MLB Player News

Lewis (oblique) took batting practice Saturday, noting afterward that he felt no lingering soreness, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Lewis backed up his optimism about his own health by hitting off a tee in the cage after the BP session. With Lewis having resumed swinging a day after taking fielding drills, he looks to have just about moved past the strained oblique that surfaced just over two weeks earlier. It's possible that he'll re-enter the Twins' Grapefruit League lineup at some point within the next week, though an assignment to minor-league camp may come beforehand.

Duffy was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles after he experienced renewed soreness in his hamstring while running the bases Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

The Rays have now scratched Duffy on two occasions this spring on account of the persistent hamstring issue, delaying the infielder's Grapefruit League debut. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Duffy said Saturday that he didn't feel his latest setback was a significant one, but he nonetheless acknowledged the possibility that he might not be ready to go for Opening Day. The Rays should have a better read on that front based on how Duffy progresses during the upcoming week, but if he's forced to open the campaign on the injured list, more starts could open up for the likes of Daniel Robertson and Brandon Lowe.

Chapman hit his first home run of spring, a fifth-inning solo shot off Mark Melancon, in a 5-1 Cactus League win over the Giants on Thursday. He finished 2-for-3 with a walk overall.

Chapman also started at third base in the contest as he continues to work all the way back from December shoulder surgery. The 25-year-old complemented his elite defense with considerably improved offensive numbers last season, slashing .278/.356/.508 with 24 home runs and a whopping 72 extra-base hits overall. Seemingly on his way to stardom with both the bat and glove, Chapman remains a coveted fantasy asset across all formats entering 2019.

Lewis (oblique) has started to take balls in the infield, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lewis suffered an oblique strain in late February. He's still technically in big-league camp, but he's unlikely to appear in a major-league spring game. He still has plenty of time before the minor-league season begins to get over this issue, but it's worth monitoring since a setback could sidetrack his season.

Bregman (back) is listed on the travel roster for Saturday's game and is expected to play against the Cardinals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bregman left Wednesday's game with a stiff back and hasn't played since. Manager AJ Hinch said he could have played Friday but decided it wasn't worth the risk.

LeMahieu is expected to see game action at first base sometime next week, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Lemahieu projects as a super-utility man for the Yankees this season, so it's unsurprising to see him getting time at first base -- although he could open the campaign as the starting second baseman while Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery, if the Yankees elect to use Gleyber Torres at shortstop. After slashing .276/.321/.428 with 15 homers and 62 RBI in 128 games with the Rockies last season, New York will likely try to get LeMahieu's bat in the lineup early and often.

Bregman (back) is out of Friday's lineup against the Cardinals.

He exited Wednesday's game with a stiff back and will now be held out of the lineup for the second day in a row. It is slightly concerning that Bregman is not back in the lineup Friday, as manager AJ Hinch said he expected his star third baseman to only need one day off (Thursday).

Duffy (hamstring) said he passed all testing and is cleared for a return to the lineup Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy resumed running the bases over the last few days and his full re-examination Friday was the final hurdle for his return. The 28-year-old has been sidelined with a sore hamstring since last Saturday, but barring any setbacks should be set to go for Opening Day.

Duffy (hamstring) said he expects to rejoin the Rays' lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy ran the bases without any discomfort Wednesday and will do so again Thursday. If he's still feeling fine upon being re-examined Friday, Duffy should get the green light to play this weekend. Though the injury has limited his at-bats this spring, Duffy should be ready to handle a full-time role once the season arrives with Opening Day still three weeks away.

Duffy (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Thursday's spring game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy was scheduled to test his hamstring by running the bases Wednesday, and his results from that workout are uncertain. Regardless, he will get at least one more day to rest and recover.