MLB Player News

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.

Donaldson indicated Thursday his calf is fine and plans to play Friday's spring game against the Phillies, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

Donaldson exited Saturday's game with calf cramps due to dehydration, but underwent acupuncture earlier this week and feels ready to go. The 32-year-old has 11 spring training at-bats thus far as he has also battled a shoulder injury, but appears otherwise healthy with Opening Day less than two weeks away.

Manager Scott Servais said Segura (hamstring) was lifted from Wednesday's spring game as a precaution, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The manager noted he didn't believe the issue was anything serious, adding that there is just a "heightened awareness" given all of the strains and injuries the team is currently dealing with. More will obviously be known in the comings days as Segura undergoes further testing, but early indications are that the stud shortstop avoided a long-term injury.

Segura exited Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants with right hamstring tightness, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Injuries continue to rip their way through the Mariners' camp, as Segura joins a long list of teammates dealing with an ailment of some sort. The severity of Segura's injury remains unclear at this point, but more will hopefully be known following the conclusion of Wednesday's contest. He should be considered day-to-day for now. The shortstop was 1-for-1 with a walk before exiting.