MLB Player News

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.

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.