MLB Player News

Senzel went 3-for-3 with a double, run scored and an RBI in Wednesday's spring training win over the White Sox. He also made a nice running catch in center field, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

That's not exactly going to help the Reds pump the brakes on the Nick Senzel hype-train, nor should it. The Reds have insisted so far that they'll take their best 25-man roster on Opening Day without overtly committing to Senzel being there, but unlike other franchises (here's looking at you, Toronto), they also haven't made up any pre-ordained reasons to send their prized prospect down.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Duffy (hamstring) will likely make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday versus the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

According to Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE, Duffy took part in rundown drills Wednesday and looked to be sprinting at full speed. Assuming he arrives at camp Thursday without his hamstring presenting any issues, Duffy should check into the lineup, though the Rays could restrict him to a designated-hitter role rather than his normal duties at third base.

Chapman (illness) will serve as the Athletics' designated hitter and bat third Wednesday in the team's Cactus League matchup with the Dodgers.

An illness kept Chapman sidelined for the first six games of the Athletics' Cactus League slate, but it's possible the 25-year-old's spring debut would have been delayed even without the ailment due to the fact he that underwent a left shoulder procedure in December. Chapman entered camp without any restrictions on account of the shoulder, though the Athletics may still limit his reps at third base this spring for precautionary reasons. More importantly, Chapman now looks poised to get enough at-bats in during exhibition contests to erase any concern about his availability for the Athletics' season opener March 20 versus the Mariners in Tokyo.

Chapman (illness) will make his first appearance of the spring as a designated hitter Wednesday against the Dodgers, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

Chapman's spring was initially slowed by recovery from thumb and shoulder surgeries, but he was cleared for all baseball activities for a brief period before an illness shut him down. Returning Wednesday will give him more than enough time to get in game shape by Opening Day.

Arenado signed an eight-year contract with the Rockies worth $260 million Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The deal includes an opt-out after three years and will give the third baseman the highest per-year salary among all position players. It's great news for those who own Arenado in dynasty leagues, as he'll get to remain in Coors Field for at least three additional seasons and potentially for the bulk of the rest of his career. The contract overrides the one-year deal Arenado signed earlier in the offseason, so it will take him through the 2026 season, with the opt-out coming after 2021.

Chapman (illness) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Angels.

This is the A's sixth Cactus League game and we still haven't seen Chapman, but it doesn't seem like there's any reason to be concerned. He was recently cleared for all baseball activities following December shoulder surgery. By all accounts, the only thing holding him back now is this illness.

Duffy relayed Tuesday that his injured hamstring is "feeling good" and said he expects to play in a Grapefruit League game at some point before the end of the week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy is scheduled to run the bases Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the Rays should hone in on a target date for his return to the lineup. Unless he experiences a setback this week, Duffy is on track to earn enough at-bats during the spring to secure his spot as the Rays' everyday third baseman once the regular season arrives.

Farmer started Monday's spring training game against the Mariners at shortstop, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Farmer is hoping to make the team as a utility player, and the added flexibility for him is needed with the Reds planning on having 13 pitchers most of the season, and the team having Curt Casali as their primary backup catcher option.

Manager Kevin Cash said there is no set date for Duffy's (hamstring) Grapefruit League debut, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cash noted that Duffy is "chomping at the bit" to play, but the team is playing it safe and taking it slow with the infielder given how early it is in camp. He's already been ruled out through Tuesday. Duffy's current injury doesn't appear to be overly concerning at this point, but his status will be worth monitoring throughout camp.

Duffy (hamstring) isn't listed in the lineup or as an available option off the bench for the Rays' Grapefruit League games Monday versus the Marlins and Tuesday versus the Orioles, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

A prior report suggested that Duffy could be cleared to make his spring debut as soon as Tuesday, but the Rays have evidently decided to err on the side of caution with the infielder, who has been plagued by lower-body injuries for the past three seasons. Though Duffy's latest setback on the health front doesn't appear to be overly concerning at this stage, those planning on investing in him in deeper mixed leagues or AL-only formats would surely like to see him get some at-bats in sooner rather than later.