MLB Player News

Manager Alex Cora said Devers will start at third base and hit third in Thursday's season opener against the Mariners, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Cora often challenged Devers this spring by slotting him into the three hole, and the youngster responded by slashing .385/.396/.558 with five extra-base hits and seven RBI in 19 games. With Steve Pearce (calf) -- the team's usual No. 3 hitter against southpaws -- set to open the season on the shelf, it sounds like Devers could hit third for the time being, at least when the matchup is right.

Olt was released by the Twins on Saturday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Olt failed to win even a spot on the Twins' Triple-A roster. As a 30-year-old who hasn't played in the majors since 2015, Olt is unlikely to play a significant role anywhere this season.

Manager Terry Francona said that he expects Ramirez (knee) will be ready to play Thursday in the Indians' Opening Day game against the Twins, the Associated Press reports.

Ramirez looked like he could be a candidate for the injured list after he was carted off the field in an exhibition game Sunday when he fouled a ball off his left knee. Fortunately for Ramirez, follow-up tests revealed that he was dealing with nothing more than a bruise, so after getting a few days off to rest, the 26-year-old looks like he'll be fine. Ramirez is slated to work out for the Indians on Wednesday, after which Francona could confirm the third baseman's availability for the opener.

Ramirez (knee) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition against the Rangers.

As anticipated, Ramirez will be withheld from the lineup for the Tribe's final spring game while he tends to a bruised left knee, but he remains a candidate to play Thursday in the Opening Day game in Minnesota. After fouling a ball off his left knee in Sunday's exhibition versus the White Sox, Ramirez resumed fielding grounders a day later and could get in some more on-field activity Tuesday.

Ramirez (knee) fielded groundballs Monday, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

According to Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal, manager Terry Francona said Ramirez is feeling better after fouling a ball off his knee during Sunday's game against the White Sox. The skipper also noted that the third baseman's presence on the field Monday bodes well for his status for Thursday's season-opener against the Twins, though he wouldn't commit to anything. Ramirez should be considered day-to-day.

Astudillo will break camp with the Twins, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Astudillo secured a spot on the team's Opening Day roster thanks to a strong spring; the 27-year-old hit .306/.314/.469 with a pair of homers in 16 games while displaying his versatility by playing around the diamond. He should fill a utility role during his time with the big club. In 29 games with the Twins last season, Astudillo hit .355/.371/.516 with three homers and 21 RBI.

Ramirez (knee) is not in the lineup for Monday's exhibition game against the Rangers.

Ramirez fouled a ball off his knee Sunday against the White Sox, and while X-rays revealed no signs of a fracture, he isn't quite ready to rejoin the lineup. It remains to be seen whether the issue will affect his status for Opening Day. Max Moroff is starting at the hot corner Monday.

Ramirez's X-ray on his knee revealed no signs of a fracture, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Ramirez fouled a ball off his knee Sunday against the White Sox and had to be carted off the field. He appears to have escaped serious injury, though his return timetable remains unclear. If he misses time to start the year, Max Moroff, Brad Miller and Eric Stamets would all be likely to start somewhere in the infield, with Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor each heading to the injured list with calf strains.

Ramirez was diagnosed with a left knee bruise after leaving Sunday's exhibition game and will undergo X-rays, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Ramirez was carted off the field Sunday after fouling a ball off his left knee and appeared to be in a significant amount of pain. The 26-year-old's status for the season opener Thursday is now in jeopardy while the severity of the injury is determined. The Indians' infield is already depleted as Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis are sidelined with calf strains.

Ramirez was removed from Sunday's spring game after fouling a ball off his knee, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Ramirez looked to be in a good amount of pain and ultimately needed to be carted off the field. While the severity of the injury remains unclear -- he'll be further evaluated in the coming days -- this is certainly a worrisome development for the stud third baseman, especially with Opening Day less than a week away. The Indians are already without Francisco Lindor (calf) and Jason Kipnis (calf) for the first day of action.