MLB Player News

Rendon didn't play in Friday's exhibition contest against Oakland, and the Angels plan to take it slowly with him early in the spring due to a recent issue with general soreness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The organization doesn't appear to be concerned about the soreness Rendon felt at the start of spring training, and manager Joe Maddon emphasized Friday that the star third baseman is not injured. He'll likely ramp up as the spring continues and should be full go by Opening Day.

Chapman will bat cleanup and play third base Friday against the Angels, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Chapman has only faced slight limitations to start camp as he works his way back from September hip surgery. He's already played in two Cactus League games, though he was limited to designated hitter duties in both. He'll take the field with just shy of four weeks remaining until Opening Day, and it's expected he'll be up to full speed by the start of the regular season.

Hayes went 2-for-3 with an RBI triple Thursday against Atlanta.

He's gotten off to a strong start with four hits, including two doubles and a triple, in eight Grapefruit League at-bats. Hayes slashed .376/.442/.682 in 95 plate appearances with Pittsburgh in 2020, but his career minor-league line is a far more modest .279/.354/.399. He does, however, have speed he hasn't yet shown in the majors -- Hayes stole just one bag in 24 games last year but averaged 17 stolen bases in his last three minor-league campaigns.

Newman went 2-for-2 with a walk Thursday against the Braves.

He's in the middle of a three-way competition for time at shortstop with Cole Tucker and Erik Gonzalez. Newman, who bobbled away a ground ball for an error Thursday, needs to prove himself again both offensively and defensively after a miserable 2020. He slashed just .224/.281/.276 with one homer and no steals in 172 plate appearances after hitting .308 with 12 homers and 16 steals in 2019. Newman closed out last season on the injured list with a knee injury but is back to full health for 2021.

Urshela (elbow) will start at third base and will bat second Thursday in the Yankees' Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier in the week that Urshela would make his spring debut Thursday, but it wasn't certain whether the 29-year-old would play the field or serve as the team's designated hitter. With Urshela now confirmed to be playing the field, the Yankees evidently have no concerns about his right elbow coming off arthroscopic surgery in December. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, interim skipper Carlos Mendoza said that he expects Urshela to get two at-bats Thursday before leaving the contest.

Arenado is 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk over his last two Grapefruit League games after going hitless in two at-bats during his Sunday debut.

The prize offseason acquisition got off to an inconspicuous start Sunday against the Nationals , booting a ball at third in addition to coming up empty in his pair of plate appearances. However, Arenado has subsequently broken the ice with hits in back-to-back exhibitions, with Wednesday's knock accounting for his first official RBI in a Cardinals uniform. Arenado previously stated he'd ideally be comfortable with approximately 50 spring training at-bats ahead of the regular season, and he seems to be firmly on track for that level of volume early.

Madrigal (shoulder) is expected to make his Cactus League debut against the Dodgers on Monday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Madrigal was expected to return to action in early March after undergoing shoulder surgery during the offseason. He's on track to do so, as manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday that he's currently penciled in to start Monday. Barring any setbacks, Madrigal will have several weeks to ramp up his conditioning ahead of Opening Day.

Chapman could play third base during Friday's Cactus League matchup if he feels good after Wednesday's game, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman will serve as the designated hitter once again during Wednesday's matchup against the Rockies as the team continues to ease him back into action following offseason hip surgery. Assuming he checks out fine after Wednesday's game, he's expected to make his defensive debut after Thursday's off day. The 27-year-old has gone 1-for-3 with a double and one strikeout to begin Cactus League play.

Rendon (undisclosed) is starting Wednesday's Cactus League matchup against the Rangers.

Rendon was held out of the first few spring games of the season due to what was described as "soreness," but he'll play third base and bat fourth against Texas on Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, the 30-year-old should still have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day following his brief absence.

Moncada started at third base and went 1-for-2 with two runs scored in Tuesday's spring game against the Rangers.

Moncada appeared for the first time in the field since he experienced arm soreness over the final week of February. "His stroke looks really good on both sides of the plate," manager Tony La Russa told Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "He's moving well." Moncada was limited to DH duties but should be back to normal at third base.