MLB Player News

Duffy went 3-for-4 in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Red Sox.

Duffy appears intent on making up for all of his lost time in 2017 right away, as he has racked up four hits, including a double, over his first three games. The 27-year-old batted fifth Saturday while designated hitter Denard Span led off, but Duffy is expected to see plenty of time at the top of the order himself over the course of the season.

Moncada went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run and two runs scored during the White Sox's 4-3 win Saturday over the Royals.

By taking a Brandon Maurer pitch over the wall, the youngster cut a two-run deficit in half during the eighth inning and the Pale Hose eventually overtook Kansas City for a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Moncada is only 2-for-10 to start the season, but his first tater of the year is a reminder of his alluring power/speed potential for 2018 and beyond.

Urshela (hamstring) is scheduled to play in a pair of minor-league games Monday and Tuesday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Urshela was forced to start the season on the disabled list after suffering a strained right hamstring late in camp. He remains without a timetable for his return, but seeing as the injury was initially expected to keep him sidelined for just 10-14 days, Urshela could potentially be ready to return when first eligible (April 5) if everything goes off without a hitch in his upcoming minor-league appearances. More should be known following Tuesday's game. Once healthy, Urshela is expected to serve as a reserve infielder.

Suarez went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored against the Nationals on Saturday.

Suarez's homer was a two-run shot in the ninth inning off Enny Romero, though all it did was cut the deficit from eight to six. The 26-year-old has hit second in both of the Reds' first two games and should benefit from hitting in front of Joey Votto in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

Escobar is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Dan Hayes of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Escobar will head to the bench after starting at shortstop and going 1-for-5 in the season opener. The 28-year-old switch-hitter is expected to see the majority of starts at shortstop with Jorge Polanco suspended for 80 games.

Devers is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Devers started Boston's first two games of the season but will sit Saturday. Eduardo Nunez will slide over to third base in Devers' place, with Brock Holt starting at second. Devers is 2-for-8 with three RBI so far this season.

Davis will be inserted into the Astros' starting nine at first base against the Rangers on Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

During the first two games of the 2018 season, Marwin Gonzalez has collected starts at the position while Yulieski Gurriel serves a five-game suspension. It remains to be seen whether Davis will head back to Triple-A Fresno or stay in the big leagues once Gurriel returns to the active roster.

McMahon is out of Friday's lineup against the Diamondbacks.

The Rockies have started the season against back-to-back lefties, so McMahon has yet to start a game this season. Ian Desmond will once again slot in at first base and hit sixth against lefty Robbie Ray. McMahon appeared as a pinch hitter Thursday and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout. Look for him to be in the lineup Saturday against righty Zack Greinke.

Paredes will start the 2018 campaign with High-A Lakeland, Emily Waldon of The Athletic reports.

Paredes was dealt to Detroit at last year's trade deadline and spent the final 32 games of the 2017 campaign with Low-A West Michigan. His time with the Whitecaps didn't compare to his production with the Cubs' High-A squad earlier that year, but he showed his potential as the youngest qualified hitter in the Midwest League during his age-18 season. The infield prospect is considered a solid defender with excellent contact skills at the plate.

Donaldson (dead arm) will serve as the Blue Jays' designated hitter for the next few games until his throwing shoulder improves, MLB Network Radio reports.

The good news is that it sounds like Donaldson won't lose out on significant at-bats while he deals with this dead arm phase. Instead, Kendrys Morales will lose out on playing time with Donaldson getting starts at DH, while Yangervis Solarte serves as the team's third baseman. Manager John Gibbons noted that structurally, everything is fine with Donaldson's arm/shoulder.