MLB Player News

The White Sox reassigned Madrigal to their minor-league camp Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Madrigal hasn't played above the High-A level, so his inclusion in the White Sox's first round of spring cuts doesn't come as a surprise. The infielder was, however, billed as an advanced college bat when he was selected with the No. 4 overall pick last summer in the first-year player draft, and should move quickly through Chicago's farm system. He could open the upcoming campaign at Double-A Birmingham.

Astudillo will compete with Ehire Adrianza and Ronald Torreyes for the backup third base role to Marwin Gonzalez while Miguel Sano is sidelined for a month due to a foot injury, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Sano's injury means Astudillo is much more likely to make the final 25-man roster as a third catcher and utility player. His ability to show he can handle playing third base this spring will likely be paramount to him making the squad.

Duffy relayed that his injured hamstring "feels pretty good" and said he hopes to test it by running Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After a team off-day Monday, Duffy had planned to resume running Tuesday, but the Rays decided he could benefit from another day of less strenuous workouts. Assuming his hamstring doesn't act up again once he's cleared to run, Duffy is confident he'll be able to return to Grapefruit League action shortly thereafter and erase any concern about his availability for Opening Day, especially considering an MRI he took Saturday came back clear. The 28-year-old is slated to serve as the Rays' everyday third baseman this season after hitting .294 with four home runs and 12 stolen bases across 560 plate appearances in 2018.

Bregman started at third base and went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Monday's game against the Mets.

Bregman made his second spring start, though not consecutively, and recorded his first official at-bats. In his first game, he walked twice and was hit by a pitch on his left elbow. There was some bruising but nothing significant. After belting his first spring homer, the 24-year-old Bregman told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com that he still needs to work on his swing after undergoing right elbow surgery in January. He tested the elbow in the field, backhanding a ball wide of third and making the long throw to first for the out. The next milestone for Bregman is playing consecutive games in the field.

Astudillo will play third base Tuesday against the Rays, not shortstop as an incorrect early lineup suggested, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The new position still indicates that the Twins will look to use Astudillo in a versatile role this season, though playing the toughest position in the infield may be a step too far.

Astudillo will start Tuesday's game against the Rays at shortstop, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Astudillo certainly isn't shaped like a traditional shortstop, but he was used in a surprisingly versatile role last season, making a start at second base and an appearance in center field. He has a better bat than fellow catchers Mitch Garver and Jason Castro, and has good numbers as a pitch framer as well, but he seems to be forced to fight for a utility role to earn his place on the Opening Day roster, especially with Nelson Cruz blocking the designated hitter spot. The fact that he's getting time at shortstop indicates that the Twins will give him every chance to do just that.

Duffy (hamstring) is scheduled to begin running again after Monday's off day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The oft-injured Duffy was scratched from Saturday's game due to a recurrence of hamstring tightness and then sat out Sunday's win over the Pirates as well. Duffy's spring debut was delayed until last Thursday due to the original hamstring issue that cropped up early in camp, so the team is likely to remain cautious with the third baseman given his recent history of lower-body issues.

Ramirez (foot) will start at third base and bat third in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The Tribe kept Ramirez on the bench for the past two days mostly as a precaution after he took a pitch to the foot during Friday's exhibition versus the Dodgers. The fact that he's back in action Monday at third base rather than as the designated hitter suggests that Ramirez's health isn't viewed as a concern heading into Opening Day.

Bregman (elbow) is in the lineup for Monday's spring game against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman was held out of Sunday's contest after being struck by a pitch on the elbow the previous day, but he will be able to return to action after missing just the lone game. Bregman will man the hot corner and hit third in the Astros' batting order Monday.

Ramirez (foot) is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Royals, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez exited Friday's game after he was hit by a pitch on the top of his foot, though manager Terry Francona downplayed the injury postgame. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day as the Indians are likely to remain cautious.