MLB Player News

The Twins reinstated Astudillo from the COVID-19 injured list and optioned him to their alternate training site Tuesday.

The move was merely procedural, as Astudillo reported to the Twins' alternate site nearly three weeks ago after receiving full clearance following a positive COVID-19 test prior to summer camp. Should either of Minnesota's top two catchers (Mitch Garver and Alex Avila) miss time at any point, Astudillo would likely be at the top of the list for a promotion to the big club.

Moncada (undisclosed) won't start in Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

Moncada has been nursing general soreness for about a week, so manager Rick Renteria has elected to give the 25-year-old his second breather of the season with the White Sox and Tigers wrapping up their series with a day game after a night game. Ryan Goins will man third base in Moncada's stead and bat ninth in the Chicago lineup. Moncada should be back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals, assuming that series isn't postponed due to several St. Louis players and staff members having tested positive for COVID-19 within the past two weeks.

Bregman went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and three walks in Tuesday's loss to the Giants.

Bregman's numbers have not been on the same level as last season, where he was a legitimate AL MVP candidate, but the star third baseman has been extremely consistent -- he has recorded at least one hit in all but three games in 2020. He is hitting .232 but owns an excellent .346 on-base percentage in his first 17 games.

Rendon went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's victory over the Athletics.

For the second consecutive contest, Rendon produced a pair of hits -- including a home run -- following a six-game hitless streak that saw his average plummet to .103. The slugger has raised his average 71 points by notching four hits in his last seven at-bats, and he has also collected three walks and three RBI over the last two games.

Moncada may not be in the lineup Wednesday since he's been battling soreness for about a week, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old has started the past 15 games at third base and went 0-for-5 Tuesday, ending a modest eight-game hit streak. It doesn't appear to be a serious concern, so Moncada shouldn't be out long, assuming he's held out of Wednesday's starting nine.

Devers (ankle) isn't in the lineup Tuesday against the Rays, but he hit in the cage, did some running and fielded grounders, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 23-year-old is absent from the lineup for the second straight contest due to a sore ankle, but he was feeling "way better" after Tuesday's workout, per manager Ron Roenicke. The skipper didn't indicate whether Devers was likely to return to action for Wednesday's contest, but he's clearly trending in the right direction.

Vargas was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Twins on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Vargas was designated for assignment by Arizona on Thursday, but he'll find a new home with the Twins via trade. The 29-year-old hit .150 with two runs and five strikeouts over 20 at-bats this season and should serve as infield depth in Minnesota.

Devers (ankle) isn't in the lineup Tuesday against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Devers tweaked his ankle Sunday and was expected to miss his second straight contest Tuesday, and he'll be replaced by Jonathan Arauz in the lineup once again. The 23-year-old is expected to meet with the medical staff Tuesday, and a better idea of his return timeline could come into focus afterward.

Rendon went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, three runs scored and two walks in Monday's win over the Athletics.

Rendon blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the first and that would set the tone for the rest of his night, as he reached base four times while crossing home plate thrice. This was a much-needed performance for the slugging third baseman, who was stuck in a 0-for-19 slump prior to Monday's contest.

Chapman went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a triple, six RBI and three runs scored in Monday's loss against the Angels.

Chapman has been on an absolute tear of late and has posted four straight multi-hit performances while going deep in three consecutive games. The star third baseman has a 1.316 slugging percentage in those four games while racking up four homers, two doubles, one triple and 10 RBI.