MLB Player News

Chapman (hand) took 30 swings off a tee Friday and is optimistic that he will be able to participate in live batting practice this weekend, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

In addition, Chapman mentioned that he was feeling better after receiving another cortisone shot in his hand, along with a nerve injection as well. If all goes according to plan this weekend, the next step will be deciding whether he will require a short minor-league rehab assignment or if he can return to the big leagues immediately. Eric He of MLB.com reports that manager Bob Melvin feels the latter is a strong possibility, as he told reporters Friday that Chapman could potentially join the team for the beginning of a series against the Padres next Tuesday. Look for an update later on this weekend.

Muncy is not in the lineup against the Rockies on Friday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

Muncy will receive a breather following 10 straight starts, during which he's slashed a robust .281/.500/.688 with four home runs. In his absence, Cody Bellinger will man first base while Enrique Hernandez gets a start in the outfield.

Astudillo will be promoted to the major leagues for the first time in his career Friday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Astudillo will be up to replace the injured Taylor Motter (concussion). The 26-year-old is one of the most unique players in affiliated baseball. His ability to make contact is incredible, as he's struck out a grand total of 76 times in nine minor-league seasons (good for a 3.2 percent strikeout rate). He can't really do anything else, though, as his defense has generally graded poorly and he's possessed little power, though the latter may be changing as he's posted a .517 slugging percentage in 85 games at the Triple-A level over the last two seasons. The Twins (Astudillo's fourth organization) will finally give the world the chance to see if his profile plays at the major-league level.

Moncada went 1-for-6 with a double and struck out four times in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Twins.

Moncada has hit safely in six straight games (7-for-28), but has also struck out 11 times in 29 plate appearances during that stretch. Therein lies the frustration for fantasy owners. Moncada draws walks and does well when he makes contact (.333 BABIP), but inconsistent bat-to-ball skills prevent him from making a bigger impact. He strikes out 35.6 percent of the time and doesn't get on base enough (.294 OBP) to make his speed work.

Devers went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Thursday against the Angels.

Devers took Jaime Barria deep to straightaway center for his 13th home run of the season. Though his overall numbers remain disappointing, Devers' bat has come alive of late, as he has 12 hits, nine runs scored, three home runs and 10 RBI his last 39 at-bats.

Newman is batting .304/.352/.384 with 19 stolen bases in 276 at-bats for Triple-A Indianapolis.

He's hit over the .300 mark in two of his last three seasons, although an OPS of .736 OPS is actually 13 points better than his career mark (.723). Prior to 2018, he never stole more than 13 bases in a season, but he's swiped five bags in his last seven games. He also leads the International League with 46 runs scored. Newman might not put up huge numbers when he hits the big leagues, but he'll likely get an opportunity to play if and when the team trades pending free-agent shortstop Jordy Mercer.

Suarez went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored, a stolen base and two doubles Thursday against the Brewers.

Suarez doubled in his first two at-bats and also swiped his first stolen base of the season in the first inning. The pair of two-baggers were his first extra-base hits since June 23, and brought his slugging percentage up to .575. That's good enough for second in the National League, and he also ranks among the league's best in OPS, batting average, RBI and home runs.

LeMahieu went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and five RBI in a 9-8 win over San Francisco.

LeMahieu took Giants closer Sam Dyson deep for the go-ahead shot in the ninth inning. The right-handed infielder was hitting just .264 (26-for-108) since being activated from the DL at the start of June. Still, he's slashing .280/.332/.444 with 41 runs scored and 23 extra-base hits.

Muncy went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two walks in Thursday's 11-5 loss to the Cubs.

The 27-year-old slugger has a ridiculous .266/.410/.615 line with 17 long balls and 35 RBI in just 169 at-bats. Muncy has 10 homers in June -- including four in the last six games -- and has raised his average from .245 at the end of May. He's earned his spot in the lineup every day and should be started in standard leagues.

Machado went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Thursday's 4-2 loss to Seattle.

June hasn't been too kind to Machado, as he's hitting just .250 (22-for-88) with four long balls this month. Still, the superstar infielder owns a .303/.373/.557 slash line with 56 RBI in 307 at-bats in 2018. With trade rumors swirling, Machado remains one of the best hitters in baseball.