MLB Player News

The Twins recalled Astudillo from their alternate site Monday and added him to their postseason roster.

Astudillo is one of four catchers on the playoff roster, though he's at least capable of providing the Twins with some depth at multiple infield spots, if needed. So long as Minnesota's position players stay relatively healthy during the postseason, however, Astudillo likely won't be in line for much action.

Donaldson (calf) is not on the Twins' AL Wild Card Round roster, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Calf issues, which are hardly something new for the veteran third baseman, limited Donaldson to just 28 games this season. The issue returned during the final series of the campaign and evidently hasn't subsided to the point that the Twins feel comfortable with him playing at any point in the next three days. Marwin Gonzalez will be the third baseman in Game 1 against the Astros.

Donaldson (calf) participated in live batting practice Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Donaldson missed the final two games of the regular season with a right calf cramp, but he took batting practice with the Twins on Monday, just one day before Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series. The team hasn't announced whether he'll be available to begin the series, but his participation in batting practice is an encouraging step.

LeMahieu went 2-for-3 in Sunday's loss to Miami and finished the campaign with an MLB-best .364 batting average.

LeMahieu's finish atop the leaderboard makes him the first player in modern major-league history to win a batting crown in both leagues. After a superb first campaign with the Yankees in 2019, the veteran's performance this season was even better as he posted a career-best 1.011 OPS; meanwhile, his 10 homers and career-high .226 ISO dispel the notion that last season's power breakthrough was a fluke. LeMahieu enters the postseason swinging a hot stick -- he batted an even .400 with four homers and 13 RBI over his final 13 games.

Rendon is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Both Rendon and Mike Trout close out the year with back-to-back absences after the Angels were officially eliminated from postseason contention Friday. Rendon had a good fantasy season, but his campaign was far better by real-world measures. In fact, Rendon currently sits fifth in all of MLB in fWAR (2.8).

Donaldson (calf) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Reds, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The veteran third baseman exited Friday's contest with a right calf cramp and won't start the final two games of the season. It's not a great sign given Donaldson has battled calf issues in recent years, but the Twins may just be expressing caution on the eve of the playoffs. Marwin Gonzalez receives the start at third base Sunday for the Twins.

Moncada went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 9-5 win over the Cubs.

The long ball was his first since Aug. 17. Moncada has been open about his struggles with the lingering effects of having COVID-19 in July, but he told James Fegan of The Athletic that "it's improving" and that his energy level has been up the last two weeks.

LeMahieu went 4-for-5 with two doubles, one run and three RBI during Saturday's 11-4 win over the Marlins.

The 32-year-old was hitless during Friday's series opener but more than made up for it Saturday by delivering his fourth four-hit game of the season. LeMahieu is slashing .359/.415/.589 with 10 homers, 10 doubles, 41 runs, and 27 RBI and enters Sunday's season finale poised to win the AL batting title.

Rendon will sit Saturday against the Dodgers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Angels are resting a few key players after getting officially eliminated from playoff contention Friday. David Fletcher moves to third base in his absence, with Elliot Soto serving as the shortstop.

Donaldson (calf) will not start Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

Donaldson left Friday's game with a right calf cramp, a worrying sign for a player who has missed quite a bit of time with calf issues in recent years. He's reportedly feeling good and receiving treatment Saturday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports, but the Twins are likely far more concerned about having him healthy for the playoffs than having him available for the final two games of the regular season. Ehire Adrianza will be the third baseman Saturday.