MLB Player News

Mondesi went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Twins.

The homer was of the inside-the-park variety, as Mondesi launched a ball to the deepest part of center field in the eighth inning and raced around the bases after Byron Buxton couldn't flag it down. The home run and steal were each the first of the season for the shortstop, but fantasy GMs who bought into his hype this offseason will be expecting plenty more of each.

Lindor (calf/ankle) will require 7-to-10 days of rehab before beginning a running program, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The specialist he saw Monday confirmed the diagnosis of a mild high left ankle sprain. This was encouraging, as the diagnosis could have been a more severe sprain. Once he completes his running program, he will advance to game action and presumably a rehab assignment. With all this considered, a late-April return seems like the best-case scenario.

Franco will open the season with Low-A Bowling Green, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

This was the lowest realistic level Franco was going to be assigned to, as some more aggressive organizations may have even sent the 18-year-old phenom to High-A to start the season. The Rays are known for a slow-and-low approach with prospect promotions, but Franco is the exception to almost every rule. He could reach the upper levels of the minors in the second half of the season.

Lindor (calf/ankle) is still a few weeks away from returning to game action, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Lindor suffered a left ankle sprain while rehabbing from his right calf strain in late March, but a specialist confirmed Monday that the ankle issue wasn't a major setback. A precise timeline still isn't clear, but it sounds like his absence will be measured in weeks, not months. Eric Stamets will continue as the primary shortstop in his absence.

Mondesi will start at shortstop and bat second Tuesday in the Royals' game against the Twins.

Mondesi's shaky on-base skills don't make him an optimal fit as the No. 2 hitter, but in a Kansas City lineup bereft of high-end talent, he's as good of a choice as any. He at least hasn't made manager Ned Yost regret the lineup assignment thus far, as Mondesi has opened the season with a 4-for-12 mark at the plate to go with three RBI and two runs. Mondesi has yet to steal a base or record a home run, but three of those hits have gone for extra bases.

Anderson (personal) is expected to miss the final game of the series against Cleveland on Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Anderson, who was scratched from Monday's game, is away from the team to be with his wife, who gave birth to the couple's second child. It's possible the White Sox place him on paternity leave, meaning he can miss up two more games. They have a day off Tuesday followed by series finale Wednesday in Cleveland and the team's home opener Thursday against the Mariners.

Fletcher is starting Monday's series opener against Seattle.

Fletcher will draw the start at third and is batting out of the No. 8 slot with Felix Hernandez expected to toe the rubber for the opposition. Zack Cozart is headed for a bench role Monday as a result.

Anderson was scratched for Monday's game against Cleveland after his wife went into labor, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jose Rondon slides over to shortstop in his absence, with Yolmer Sanchez joining the lineup as a second baseman. The White Sox have an off day Tuesday, so Anderson could be back in action for Wednesday's game.

The Rays placed Wendle (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Monday.

The news confirms what was already expected after Wendle exited Sunday's game against the Astros with a left hamstring strain. Christian Arroyo was promoted from Triple-A Durham to take Wendle's spot on the active roster, but Daniel Robertson and Brandon Lowe are the more likely candidates to benefit from extra playing time due to the injury.

Bogaerts passed his physical Monday, making his six-year, $120 million extension official, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The deal will kick in next season, keeping him in Boston through 2025. He could remain with the team an additional year, as the deal includes a $20 million vesting option, the terms of which are not yet clear. Assuming the bulk of Boston's core remains with the team for most of that time, the shortstop is now locked into a favorable situation for the entirety of his prime.