MLB Player News

Machado went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored Monday against the Indians.

Machado secured his first hit since joining the Padres, doubling to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning. As expected, he slotted in at the hot corner and batted third, which is where he figures to stay throughout the regular season.

Astudillo will play third base Tuesday against the Rays, not shortstop as an incorrect early lineup suggested, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The new position still indicates that the Twins will look to use Astudillo in a versatile role this season, though playing the toughest position in the infield may be a step too far.

Astudillo will start Tuesday's game against the Rays at shortstop, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Astudillo certainly isn't shaped like a traditional shortstop, but he was used in a surprisingly versatile role last season, making a start at second base and an appearance in center field. He has a better bat than fellow catchers Mitch Garver and Jason Castro, and has good numbers as a pitch framer as well, but he seems to be forced to fight for a utility role to earn his place on the Opening Day roster, especially with Nelson Cruz blocking the designated hitter spot. The fact that he's getting time at shortstop indicates that the Twins will give him every chance to do just that.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Donaldson is scheduled to partake in a simulated game Tuesday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Anthopoulos added that Donaldson is "ready to go" and "should get into a game right after" Tuesday's simulated game, assuming everything goes off without a hitch. The Braves are slow-playing the veteran third baseman this spring after injuries derailed his 2018 campaign, though he should have no problem getting enough at-bats in before the start of the season, assuming he's able to make his Grapefruit League debut in the near future.

Duffy (hamstring) is scheduled to begin running again after Monday's off day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The oft-injured Duffy was scratched from Saturday's game due to a recurrence of hamstring tightness and then sat out Sunday's win over the Pirates as well. Duffy's spring debut was delayed until last Thursday due to the original hamstring issue that cropped up early in camp, so the team is likely to remain cautious with the third baseman given his recent history of lower-body issues.

Ramirez (foot) will start at third base and bat third in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The Tribe kept Ramirez on the bench for the past two days mostly as a precaution after he took a pitch to the foot during Friday's exhibition versus the Dodgers. The fact that he's back in action Monday at third base rather than as the designated hitter suggests that Ramirez's health isn't viewed as a concern heading into Opening Day.

Bregman (elbow) is in the lineup for Monday's spring game against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman was held out of Sunday's contest after being struck by a pitch on the elbow the previous day, but he will be able to return to action after missing just the lone game. Bregman will man the hot corner and hit third in the Astros' batting order Monday.

Arenado went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Sunday against the Giants.

Arenado belted his second home run this spring, this time a two-run blast over the left-field fence in the fifth inning. After signing a monster contract extension at the end of February (eight years, $260 million), he should be highly motivated to put together another stellar campaign.

Donaldson is not listed in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Donaldson was originally set to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday but had it pushed back to Sunday, only to see the debut pushed back yet again. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the team is apparently likely to wait until Wednesday to start Donaldson, seemingly out of caution as there's been no indication of any injury issues.

Ramirez (foot) is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Royals, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez exited Friday's game after he was hit by a pitch on the top of his foot, though manager Terry Francona downplayed the injury postgame. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day as the Indians are likely to remain cautious.