MLB Player News

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.

Manager Joe Maddon said Rendon (oblique) will sit out Wednesday's exhibition finale against the Padres, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Maddon termed Rendon as day-to-day while the third baseman continues to deal with oblique tightness, leaving his availability up in the air for Friday's season opener against the Athletics. If Rendon is on the bench for Opening Day or is forced to the injured list as a result of the oblique issue, David Fletcher and Matt Thaiss would be the next men up for reps at the hot corner.

Moncada had no ill effects Tuesday after playing five innings during an exhibition game against the Cubs on Monday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada, who arrived at summer camp last Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19, has been working hard to get himself ready to play Opening Day. He responded well during Tuesday's workout and could bat second and play third base when the White Sox kick off the regular season at home against the Twins on Friday. The White Sox have yet to officially activate him from the COVID-19 injured list, but that merely looks to be a formality at this point.

Duffy was reassigned to the Yankees' alternate training site Tuesday.

Duffy was in contention for a major-league roster spot with DJ LeMahieu's (illness) status in question, but Duffy will head to alternate camp as LeMahieu looks to be on track to return soon. The 29-year-old could be in consideration for a spot on the 30-man roster if injuries pile up in the infield this season.

Devers is expected to bat second in the order, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Devers developed into a dangerous hitter in 2019, when then-manager Alex Cora moved him to the two hole. Devers slashed .334/.379/.653 with 19 homers and 63 RBIs in 335 plate appearances when batting second. Current manager Ron Roenicke is expected to have Andrew Benintendi bat leadoff, followed by Devers. It's not the most conventional lineup to have two left-handers at the top, but the manager is mulling over using that duo in Friday's opener against Baltimore left-hander John Means.

Manager Joe Maddon is unsure if Rendon (oblique) will be ready for Friday's season opener against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The veteran third baseman was still dealing with oblique soreness Monday and is unlikely to play in either of the Angels' upcoming exhibition games Tuesday or Wednesday. David Fletcher and Matt Thaiss are likely candidates to fill in at third base if Rendon is unavailable to begin the season.

Moncada will bat second and play third base in Monday's exhibition game against the Cubs.

Moncada's availability for Opening Day has been in some doubt, as he only just arrived at camp Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19. He reportedly didn't experience many symptoms and is seemingly in decent shape as he's set for game action just four days later. Whether or not he'll be ready for an everyday role beginning with the first game of the regular season Friday against the Twins remains to be seen.