MLB Player News

LeMahieu is an option off the bench for Thursday's game against the Nationals, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Although LeMahieu was held out of the starting lineup Thursday, manager Aaron Boone said that he was very close to entering the lineup and will be an option off the bench. LeMahieu will face live pitching Friday to get more at-bats and could enter the starting lineup for Saturday's contest.

LeMahieu isn't in the lineup for Opening Day against the Nationals on Thursday.

LeMahieu was added to the 30-man roster Thursday after he missed the first several weeks of camp due to testing positive for COVID-19, but the Yankees apparently want to give him a little more time before he joins the starting nine. Tyler Wade will get the nod at second base, batting ninth.

Toro (undisclosed) was included on the Astros' 30-man roster.

He had been a non-participant for a few days in camp while awaiting COVID-19 test results, but his inclusion suggests he is healthy and ready to go. Toro is the Astros' top hitting prospect and should serve as a backup at third base, first base, second base and designated hitter.

Moncada (illness) was activated from the injured list Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Moncada missed the start of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but he appears on track to be ready for Friday's season opener after responding well to activity over the past week. He hit .315 with 25 homers and 10 steals in 132 games last season.

Madrigal was transferred to the White Sox's alternate training site Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The team's second baseman of the future will likely have to wait at least seven days before joining the big club, as the team will probably opt to manipulate his service time. In the meantime, Leury Garcia should start at the keystone.

LeMahieu (illness) was returned from the injured list Thursday.

LeMahieu missed the first couple weeks of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but he's back with the team ahead of the season opener. That said, it's not clear whether he'll immediately rejoin the lineup for Thursday's season opener.

The Angels included Rendon (oblique) on their season-opening 30-man roster released Thursday.

Rendon will at least temporarily avoid the 10-day injured list while he battles a tight oblique, but manager Joe Maddon has already ruled out the high-priced third baseman for the Angels' Opening Day game Friday versus the Athletics. The Angels' training staff will likely monitor Rendon's condition on a day-to-day basis before determining when he might be fit to make his season and team debut. David Fletcher and Matt Thaiss are expected to serve as the primary options at the hot corner until Rendon is good to go.

Paredes will open the year at the Tigers' alternate training site.

This isn't a surprise, despite the fact Paredes is on the 40-man roster. He missed time in February with a sore right shoulder and then tested positive for COVID-19. Paredes only rejoined the team last weekend, so he is behind the rest of the position players from a reps standpoint. Manager Ron Gardenhire noted that the infielder needs to get back into baseball shape. It's possible that we will see him make his MLB debut later this summer, but it's much more likely that he doesn't debut until 2021.

Astudillo, who is on the Covid-19 IL, has not yet been cleared to return to the Twins and his return date is uncertain. "It's been a slow road for him and none of it is due to anything that (he) really has done himself," manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Astudillo tested positive for COVID-19 before summer camp began and has been quarantined away from the team. He is said to be asymptomatic and feeling well. He'll begin the season on the COVID-19 IL and it may be several weeks before he's activated since he'll likely need a week or more to ramp up his activity once cleared.

Rendon (oblique) won't play Opening Day against the Athletics on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Rendon's status heading into the start of the regular season has been uncertain while he's dealing with oblique tightness, but manager Joe Maddon confirmed Wednesday the prize offseason acquisition won't be ready for Opening Day. Maddon said that he could miss "a couple" of games but is still uncertain about a potential trip to the injured list. David Fletcher and Matt Thaiss could see increased roles in Rendon's absence.