MLB Player News

White Sox hitting coach Frank Menechino is uncertain how many at-bats Moncada (undisclosed) will need to be ready for the regular season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada, who was placed on the injured list Friday, could be eligible to return before the regular season starts. He has not yet reported to camp and described his hitting activity at home in Miami during the shutdown as "limited." Menechino was at first reticent to estimate a number of at-bats Moncada needs once he's been activated but then offered a timeline to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "I think 10, 15 at-bats to see where he's at. And then, probably, I'd say 20 at-bats to get him started in the right direction," Menechino said. "As far as days, I don't know what he's able to do while he's not here." If Moncada is unable to start the season, Leury Garcia or Danny Mendick could fill in at third base.

Vargas belted two home runs and drove in six runs during Saturday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Vargas was a likely addition to the roster in spring training, and based on the way he's hit in camp, it's almost certain he'll be part of the 30-man Opening Day roster. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo estimated Vargas has hit six home runs in intrasquad and simulated games since camp opened. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has experience at three infield positions (2B, 3B, SS) and played a few games in the outfield for Arizona in 2019. That positional versatility, along with the distinction of being a switch hitter, could be helpful when Lovullo is required to trim the roster as the regular season progresses.

Moncada (undisclosed) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday.

Moncada was absent from workouts at the beginning of the week, and he'll now be sidelined for at least 10 days for an undisclosed reason. The team didn't provide a reason for his placement on the injured list, and it's unclear when Moncada could be ready to return to the field.

Busch joined the Dodgers' 60-man player pool Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The 31st overall pick in 2019 will get better coaching than he otherwise would have with no minor-league games happening this season, but he's very unlikely to fill even a depth role this season. He's only appeared in 17 professional games after suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand last year and has yet to reach High-A.

Paredes was placed on the 10-day injured list for undisclosed reasons Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The Tigers wouldn't legally be allowed to confirm whether or not Paredes' absence is related to COVID-19. It's not clear when Paredes is expected to return to the field, though he's unlikely to play a major role in Detroit this season even if healthy, as he's yet to advance beyond Double-A.

Devers made a late appearance in Thursday's intrasquad game, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Devers awaited the results of a fourth COVID-19 test in the past few days before he was allowed to participate. He's been tested so frequently because the Red Sox believe he was exposed to someone with the virus. "I feel healthy," Devers said. "It was tough at first, not knowing if potentially I had it, but luckily I had those negative tests that were taken and also just focused on working hard." The 23-year-old third baseman had a breakout 2019 season, when he hit 32 home runs and drove in 115 runs over 156 games.

Manager Derek Shelton gave no reason as to Hayes's absence from summer camp, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Shelton previously had said all the players they expected to be in Pittsburgh had reported, which would include Hayes. A week ago the manager also said that Colin Moran would serve as the team's starting third baseman early in the season. Unless Hayes returns to the fold soon, he's likely looking at starting the year in alternative spring training in Altoona.

Hayes has not yet participated in preseason camp, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Since Pittsburgh maintains six years of control with Hayes if it keeps him off the major-league roster for six days during the regular season, it remains doubtful that the 23-year-old becomes the Pirates starting third baseman early on in his 2020 campaign. Hayes is coming off a productive season with Triple-A Indianapolis in which he hit .265/.336/.415 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI across 480 plate appearances. Colin Moran is likely to serve as the Pirates primary third base option to open the season, but Hayes could see time thereafter.

Bregman reported to Houston's summer camp Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Bregman has officially joined the Astros for workouts after a delay in the processing of his COVID-19 results kept him from reporting to camp earlier in the week.

Devers has rejoined the Red Sox at the main summer camp at Fenway Park on Wednesday after spending a couple of days training at Boston College, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke explained the club was being careful with some players, including Devers, that were possibly exposed to individuals with the coronavirus. "This group has tested negative three times. We will continue to test them, just because we're being overly cautious. That's kind of why we've separated some of the guys from the later workouts," said Roenicke. The Red Sox took the necessary precautions to keep Devers safe while training at BC.