MLB Player News

Madrigal (hamstring) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Monday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

Madrigal will be making his spring and Cubs debuts Monday, as he didn't appear in a game for the North Siders after coming over in a July 30 deal with the White Sox since he was still recovering from surgery to address a torn right hamstring. Though the Cubs could look to limit Madrigal's early-season exposure to the keystone and use him as a designated hitter in an effort to limit the strain on his surgically repaired hamstring, his inclusion in the field early in spring training suggests the team is confident he's back to 100 percent health. Whether he's deployed at second base or DH in a given game, Madrigal's blend of contact skills and decent speed could make him a fit as a leadoff man, though his low walk rates may not give him much staying power atop the lineup.

Muncy (elbow) will start at third base and bat second in Monday's spring training matchup with the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Muncy was forced to miss last year's postseason after injuring his elbow in the regular season finale, but he seems to be on track to be ready for Opening Day. With the addition of Freddie Freeman this offseason, Muncy will likely be the Dodgers primary designated-hitter this season but he may be asked to play both second base and third base in addition to getting the occasional start at first when Freeman is not in the lineup. The 31-year-old will look to pick up where he left off in 2021 where he hit 36 homers and drove in 94 runs with a slash of .249/.368/.895.

Muncy (elbow) is slated to make his spring debut Monday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Muncy hurt his elbow in last year's regular-season finale but has participated in baseball activities early in spring training. He played first base in a simulated game last week, and he'll make his Cactus League debut against the White Sox on Monday. It's not yet clear whether he'll face any limitations for Opening Day, but his progression early this spring has been encouraging.

Kieboom said Sunday he is expected to require 4-to-6 weeks to recover from the flexor mass strain near his right elbow, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Kieboom has been shut down from baseball activities and is scheduled to undergo testing once the swelling has subsided later this week to rule out a potential UCL tear, which would be a much more significant injury. Either way, the 24-year-old is poised to begin the campaign on the injured list. Maikel Franco, a non-roster invitee, is now the likely favorite to open the season at third base for Washington, though utility players Ehire Adrianza and Richard Urena could also be considered.

Kieboom (forearm) has been shut down from baseball activities and could begin the season on the injured list, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The 24-year-old was diagnosed with a flexor mass strain Saturday, and while the Nationals don't have an official timetable for his recovery, the condensed spring makes it unlikely he'll be ready in time for Opening Day. "I feel bad for him," manager Dave Martinez said. "And honestly, I feel bad for us. We count on him to be our third baseman. And I'm not saying that he's not, but it's just going to take some time." Kieboom will undergo further testing this week once swelling has gone down to rule out a possible UCL tear, an injury that could result in Tommy John surgery and possibly sideline Kieboom for a much more significant length of time. Non-roster invitee Maikel Franco might now be the favorite to start at third base when the regular season begins, although utility players Ehire Adrianza and Richard Urena may also factor into the mix.

Kieboom has been diagnosed with a flexor mass strain in his right forearm, reports Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com

Kieboom was a scratch from Friday's lineup due to elbow soreness, resulting in an MRI that revealed the strain. Kieboom will undergo further testing to make sure there's no ligament damage. There is currently no timetable for Kieboom's return.

Davis (hand) will bat second and play third base Saturday against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Davis missed the tail end of last season with a torn ligament in his left hand and underwent surgery after the season. While his health is no longer a concern, his playing time still is, as the Mets have a number of options who can play third base or designated hitter.

Anderson (shoulder) is starting Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Anderson missed the end of the 2021 campaign after undergoing surgery to repair his left shoulder capsule in mid-September, but he'll make his spring debut Saturday. The 28-year-old will start at the hot corner and bat sixth against Houston. He should see added competition at third base this year after the Marlins brought in Joey Wendle, but Anderson has expressed a willingness to play left field in 2022.

Kieboom was scratched from Friday's lineup due to right elbow soreness and he will have an MRI on Saturday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports. "It worries me a little bit," manager Dave Martinez said.

This seems a bit ominous, especially considering an MRI has already been scheduled. Kieboom should be considered questionable for Opening Day. Maikel Franco and Alcides Escobar are options to fill in at third base while Kieboom is out.

Kieboom was scratched from the lineup for Friday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Marlins for an undisclosed reason, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

It's not clear whether Kieboom is dealing with an injury or whether he'll be available as a pinch hitter against Miami. Maikel Franco will start at third base and bat seventh Friday.