MLB Player News

Duffy (heel) will push back his spring debut from mid-March as his recovery progresses slower than expected, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The progression could impact Duffy's status for Opening Day in what would be a huge blow to the Rays' lineup. The 26-year-old has been brought along incrementally after undergoing surgery in September, but it appears the process hasn't been quick enough to meet his projected return date. It's worth keeping tabs on reserve infielders Nick Franklin and Tim Beckham, though there's still plenty of spring left for Duffy to make a return.

Plouffe went 2-for-2 with a run-scoring single, RBI triple, a walk and three runs in Tuesday's 21-13 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

The veteran offseason acquistion continues to rip the cover off the ball, as he's now slashing .455/.538/.909 with Tuesday's triple, one home run, three total RBI and two walks in 11 spring at-bats. Plouffe is slated to serve as the primary third baseman in the coming campaign, and will look to get his power numbers back up after hitting 12 last season over 84 games in Minnesota. He's likely a one-year stopgap until No. 7-ranked prospect Matt Chapman is ready to handle major league pitching, but with a pair of 20-homer seasons and 254 extra-base hits on his big league resume, he offers solid fantasy potential if he remains an everyday player.

Chapman went 2-for-2 with an RBI single, bases-loaded triple and one run in Tuesday's 21-13 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

The promising prospect had entered Tuesday's contest with just one hit in 12 at-bats, so his explosion was a particularly welcome sight. Chapman's sixth-inning bases-clearing three-bagger was his second extra-base hit of spring, and the overall effort could be a sign that the 23-year-old is starting to hit his stride after blasting a total of 52 home runs over his last two minor league campaigns. However, consistent contact continues to be one of his principal problem areas, as he's fanned five times in just 14 total at-bats across his first six spring games.

According to his manager, Donaldson (calf) is "moving around pretty good" and not far off from making his spring debut, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports.

Donaldson has been hitting outside, long tossing and taking ground balls, but must try running before playing in Grapefruit League games. That hasn't happened yet, but the Jays are encouraged by the third baseman's progress. At this point, his status for Opening Day doesn't appear to be a concern.

Manager Terry Francona hinted Ramirez will hit fifth, behind Edwin Encarnacion, in the batting order, Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer reports.

Francona says it's too early for him to establish a definitive lineup, but the Tribe manager is thinking about it. The skipper has penciled in Encarnacion as the No. 4 hitter, replacing the departed Mike Napoli, and said their new slugger needs to be protected. He elaborated, "Jose [Ramirez] did a great job behind Nap last season," indicating Ramirez will once again hit fifth. The Tribe's switch-hitting third baseman batted .312 versus right-handers and .311 against southpaws, producing a .355 batting average with runners in scoring position. The 24-year-old Ramirez dropped 11 home runs with 76 RBI and finished second in the league with 46 doubles.

Donaldson (calf) is "very happy" with his progression from a calf strain and "way better" than last week, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet Canada reports.

It's great news to hear Donaldson talk positively about his recovery. The three-time All-Star has been gradually increasing his workload throughout camp and will likely aim to begin running within the coming week. "The fact is we're trying to give it some time to heal up and make sure we're not rushing it at this point," he said. There's still plenty of spring left, so expect Donaldson to receive ample Grapefruit League playing time upon his return.

Chapman was a late scratch from Saturday's Cactus League game after he cracked his toenail on a chair, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Manager Bob Melvin took Chapman out as a precaution, so it's safe to consider him day-to-day. The 23-year-old has one hit in 10 at-bats this spring after slugging 29 home runs at Double-A Midland last season. Expect to see him back in the lineup soon.

Moustakas (knee) is expected to make his Cactus League debut at third base Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas, who underwent ACL surgery last July, has been eased back into team workouts this spring and now will finally get his shot on the field. He appeared in just 27 games last season, hitting seven home runs before suffering his season-ending injury. Manager Ned Yost has reiterated that Moustakas will be completely ready by Opening Day, and Tuesday seems to be a major step in that process.

Moncada hit a single and an RBI triple and scored a run in Friday's game against the Padres. He also struck out twice.

Moncada showed off his speed in beating out the triple and later scored from second on a Jose Abreu single. The performance, coming after the White Sox announced the release of second baseman Brett Lawrie, could lead to speculation about the organization's top prospect opening the season as Chicago's starting second baseman. However, general manager Rick Hahn reiterated to the Chicago Tribune that Moncada will open the season in the minors. He still needs some polish as evidenced by his seven strikeouts in 12 spring at-bats.

Longoria went 2-for-3 in Friday's 5-2 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers.

The veteran slugger, coming off a career-high 36 home runs in 2016, has quietly been swinging the bat well this spring. Factoring in Friday's pair of singles, Longoria is hitting .500 (4-for-8) with one RBI over the three games he's seen action in.