MLB Player News

Astudillo started at third base and went 1-for-2 in the Twins' spring training opener Sunday against Boston.

Astudillo will compete for a utility role in which he can serve as a third catcher and also play third base, second base and left field. It's not clear if the Twins will need a third catcher and the team has other utility options to consider that are better with the glove, so he may be on the roster bubble until late in spring training.

Candelario went 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Candelario started at third base in this one, but Isaac Paredes, who has been delayed this spring by visa issues, is likely to get regular playing time there moving forward. That could push Candelario over to first, where Renato Nunez will also be competing for at-bats. Candelario had a solid 2020 campaign, posting a career-best .872 OPS in 52 games, so he should play regularly no matter where he finds himself defensively.

Paredes won't be available for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies while he waits to pass a physical, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After his arrival to spring training was delayed by visa issues, Paredes wasn't scheduled to start in Sunday's spring opener, but the 22-year-old has at least completed his COVID-19 intake testing. Passing the physical should merely be a formality for Paredes, who could be ready to play as soon as Monday's game against the Yankees.

Moncada (arm) will bat second as the designated hitter in Sunday's spring opener against the Brewers, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 25-year-old has been limited at the start of camp due to arm soreness, but he's still able to hit with no issues. Manager Tony La Russa previously said Moncada was set to resume throwing and could be playing the field early this week, so he should be back on the field at full strength in the near future.

Bregman (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman's absence for the Astros' spring opener was fully expected, as the 26-year-old has yet to take part in fielding work during workouts while managing a hamstring injury. The issue is believed to be a minor concern, given that Bregman has been able to take batting practice in recent days.

Moncada (arm) won't take the field in Saturday's intrasquad contest but will serve as a designated hitter, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Moncada came into camp limited by a bit of arm soreness, but the issue doesn't appear to be a particularly serious one. He'll be able to hit Saturday and could take the field as soon as Sunday or Monday.

Lewis underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lewis was diagnosed with a torn ACL during intake testing Wednesday, and he's now expected to face a recovery timeline between nine and 12 months following his successful surgery. He'll spend some time in Minnesota before heading back to Fort Myers to begin his rehab process.

Toro has been filling in at third base during infield drills while Alex Bregman (hamstring) is limited to batting practice only, Ryan Herrera of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Toro entered camp with a mission to develop his skills at first base and left field and wasn't focused on third base, his primary position. He also has a lot to prove following 2020, when he slashed .149/.237/.276 and walked just three times over 97 plate appearances. As such, most of his offseason work was designed to make him more flexible at the plate and loosening up his swing. "It's just getting the league better, just trying to focus more and learning how they're pitching in the big leagues," Toro said. "If I do what I know I can do, I feel like this year I can have a good year." A healthy Bregman will be entrenched at third base, so Toro needs to work on his hitting if he's to gain more playing time at other positions.

Bregman (hamstring) took batting practice on the field for a second consecutive day Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bregman has yet to participate in fielding drills, so it would appear he will not play in Sunday's Grapefruit League opener.

Manager Tony La Russa said Thursday that Moncada (arm) could play third base as early as Sunday or Monday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Moncada has been limited early in camp due to arm soreness, but the team hasn't expressed much concern regarding the issue. While La Russa said that the White Sox could elect to keep him sidelined to begin Cactus League play, he should resume throwing soon.