MLB Player News

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.

Candelario could be the Tigers' second hitter in the lineup this season, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Candelario impressed in a 27-game stretch with Detroit last season, hitting .330/.406/.468. He had a strong 11.3 percent walk rate and regularly ran walk rates north of 10 percent in the minors, making him a good candidate for a table-setter despite his lack of speed. Batting second would help Candelario's counting stats and increase his fantasy value.

Segura (hamstring) will return to the Mariners' lineup Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Segura was removed from Wednesday's game against the Giants with hamstring tightness, but the injury was reportedly minor. With him already being able to return to the lineup, there should be little risk of Segura missing Opening Day.

Donaldson (calf) is in the Blue Jays' lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Donaldson has been out of the lineup since Sunday while dealing with a calf strain. Barring any setbacks, he'll be back in time to be fully prepared for the upcoming season.