MLB Player News

Moncada (hamstring) will start at second base and bat leadoff Sunday against the Astros.

Moncada made just one plate appearance in Saturday's 10-1 loss before being removed with a tight left hamstring. It was always believed that the injury was a mild one, and Moncada's inclusion in the lineup a day later suggests his early exit Saturday was mostly precautionary. Assuming he escapes Sunday's contest without any setbacks, Moncada looks like a safe fantasy option heading into the White Sox's eight-game slate this week.

The Yankees designated Peterson for assignment Sunday.

Peterson's removal from the 40-man roster cleared a spot for long reliever David Hale, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move. It's the second time in two weeks that Peterson has been designated for assignment by the Yankees, with the club having previously re-signed the versatile 27-year-old after he went unclaimed off waivers. If no team expresses interest in adding Peterson to its 40-man roster, he'll likely remain in the organization and report to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Moncada left Saturday's game early due to left hamstring tightness, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Initial reports suggested that the young second baseman was removed merely as a means of punishment for not hustling to first, but it seems an injury was actually in play. Moncada hopes to return to the lineup Sunday, so it doesn't appear to be a very serious issue. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Duffy (hamstring) took groundballs and ran in the outfield at 60 percent speed without issue prior to Saturday night's game against the Twins, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The injured shortstop remains hopeful of coming off the disabled list when he's first eligible, which would be this coming Friday. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Duffy will not be with the team when it begins a nine-game road trip following Sunday's series finale versus the Twins, but the Rays' skipper remarked that he hopes to see Duffy "at some point on the trip."

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in Saturday's win against the Orioles.

Ramirez took a 3-1 fastball from Chris Tillman out of the ballpark to lead off the sixth inning, giving the young star five home runs on the season. The 25-year-old got off to an awful start to the season, but he seems to be heating up at the plate. He now has 12 hits in his past eight games, raising his batting average from .086 all the way to .221. Even with the poor batting average, he still has a passable .779 OPS, though that figure should only go up as he gets back on track with the bat.

Rendon (toe) is available to pinch hit Saturday against the Dodgers, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

The third baseman is being held out of the lineup for the seventh game in a row, but it seems like the team is confident enough in his health to let him come off the bench if need be. Wilmer Difo will start at the hot corner in his place, but it seems like Rendon is getting closer to a return.

Rendon (toe) remains out of the lineup Saturday against the Dodgers.

Rendon has been out for seven straight games after fouling a pitch off his toe more than a week ago. The Nationals probably wish they had placed him on the disabled list right away, as he'd be nearly eligible to return, but since DL stints can only be backdated by three days, he'd be out at least a week if the Nationals decide to place him on the DL now. Wilmer Difo will get another start at third base in his place.

Escobar is not in the lineup Saturday against the Rays, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Escobar has taken over as the everyday shortstop in Minnesota while Jorge Polanco is suspended. Saturday will be just his third game out of the lineup. He's doing a solid job filling in for Polanco, hitting .277/.321/.468 through 53 plate appearances. Signs point to those numbers falling, though, as he's benefiting from a .353 BABIP and has a career-high 26.4 percent strikeout rate. Ehire Adrianza will start at shortstop in his place.

Moncada went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Friday's 10-0 loss to the Astros.

Moncada has kickstarted his running game, stealing a base in four straight contests. Prior to this run, he had not attempted a steal over his first 12 games. There's still too much swing-and-miss in his plate appearances, but Moncada gets his share of walks and opportunities to steal bags.

Muncy got another start at the hot corner Friday, going 0-for-4 in a loss to the Nationals.

Muncy was called up after Logan Forsythe (shoulder) was placed on the disabled list earlier this week. The 27-year-old has started both of the last two contests, both against right-handed starters, placing him on the strong side of a platoon at third with Kyle Farmer. Forsythe isn't expected to be out for long, so this uptick in playing time will be short-lived for the utility infielder. That said, Muncy posted a healthy .309/.414/.491 slash line over 379 plate appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season, so there could be some value to be had for those in deep and NL-only formats, as well as a bargain play in DFS in games with a scheduled righty on the mound.