MLB Player News

Polanco (knee) could begin the season on the injured list after feeling "normal soreness" a couple of times after taking batting practice this spring, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "Jorge has looked good in live BP, swinging the bat," Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. "There has been no setback. We're just running out of days."

Twins management had been saying Polanco was on track for Opening Day even a week ago, but it sounds like his progress has stalled and its worrisome that it could be a setback. Polanco missed the final month of last season with a knee injury. He's been doing back-field work, but has not played in a game. He may need several weeks of extended spring training before he's ready to play in the Twins lineup.

The Astros fear that Altuve might have broken his right thumb Saturday during the quarterfinal of the World Baseball Classic, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Altuve was hit in the hand area by a Daniel Bard pitch, and the former MVP immediately excited the game. The initial diagnosis was a possible hand injury, but Rosenthal provides specifics that it's likely located to the thumb area. Houston will provide further updates for Altuve on Sunday, but obviously this is a significant development that managers have to keep a close eye on.

Altuve left Saturday's quarterfinal game for Team Venezuela against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic with a right hand injury, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Altuve was hit in the hand by Daniel Bard, and the infielder immediately exited and looked to be in significant pain in the dugout. The former MVP is still being evaluated, and Rosenthal reports that the Astros will provide an update on his status shortly. This would obviously be a major loss for both Houston and fantasy players if Altuve were to miss significant time.

Altuve left Saturday's quarterfinal for Team Venezuela against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic after being hit in the hand by a pitch, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Altuve was plunked by Daniel Bard, and immediately left the game. The Houston star has been replaced by Luis Rengifo. There should be an update on Altuve's status shortly.

Kempt went 1-for-3 in Saturday's Cactus League contest against the Reds.

Kemp has really struggled thus far this spring, so it's nice to see the 31-year-old have some success. Even with the knock, the left-handed hitter is slashing just .154/.361/.192 in his time in Arizona. Kemp is likely to hit at or near the top of the order against right-handers for the A's while likely moving to the bottom or out of the lineup altogether against southpaws.

Drury, who fouled a ball off his calf Friday, is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

He was expected to be in Saturday's lineup, so his absence suggests the team is either being extra careful and/or Drury's calf was hurting more than anticipated. It seems like a day-to-day situation until further notice.

Polanco's availability for Opening Day could be in question, as he has not played in a spring training game while working his way back from last season's knee injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said earlier in the week that Polanco was on track for Opening Day, but manager Rocco Baldelli was more evasive Friday and said he would have an update in a few days. Polanco missed the final month of last season and has been doing back-field work, but it's getting late enough in spring training that his absence from even a minor-league spring game is cause for concern.

Altuve is 2-for-14 with six strikeouts in Cactus League action.

Altuve has away been away from the team to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, but he struggled prior to his departure. He has also gone just 2-for-12 for Team Venezuela to this point in the tournament. Altuve's track record of excellent production certainly outweighs his slow start to the exhibition season, though it would be reassuring to see him collect a few knocks once he returns to camp for the Astros.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said Drury left Friday's game with a tightened calf but will return to the lineup Saturday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Drury fouled a ball off his calf, and it tightened up on him in the third inning. It sounds like Drury has avoided a significant injury.

Drury has left Friday's Cactus League game against the Royals for undisclosed reasons, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Drury was replaced by Jose Gomez after being seen limping after he exited the field. There should be an update on his status by the end of Friday's game.