MLB Player News

Toro entered Thursday's game after Jose Altuve left with a knee injury. He went 0-for-3 with a run scored in an 8-4 win over Texas.

After Altuve departed, Aledmys Diaz moved from third to second base while Toro manned the hot corner. That could be the arrangement until Altuve returns or Alex Bregman (hamstring) is ready to play. Altuve's status is unknown pending an MRI. Toro, who had a three-game hit streak snapped, is batting .159 (10-for-63) with three home runs and seven RBI.

Urshela went 2-for-3 with two walks, one RBI and one run scored Thursday against the Mets.

Urshela reached base four times in total and has now collected at least one hit in five of his last six contests. He's hit the ball well consistently this season, maintaining a .272/.358/.515 line to go along with six home runs, 23 RBI and 18 runs scored across 120 plate appearances.

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.

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.