MLB Player News

Manager Rocco Baldelli said he expects Donaldson (hamstring) to come off the injured list and rejoin the lineup Wednesday against the Red Sox, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

It seemed like Donaldson would come back at some point during this series, but we'll have to wait until the third game of the four-game set for him to slot back in. Luis Arraez will still probably play plenty, especially against righties, either at other positions or at third base when Donaldson gets a day at DH.

Duffy was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Duffy becomes the fourth Cub to land on the COVID-19 injured list in the last two days. His expected return date is unclear, as it's unknown whether he contracted the virus himself or was merely exposed to someone else who tested positive. Ildemaro Vargas' contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Vargas' contract was selected by the Cubs on Tuesday.

Vargas failed to win an Opening Day roster spot despite a strong camp and was designated for assignment, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and won't wind up waiting long for his first opportunity. With a career .254/.282/.391 slash line in 298 MLB plate appearances, he's unlikely to play a major role during his time with the team, but he'll give the Cubs depth around the diamond. Matt Duffy landed on the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.

Hayes (wrist) has yet to resume swinging, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Recent reports indicated that the Pirates weren't optimistic that Hayes would be able to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, and that's now been all but confirmed by manager Derek Shelton. The Pirates haven't supplied a specific timeline for his return, but he'll presumably have to get through a few batting practice sessions without issue before being allowed to return to game action.

Hayes (wrist) doesn't appear likely to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes exited in the second game of the season with left wrist inflammation. The Pirates initially seemed optimistic that he'd return in just 10 days, but that optimism has since faded somewhat. That said, there hasn't been any indication that he's suffered a setback and is in line for an extended absence.

Riley will sit for the first time this season Tuesday against the Marlins.

After showing promise but generally failing to produce at a high level over his first two seasons, the young third baseman has been given every opportunity to prove himself this year. He started each of Atlanta's first 10 games at third base but has gotten off to a very slow start, hitting .188/.278/.188. Ehire Adrianza will get the nod at the hot corner Tuesday.

Donaldson (hamstring) isn't included in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, signaling that he hasn't been activated from the 10-day injured list.

After seeing extended work in a simulated game Sunday at the Twins' alternate site, Donaldson wasn't activated ahead of Monday's scheduled game against Boston. The Twins' decision not to bring Donaldson back Monday seemed like part of a plan to give him a maintenance day following the sim game, but his absence from the lineup Tuesday is more of a surprise. Since Minnesota hasn't suggested that Donaldson is dealing with any sort of setback, the expectation remains that he'll be activated from the IL at some point this week.

Chapman went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 9-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

Chapman's highlight of the night came in the fifth, when he took Madison Bumgarner yard on a first-pitch hanging curveball. He drove in his second run of the night on a base hit in the ninth as the A's put the game out of reach. Despite this solid performance, Chapman has not been seeing the ball very well so far, as he owns a slash line of just .179/.267/.333 with two home runs, five RBI and four runs scored. Monday was the first time all season that he didn't strike out, and he owns a 5:15 BB:K in 45 plate appearances.

Machado went 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 6-2 win over the Pirates.

Machado singled in the sixth inning and was brought home on a Wil Myers homer. He scored another run thanks to Myers in the seventh after Machado swiped second base. The star third baseman is now riding a seven-game hitting streak.

Rendon (groin) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rendon felt something in his left groin Saturday against the Blue Jays. He was initially considered day-to-day but has since been diagnosed with a strain that's significant enough to cost him at least 10 days. Jose Rojas will start in his place Monday against the Royals and appears to be the top option at the hot corner in his absence.