MLB Player News

Duffy (back) will start at third base and bat fifth in the Tampa Bay lineup in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Boston, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Duffy entered spring training at full strength after being sidelined for the entire 2017 season due to an injured heel, but appeared in only three Grapefruit League games before being shut down last week after experiencing back spasms. The infielder downplayed the severity of the issue and was never expected to be sidelined for long, so his reentry into the lineup Tuesday should be taken as a sign that the back injury is no longer a concern. Duffy's track record on the health front provides pessimism about his ability to hold up for a full campaign, but the Rays seem content to deploy him as a full-time third baseman in 2018 while he remains healthy. He'll likely occupy a prominent spot in a Tampa Bay lineup that shipped out several key regulars earlier in the offseason.

Donaldson (shoulder) will bat third and man third base in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It marks the spring debut at third base for Donaldson, who had made each of his previous three starts in Grapefruit League play at designated hitter. Donaldson should see his reps at third base pick up as Opening Day draws nearer, but his veteran status ensures the Blue Jays won't overwork him during spring training as manager John Gibbons looks to assess fringier options on the roster.

Plouffe (intercostal) is batting sixth during Monday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

It appears Plouffe is finally past the left intercostal strain that has kept him on the shelf since Feb. 25. Now that he's healthy, he'll look to earn an Opening Day roster spot with the Rangers as a reserve infielder.

Davis (finger) recorded a walk in Sunday's matchup against St. Louis.

Davis left Friday's game with a fingernail problem and was forced to sit out of Saturday's matchup. However, he was able to record an at-bat Sunday. The 24-year-old third baseman appears to have returned to health and should be allowed to resume normal spring training activities.

Chapman (hand) didn't feel any discomfort when swinging the bat Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Chapman played five innings and went 0-for-2 with a walk during Sunday's game against the Padres. A hand injury had been hindering Chapman for all of camp, but now that he's healthy, he'll focus on finding his groove at the plate.

Segura, who slugged a two-run home run and drew two walks over three plate appearances in Saturday's 4-2 Cactus League win over the Angels, is now hitting .400 (4-for-10) with two home runs, six RBI, three walks and three runs across five spring training games.

There were only 11 homers among the shortstop's 43 extra-base hits in 2017, but he's already launched a pair of round trippers this spring without yet having logged a double or triple. Although his power numbers were down in his first Mariners campaign last season after blasting a career-high 20 homers with the Diamondbacks in 2016, Segura's .300/.349/.427 line over 565 plate appearances was far from disappointing. Now having hit the .300 threshold for two consecutive seasons, Segura will look to continue filling out the box score in 2018, although he'll cede the leadoff spot he primarily manned last season to new arrival Dee Gordon.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) is hoping to return to action Monday, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Plouffe, who has been sidelined since the first spring game against the Rockies on Feb. 25, had hoped to return this weekend. He's on a minor-league deal and, as a non-roster invitee to major-league camp with no guarantees, needs to get on the field to earn his way onto the roster.

Davis suffered a fingernail issue during Friday's game, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Davis was forced to leave the game due to the injury and then missed Saturday's game as well, but he is expected to play Sunday. Davis is in the mix as a temporary fill-in for Yulieski Gurriel, who is expected to be out until mid-to-late April due to a hand injury.

Chapman (hand) is expected to make his spring training debut Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Chapman has been dealing with a hand injury for all of camp, but the issue did not appear to be serious. He'll be back with plenty of time to get up to speed by Opening Day and will be the A's regular third baseman.

Duffy (back) is expected to be back in action for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Duffy was originally scratched from last Tuesday's game against the Orioles with back spasms. He should have plenty of time to be fully recovered by Opening Day and should take the field as the Rays' primary third baseman.