MLB Player News

Duffy suffered a setback with his hamstring Saturday and is expected to open the season on the injured list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After Duffy was able to complete a running program earlier in the week without incident, he received the green light to re-enter the Grapefruit League lineup Thursday against the Braves. Duffy then picked up nine at-bats at the minor-league level Friday and was slated to play again Saturday versus the Tigers, but those plans were thwarted when his left hamstring soreness resurfaced prior to the contest. Expect the Rays to act conservatively with Duffy now that he's endured multiple setbacks with the hamstring since camp opened. With Duffy headed for the IL, the Rays will likely keep an extra outfielder in Guillermo Heredia on the Opening Day roster. A committee of Daniel Robertson, Yandy Diaz and Joey Wendle should pick up the starts at third base while Duffy is sidelined.

Burger (Achilles) took groundballs at third base Thursday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burger was cleared for the activity this week and went immediately to the field to work on his defense. He had been hitting since November. The 2017 first-round draft pick missed all of 2018 after tearing his left Achilles during training camp last year. His return to game action should happen later this summer.

Duffy (hamstring) struck out in all three at-bats in his return to Grapefruit League action against the Braves on Thursday and got in nine at-bats in multiple minor-league games Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Duffy finally seems to be on the right track for Opening Day. With the infielder having missed considerable time this spring, his frenetic schedule the last two days was intended to help him accelerate the process of getting his timing down at the plate. The 28-year-old was limited to hitting and running the bases Friday, playing no defense, but he emerged from the long day with a positive outlook. "Feel good," Duffy said. "Tomorrow will be another big test with how it bounces back after back-to-back days on being on it, I felt good today."

Candelario went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Candelario hit a two-run bomb in the first inning, then followed that up with a solo shot two innings later. The power outburst boosted the 25-year-old's OPS to .954 this spring. Candelario should get plenty of playing time for the rebuilding Tigers, and fantasy owners would certainly like to see him build on the 19 home runs he hit in 2018.

Duffy (hamstring) will play for the first time since Feb. 28 in Thursday's spring game against the Braves, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Duffy has been bothered by a sore hamstring all spring and has been limited only to the lone game on the final day of February, but after taking three weeks to recover he is ready to get back on the field. It remains to be seen if he has enough time to get in shape for Opening Day, but if he avoids any setbacks there is still a chance he could be ready for the start of the regular season. Duffy will play third base and hit leadoff in Thursday's contest.

Candelario is slashing .220/.319/.463 through 41 Grapefruit League at-bats with a home run and six RBI.

The numbers aren't that far off from Candelario's .224/.317/.393 line in 2018. The Tigers are certainly hoping the 25-year-old takes another step forward offensively in 2019, but until he shows some sustained success, fantasy owners should probably expect an underwhelming batting average with a little bit of power.

Chapman went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs and three RBI on Wednesday against the Mariners.

The slick-fielding third baseman also went 3-for-3 and reached base five times in Sunday's exhibition in Japan, so he has taken to this trip quite well. He underwent a minor shoulder surgery back in December but recovered quickly and already appears to be as dialed in as any A's hitter at the plate.

Bregman agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Astros on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The contract goes into effect for the 2020 season and buys out Bregman's three arbitration years as well as two years of free agency, locking him up through the 2024 season. The third baseman -- who turns 25 on March 30 -- finished fifth in American League MVP voting last season after slashing .286/.394/.532 with 31 home runs, 51 doubles and 103 RBI in 157 games.

Manager Kevin Cash said Duffy (hamstring) had a "really good day" and is "softly" scheduled to play in a spring game Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy is on the cusp of returning to game action after getting through a series of running drills with no issues Monday. The third baseman has been sidelined for most of spring due to a hamstring issue, but he should still have enough time to get ready for the start of the season if he's able to return Thursday (or shortly thereafter).

Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Duffy (hamstring) would run again Monday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

After experiencing no complications while fielding and taking batting practice Sunday, Duffy will get the green light to resume his running program. The third baseman noted that he ran at about 80 percent intensity Saturday and predicted that he would run close to 90 percent Monday, which Cash hopes will provide insight into whether Duffy will be ready to go for Opening Day. Cash previously said that Duffy won't necessarily need to return to action before the end of the Grapefruit League slate to confirm his availability for the start of the season.