with the team, batting second. Ildemaro Vargas was designated for assignment to make room for Donaldson on the active roster.

Moncada (upper leg) is starting Wednesday against the Twins.

Moncada missed three consecutive games after aggravating an upper leg injury Saturday, but he'll be back in action Wednesday. Over his past three games, Moncada went 4-for-11 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs while striking out twice.

LeMahieu went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Rays.

He gave the Yankees an early 2-0 lead by taking Trevor Richards deep in the first and third innings. LeMahieu has hit safely in five straight games since coming off the injured list, boosting his slash line on the year to a stunning .402/.444/.587 with four homers, 10 RBI and 19 runs through 24 games. If he avoids another IL stint in September and can stay hot, he could take a run at baseball's first .400 campaign since Ted Williams in 1941 -- although the achievement would obviously come with a giant asterisk given the nature of the 2020 season.

Toro went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Rangers.

Toro started at third base as the Astros continue to help the Astros manage the absence of Alex Bregman (hamstring). Recent reports indicate Bregman's rehab is progressing and he could be activated on the upcoming 10-game road trip that begins Friday, meaning Toro's current playing time window is likely closing soon.

Ramirez went 2-for-3 with a home run, two walks, two RBI and a run scored Tuesday against the Tigers.

Ramirez reached base in each of his last four plate appearances. He delivered an RBI single in the sixth inning and went yard two innings later to record his eighth homer of the season. Ramirez now has hits in six of his last seven games, during which he's recorded three home runs, six RBI and eight runs scored. Overall, he's hitting .257/.360/.491 with 28 runs scored, 24 RBI and eight steals across 164 plate appearances.