MLB Player News

Moncada went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run and a double in Friday's loss to Minnesota.

Moncada set up Chicago's initial run with a first-inning double and knotted the score in the second frame with a three-run homer off Minnesota ace Jose Berrios. Moncada missed most of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but the time away appears to have done little to slow his momentum following a breakout 2019 season.

Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a double during Friday's 2-0 win over the Royals.

Ramirez is coming off a sub-par season in which he hit for .255 with a .806 OPS -- those were his lowest numbers in both categories since the start of the 2016 season. He seems primed for a bounce-back campaign in 2020 and got off to a strong start in the season debut.

Rendon (oblique) took swings and played catch Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Rendon wasn't ready for Friday's Opening Day matchup against the Athletics, but he was able to get some on-field work in and remains day-to-day. Manager Joe Maddon said Friday that Rendon is progressing in his recovery. The 30-year-old didn't appear in any of the Angels' exhibition games while battling oblique tightness.

Rendon (oblique) isn't in the lineup for Friday's season opener against the Athletics.

As expected, Rendon won't be part of the starting nine for the Angels' Opening Day matchup as he continues to deal with oblique tightness. He avoided the injured list to begin the season, but it's unclear when he'll be ready to rejoin the starting nine. David Fletcher will start at third base in Rendon's absence, leading off.

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.