MLB Player News

Manager Dusty Baker hopes Bregman (hamstring) will be able to play in spring training games next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old has yet to make his spring debut due to a left hamstring issue, and he won't be joining the lineup this weekend. Bregman said last week he feels about 90 percent healthy while taking live batting practice and participating in pregame work, but the Astros continue to slow play his progression in camp. There doesn't appear to be much concern about his availability for Opening Day at this point, though it's worth keeping an eye on his status until he actually takes the field.

Jung was assigned to minor-league camp Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The Rangers don't have many compelling options competing for playing time at third base, with Rougned Odor, Brock Holt and Charlie Culberson among the top candidates. They could have theoretically turned to Jung, who earned rave reviews at the alternate site last season and is expected to debut at some point this year. Sending him down for now makes sense, as he's played in just 44 professional games, none of which have come above the Low-A level, but it may not be too long before he's knocking on the door if he looks good in the minors to start the season.

Urias is battling to earn a roster spot as a bench player, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Urias proved himself capable of playing across the infield while coming up through the Cardinals' farm system, and he spent time at second base and shortstop during his major-league debut in 2020. That versatility is something that manager Brandon Hyde stressed when discussing the traits he is looking for in bench bats heading into the 2021 campaign. Urias is in the thick of competition with Pat Valaika and Stevie Wilkerson for the role, though he may see limited playing time initially even if he breaks camp with the big-league club.

Devers went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Wednesday's spring game against Atlanta.

Devers went opposite field off left-hander Max Fried in the first inning -- a positive sign for the young third baseman, who had a mere .613 OPS off southpaws in 2020. Last season was a down year overall for Devers after a breakout 2019, and he's continued to struggle during 2021 spring training, going just 3-for-18 (.167) so far. It looks like manager Alex Cora is banking on a bounce back, as Devers has hit cleanup in all seven of his Grapefruit League appearances.

Paredes went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Paredes was a late arrival to camp due to visa issues, but he's jumped out to a 3-for-9 start at the plate with the one home run. The 22-year-old recently played some second base in a Grapefruit League game, though he projects as the Tigers' regular third baseman once the regular season begins.

Bregman (hamstring) isn't expected to make his Cactus League debut until the middle of next week at the earliest, Mark Berman of KRIV Fox 26 reports.

Bregman came into camp battling a sore hamstring, and the Astros have seen no reason to push their star third baseman. He's been working out in some form since late February and recently said he felt 90 percent healthy, but the Astros don't intend for him to get into game action for at least another week. He'll only have about two weeks until Opening Day at that point, so it's possible he needs the occasional maintenance day early in the year, but the team doesn't sound too worried about a potential trip to the injured list.

Ramirez (not injury-related) was cleared to rejoin team workouts Tuesday and is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Ramirez violated COVID-19 protocols over the weekend and had to spend a few days away from the team. Now that he's tested negative, he'll be allowed to return to his teammates without any further punishment. The episode shouldn't significantly affect his preseason preparation.

Madrigal started at second base and went 0-for-2 in Monday's spring game against the Dodgers.

Making his first Cactus League appearance, Madrigal slotted in at familiar spots, second base and ninth in the batting order. The infielder had been rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery and reported no ill effects from his first game action. "There's been no setbacks at all," Madrigal told Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "If anything, I'm ahead of schedule in their eyes. I've been progressing really well from the strength side of it to mobility." The White Sox will evaluate Madrigal on Tuesday to see how he responds to Monday's activity; if there are no issues, look for him to see plenty of at-bats to get ready for the regular season.

Ramirez (not injury related) will be allowed to rejoin the team as soon as he receives a second negative COVID-19 test, which should happen Tuesday morning, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez and teammate Franmil Reyes violated COVID-19 protocols over the weekend, but it doesn't look as though either player will face further punishment from the team. Both players are working out on their own and will be back on the field as soon as they're cleared.

Madrigal (shoulder) will start at second base and bat ninth Monday in the White Sox's Cactus League game against the Dodgers.

As was anticipated coming out of the weekend, Madrigal will get the chance to make his spring debut Monday after the White Sox elected to bring him along slowly in the early stages of camp following his October surgery on his left shoulder. The fact that Madrigal will be playing his first game in the field rather than as a designated hitter suggests that the White Sox are confident in his health. Assuming his debut Monday goes smoothly, Madrigal will turn his focus to ramping up ahead of Opening Day, when he'll likely serve as the White Sox's starter at the keystone.