MLB Player News

Moustakas missed Wednesday's intrasquad scrimmage due to a tight groin, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas is also expected to sit out Thursday, though the injury isn't considered serious and he likely would have played if it were the regular season. Assuming he's healthy, Moustakas is expected to serve as Cincinnati's primary second baseman during the shortened campaign.

Muncy (finger) is expected to play the field in an intrasquad game Thursday or Friday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

The 29-year-old had two at-bats during Tuesday's intrasquad action, but he was pulled for a pinch runner after reaching base both times and didn't play defense. Muncy progressed to fielding groundballs in the past couple days after previously dealing with discomfort while catching the ball. Manager Dave Roberts has continually said he expects Muncy to be at first base come Opening Day despite the finger issue, and his presence in intrasquad action this week would only reaffirm that optimism.

LeMahieu (illness) is expected to rejoin the Yankees later this week, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old has been absent from summer training after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was reportedly asymptomatic and is about to join the team. LeMahieu will have less than a week to prepare for the season with Opening Day set for July 23 against the Nationals, so he could remain on the injured list for the start of the season if he needs more time. Regardless, the veteran infielder joining his teammates is a significant development toward his early season availability.

Toro did not participate in Tuesday's workout while he awaits his latest COVID-19 test result, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Toro is a near-certainty to be part of Houston's 30-man active roster when Opening Day rolls around next week.

Duffy is being considered for a roster spot with the Yankees for Opening Day, given D.J. LeMahieu's trip to the IL, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Duffy has some experience at second base (18 games) but has also shifted over to the infield with the Rays on many occasions. LeMahieu's status in returning from a positive COVID-19 test is uncertain, while the Yankees' other options at second base are Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada.

Muncy (finger) had two at-bats in Tuesday's intrasquad game, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The 29-year-old came off the bench and went 2-for-2 during the same inning, and he was replaced by a pinch runner after both hits. Muncy resumed swinging a bat Monday and apparently has no issues at the plate, but he's experiencing some discomfort while catching the ball and hasn't been taking groundballs. Manager Dave Roberts still expects Muncy to be at first base on Opening Day, per Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA, but until he's clear of the discomfort while catching his status will remain somewhat up in the air.

The Reds have been pleased with Moustakas' defense at second base so far, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's made all the plays," manager David Bell said. "He has great hands. He has a strong arm, which you can get away without having a really strong arm at second base. But it does help, especially with the way teams play defense now. A lot of times, he'll be in a nontraditional position."

Bell elaborated that Moustakas' conditioning has improved considerably since spring training in March, and that's helped his range. It's not that second base is alien to Moustakas, but it's clearly not his top position. The Reds have made some defensive concessions to improve their hitting, between adding Moustakas at second base and either Nick Castellanos or Jesse Winker playing in the outfield, with the other at DH.

Bregman admitted his swing is not where it needs to be and continues to work on his mechanics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bregman had a late start to camp and is trying to build up plate appearances and see as much pitching as possible. "I'm going to continue to work hard and continue [to work on] those mechanical issues we have going on right now," said the third baseman. Bregman homered in four at-bats during Monday's intrasquad game, which was a step in the right direction, and is confident he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Senzel (elbow) will play in the Reds' intrasquad game Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel had been on the shelf for a few days with a hyperextended elbow, but the injury was never considered serious. He should be ready to fill a major role in a crowded Reds outfield this season, as he's now past both the minor elbow issue and the shoulder surgery that he underwent back in September.

Burger (Achilles) will play in a local St. Louis league to get game reps in this season, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Burger hasn't gotten any game action in since 2017 due to Achilles issues. With minor-league games cancelled this season, he'll have to turn elsewhere for reps. He hasn't been included in the White Sox's 60-man player pool but will be allowed to play independent ball in order to stay sharp.