MLB Player News

Astudillo went 2-for-2 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs Sunday against Cleveland.

Astudillo kicked off the scoring in the second inning with an RBI double and tacked on an insurance run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to center. After being kept on the bench for the first two games of the season, Astudillo made the most of his opportunities in his 2019 debut.

Duffy will be out for six more weeks with hamstring and back injuries, Rodney Page of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy had been dealing with an unreported minor back issue, but the problem has worsened in recent days and complicated his recovery from a strained left hamstring. He's now set to return in mid-May. Yandy Diaz and Daniel Robertson have received the starts at third base in the Rays' first four games.

Bregman went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Rays.

He took Tyler Glasnow deep in the first inning for his first homer of 2019, but the Tampa pitching staff clamped down after that. The 25-year-old got the start at shortstop in this one, and if Carlos Correa's neck issues continue to linger, Bregman could quickly retain his dual 3B-SS eligibility.

Moncada went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 8-6 loss to the Royals.

Moncada has four hits over the first two games and hasn't struck out yet, which is notable for the 2018 AL strikeout leader. The White Sox's newest third baseman has continued the torrid hitting pace he established in spring training, when he posted a .358 average and 1.110 OPS. Moncada adopted a more aggressive approach at the plate during the offseason and it's paid off early.

Candelario went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays.

It was a day to forget for Candelario, who left three runners on base and failed to produce in the cleanup spot. The 25-year-old struck out 25.8 percent of the time last season, and if he doesn't make strides in that area in 2019, he'll have a hard time improving upon his .224 batting average from 2018.

LeMahieu will start at third base and bat ninth Saturday against the Orioles, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The longtime Rockies second baseman will make his Yankees debut on the left side of the infield, resulting in Miguel Andujar shifting over to designated hitter while Greg Bird exits the lineup. LeMahieu has been training at all four infield spots this spring in preparation for a utility role that should afford him at least a couple starts per week when the team is at full strength.

Chapman went 2-for-4 with a double and a run in a loss to the Angels on Friday.

Chapman has now hit safely in three of the season's first four games, with Friday serving as his second multi-hit effort. The 25-year-old looks ready to bring his offensive game up to the same level as his elite glove work if his hot start to the season and strong spring at the plate are reliable indicators, and his spot near the top of the order should continue affording him plenty of opportunities with the bat.

Devers, who batted third on Opening Day, was dropped to sixth for Friday's game, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

With Boston facing a second straight left-handed starter, this looks like a demotion for Devers, who went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts and three left on base Thursday. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged that Devers will bat lower against left-handers but will still hit third against right-handers going forward. "I told him, 'this is nothing against you. It's just the way we might go with all the righties we have,'" said Cora. J.D. Martinez batted third Friday, but eventually it will be Steve Pearce (calf) against lefties.

Ramirez (knee) will start at third base and bat second Thursday in the Indians' Opening Day game against the Twins, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Ramirez suffered a major scare Sunday when he was carted off the field in an exhibition game after fouling a ball off his knee, but he was fortunate to escape with nothing more than a contusion. After testing out his knee with fielding drills over the past few days, he'll be able to man his usual spot at third base rather than having to slot in as the Tribe's designated hitter. Those who invested an early draft selection in Ramirez can rest easy and insert him into fantasy lineups without any reservations this week.

The Rays placed Duffy (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

The transaction was merely a formality as the Rays finalized their active roster ahead of Thursday's season opener versus the Astros. Duffy remains in the midst of a two-week shutdown period, which the Rays hope will be sufficient maintenance time as he looks to overcome the strained left hamstring that has troubled him off and on during the spring. An exact timeline for his return from the IL probably won't be established until he's able to play in simulated or minor-league rehab games.