MLB Player News

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.

Donaldson's right shoulder is "hanging a little bit" according to manager John Gibbons, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Donaldson has appeared in two Grapefruit League games, both as a designated hitter. The team expects him to start at third base Tuesday. The 32-year-old has dealt with a variety of injures over the past few years, though the fact that he's already played through this one, at least as a designated hitter, suggests that it's not likely to significantly impact his season.

Moncada is a candidate to open the year as the White Sox's leadoff hitter, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He is leading off Friday, and it's easy to see why the White Sox might view him as their best option at the top of the order. He has high-end speed, and even though he hit just .231 last season, he walked at a 12.6 percent clip that resulted in a .338 OBP. Moncada will get his counting stats whether he is hitting first or in a run-producing spot, but he may get more opportunities to run out of the leadoff spot. The other top internal option to lead off is center fielder Charlie Tilson.

Valencia has signed a minor-league deal with Baltimore, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Valencia hit .256/.314/.411 in 130 games for the Mariners last season, unremarkable numbers for a player who played primarily as a first baseman. The 33-year-old can play all four corner positions and could win a role as a bench bat for the Orioles, though his fantasy value is likely to be limited unless an injury opens up unexpected playing time.

Plouffe (left intercostal) is making progress and could play Friday, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Plouffe was signed to a minor-league deal after a rough 2017 when he posted a .590 OPS over 100 games with Tampa Bay and Oakland. The 31-year-old infielder has fallen off pretty drastically since he hit 22 home runs and knocked in 86 runs for the Twins in 2015. At best, he hooks on as a reserve infielder with Texas.

Manager Bob Melvin said Chapman (hand) is expected to take batting practice Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman was able to resume swinging Thursday for the first time since injuring his right hand earlier in camp. The 24-year-old hit soft toss while also hitting off a tee, and apparently everything went off without a hitch. If Saturday's batting practice session goes as planned, Chapman could make his Cactus League debut shortly thereafter.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Duffy (back) could be cleared to resume working out Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Duffy was scratched from the Rays' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Orioles due to what was later revealed as a back spasm, but it doesn't sound like the team is concerned it will morph into a long-term issue for the infielder. After resting Wednesday and Thursday, Duffy will see how he feels Friday before the Rays determine whether he needs an additional day or two to recuperate or if he's able to get back on the field. Duffy is expected to open the regular season as the Rays' primary option at third base.