MLB Player News

Valencia (calf) claimed that he could've played in Monday's Grapefruit League game if it was the regular season, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The veteran infielder is seemingly being extra careful with his injury since it's still spring training, but it's good to hear that there is little concern about the issue. Expect Valencia to return to game action sometime in the next couple days.

Urshela left Monday's game with right hamstring tightness, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Urshela suffered the injury while running to second base on a double. Until further notice, consider Urshela day-to-day. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Urshela, as he's compiled an impressive .500 batting average and 1.369 OPS over 18 games this spring while competing with Erik Gonzalez for a reserve infield spot with the big club.

Urshela left Monday's game against the Giants with an undisclosed injury, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Urshela had to be pulled from Monday's game after appearing to hurt himself while running to second and picking up a double. Heading into Monday's game, Urshela had gone 20-for-41 (.488) with three home runs over 17 outings this spring. Additional information regarding his status should be available in the near future.

White Sox manager Rick Renteria said Sunday that Moncada would open the season as the club's leadoff hitter, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score Chicago reports.

Moncada will probably remain a sinkhole in batting average until he dramatically curbs his 34.3 percent career strikeout rate, but his willingness to draw walks props up his on-base percentage and makes him an ideal fit in the leadoff spot. With the top-of-the-order role should come more involvement in the run game, an area where the speedy Moncada has lagged more than anticipated since reaching the majors. Moncada swiped 45 bags at a 78.9 percent success rate in the minors in 2016, suggesting he has some untapped potential as a base stealer after notching only three steals in five attempts across 251 big-league plate appearances to date.

Ramirez is in the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Ramirez was pulled from Saturday's game against the Cubs with a right ankle contusion. The issue didn't appear to be serious and Ramirez is back in the lineup after missing just one day.

Valencia is unavailable for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins due to minor calf soreness, Rich Dubroff of PressBoxOnline.com reports.

Valencia is battling for a bench role with the Orioles this spring. He hit .256/.314/.411 in 130 games for the Mariners last season and is 6-for-29 with two homers so far in Grapefruit League play. His injury appears to be minor and shouldn't impact his chances of making the Opening Day roster, though the exact details remain unclear.

Escobar is expected to be Minnesota's starting shortstop for Opening Day, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Escobar had been in line to open the year in a reserve role for the Twins. However, Jorge Polanco was suspended 80 games Sunday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, moving Escobar to the top of the team's depth chart at shortstop. Last season, Escobar hit .254/.309/.449 over 129 games with the Twins.

Manager Terry Francona said Ramirez (ankle) would return to the Indians' Cactus League lineup Monday against the Giants, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

As anticipated, the Indians aren't worried about Ramirez's health. The infielder exited Saturday's game against the Cubs with a right ankle contusion when he was struck by an errant throw. After taking Sunday off to rest, Ramirez should be ready to go Monday and head into the regular season with no limitations.

Ramirez was lifted from Saturday's Cactus League game with a right ankle contusion, T.J. Zuppe of The Athletic Cleveland reports.

Ramirez picked up the injury during Saturday's game against the Cubs after being struck on the ankle by a throw from the catcher. Fortunately, the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, as the Indians say he was lifted for precautionary reasons. Consider him day-to-day for now; Ramirez might get some time off as Cleveland plays it safe with him, but at this point it doesn't sound like this issue will jeopardize his availability for the start of the season.

Ramirez exited Saturday's Cactus League with an apparent injury, T.J. Zuppe of The Athletic Cleveland reports.

Ramirez was apparently hit on the ankle by the catcher's throw as he slid into third base on an attempted steal. The 25-year-old stayed down for a minute before walking off the field under his own power. He was replaced by Richie Shaffer. Specifics regarding the injury should come forth once he's further evaluated following the conclusion of Saturday's contest.