MLB Player News

Moncada reported to camp Saturday and took grounders at second and third base, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada may be asked to play some third base this season, and that will become a greater possibility if free agent Manny Machado eschews Chicago's offer. The 23-year-old infielder played third base while in Boston's organization, and the White Sox have a glaring need at the hot corner, so having him split time between the two positions makes roster sense. The position versatility will help fantasy owners, but Moncada will get his plate appearances regardless of where Machado decides to sign. The bigger issue for Moncada in 2019 is if he can cut down on his MLB-high 217 strikeouts. That limited his ability to get on base, steal bases and use his speed to create offense.

Chapman (shoulder) completed a 20-swing batting practice session Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman returned to facing live pitching Thursday with a 10-swing session and continued his progression Friday with no issues. A return for the March 20 season opener in Tokyo against the Mariners remains a distinct possibility for the 25-year-old.

Astudillo will report to spring training Saturday.

Astudillo was held up due to visa issues, but he's set to travel to Ft. Myers on Friday before reporting to camp over the weekend. The 27-year-old backstop will look to carve out a larger role for himself after impressing in his major-league debut last season (.355/.371/.516 with three homers in 97 plate appearances).

Bregman (elbow) hit, threw and fielded groundballs Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The star infielder continues to progress well following arthroscopic elbow surgery in January. Bregman has yet to throw to first base after fielding the groundballs, but he did comment that he is throwing harder and farther than he expected to be doing at this point. As long as he doesn't encounter any setbacks, he figures to be fully ready by Opening Day.

Chapman (shoulder/thumb) will progress to taking batting practice Thursday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Chapman is moving quickly in his swinging progression, as he managed to take 50 hacks in the batting cage as recently as Tuesday. For Thursday's workout, the third baseman is scheduled to take 10 swings against live pitching after going through tee and flip work in the batting cages. No official word has come forth, but this progress gives even more optimism that he'll be ready by the Athletics' season opener in Tokyo on Mar. 20.

Burger (Achilles) remains on target to return to an affiliate June 1, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The date remains a loose target, but it's at least a positive that his timetable hasn't gotten pushed back after he re-tore his tendon in May. The 2017 11th overall pick posted strong numbers in his first professional season but missed the entirety of last year due to the injury.

Astudillo has not arrived at spring training yet due to visa issues, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

With the political turmoil going on in Venezuela, many players are having trouble getting their visas in a timely manner. Astudillo is no different, though the Twins are hopeful that he'll be back with the team this weekend.

Manager Bob Melvin said that Chapman (shoulder/thumb) took approximately 50 swings in the batting cage Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman will be limited to begin spring training while he eases himself back from offseason thumb and shoulder surgeries, but the fact that he's already swinging the bat offers early optimism that he'll be ready to go for the Athletics' season opener March 20 versus the Mariners in Tokyo. Assuming he endures no noteworthy setbacks in the next month, Chapman profiles as a comfortable fantasy investment in the corner infield. The third baseman made significant strides at the plate in his second season in the majors, cutting his strikeout rate down by 4.5 percentage points from his rookie campaign while racking up 72 extra-base knocks across 616 plate appearances.

Chapman (shoulder/thumb) is slightly behind schedule for the start of spring training but is still hopeful that he'll be ready by Opening Day in Tokyo on March 20, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Chapman underwent a pair of surgeries this offseason -- thumb surgery in October and shoulder surgery in December -- and was initially expected to be fully ready for the start of spring training. While those plans haven't come to fruition, it doesn't seem like the team is overly concerned about its third baseman. Chapman is swinging a bat and hopes not to miss too many spring games. More information on his status will likely come forth as he progresses more in his rehab program.

Bregman (elbow) resumed hitting Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman underwent arthroscopic surgery in mid-January to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He was expected to be limited to start spring training, which still appears likely, given that players are due to report in less than two weeks. Barring setbacks, he should be ready to go by Opening Day.