MLB Player News

Moustakas (illness) is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Moustakas was a late scratch Friday due to a non-COVID-related illness. However, the issue apparently isn't overly serious, as manager David Bell is optimistic that Moustakas will be available Saturday. Through 12 games this year, Moustakas has slashed .289/.404/.553 with two home runs and five RBI.

Bregman (COVID-19 protocols) is unlikely to return during the Astros' current five-game road trip, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Bregman was one of five Astros who were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday. While it's not yet clear whether Bregman has tested positive for the virus, he'll likely miss at least the next five games due to the league's health and safety protocols. Abraham Toro should continue to serve as the team's primary third baseman until Bregman is cleared to return.

Hayes (wrist) took swings against live pitching Friday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Hayes had been taking swings in the cage against soft toss earlier in the week, and he took another step in his recovery process Friday. Manager Derek Shelton said that Hayes is still considered day-to-day, and the third baseman hasn't been ruled out for the team's current weekend series in Milwaukee.

Moustakas was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against Cleveland due to a non-COVID-related illness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Moustakas was removed from the Reds' lineup just before Friday's first pitch, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time. Kyle Farmer will step in at third base Friday, batting seventh.

Toro isn't starting Friday's game against Seattle, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Toro went 0-for-3 with a walk Wednesday and is expected to serve as the primary third baseman for Houston while Alex Bregman is on the COVID-19 injured list. However, Aledmys Diaz will shift to third base while Alex De Goti serves as the starting second baseman Friday.

Chapman went 1-for-5 with a two-run double in a win over the Tigers on Thursday.

The slugging third baseman also struck out on three occasions, so while the clutch two-bagger was a highlight, Chapman is still getting his timing down after an injury-shortened 2020. The 27-year-old is slashing just .184/.255/.367 across his first 55 plate appearances, although five of his eight RBI have come within the last three games.

Riley is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs.

Riley started the first 10 games of the season at the hot corner but now finds himself on the bench for the second time in four games. His .190/.261/.190 line through his first 46 plate appearances isn't exactly deserving of everyday at-bats. Ehire Adrianza gets the nod at third base in his absence.

Vargas was optioned to the alternate training site Friday.

Vargas had his contract selected by the Cubs earlier in the week and went 0-for-2 in two appearances off the bench during his brief time with the team. Matt Duffy was activated from the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.

Duffy was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday.

The 30-year-old landed on the COVID IL earlier in the week but will make a quick return to the team since he apparently didn't test positive for the virus. Duffy should return to a bench role now that he's back on the active roster.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the White Sox.

Ramirez took Lance Lynn deep for his third homer of the campaign. It's safe to say that long ball changed the tone of the game, as Cleveland was losing until the 28-year-old hit it out of the park. It's been a slow start for the veteran, but that's nothing new for him -- his career OPS in March and April is .736. He's a great bet to get it going as the season wears on.