MLB Player News

Astudillo will play third base Tuesday against the Rays, not shortstop as an incorrect early lineup suggested, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The new position still indicates that the Twins will look to use Astudillo in a versatile role this season, though playing the toughest position in the infield may be a step too far.

Astudillo will start Tuesday's game against the Rays at shortstop, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Astudillo certainly isn't shaped like a traditional shortstop, but he was used in a surprisingly versatile role last season, making a start at second base and an appearance in center field. He has a better bat than fellow catchers Mitch Garver and Jason Castro, and has good numbers as a pitch framer as well, but he seems to be forced to fight for a utility role to earn his place on the Opening Day roster, especially with Nelson Cruz blocking the designated hitter spot. The fact that he's getting time at shortstop indicates that the Twins will give him every chance to do just that.

Duffy (hamstring) is scheduled to begin running again after Monday's off day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The oft-injured Duffy was scratched from Saturday's game due to a recurrence of hamstring tightness and then sat out Sunday's win over the Pirates as well. Duffy's spring debut was delayed until last Thursday due to the original hamstring issue that cropped up early in camp, so the team is likely to remain cautious with the third baseman given his recent history of lower-body issues.

Ramirez (foot) will start at third base and bat third in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The Tribe kept Ramirez on the bench for the past two days mostly as a precaution after he took a pitch to the foot during Friday's exhibition versus the Dodgers. The fact that he's back in action Monday at third base rather than as the designated hitter suggests that Ramirez's health isn't viewed as a concern heading into Opening Day.

Bregman (elbow) is in the lineup for Monday's spring game against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman was held out of Sunday's contest after being struck by a pitch on the elbow the previous day, but he will be able to return to action after missing just the lone game. Bregman will man the hot corner and hit third in the Astros' batting order Monday.

Ramirez (foot) is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Royals, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez exited Friday's game after he was hit by a pitch on the top of his foot, though manager Terry Francona downplayed the injury postgame. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day as the Indians are likely to remain cautious.

Duffy (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Pirates, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

Duffy's spring debut will be delayed by his sore hamstring once again. The Rays will have Monday off, and it remains to be seen if Duffy will be able to return to action with his teammates the following day.

Bregman is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Nationals, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Bregman suffered a bruised left elbow in Saturday's spring game, which just happened to be the first he appeared in this year, so the Astros decided to not include him in Sunday's lineup. Bregman was wearing a guard on his left elbow -- which is not the elbow he underwent surgery on in January -- so there's reason to believe he could be back on the field relatively quickly.

Bregman started at third base, walked twice and was hit by a pitch in Saturday's game against the Mets.

Bregman, who underwent right elbow surgery Jan. 11, was plunked on his left elbow in his third plate appearance. He was wearing an elbow guard, so there was minimal damage. "It doesn't feel great," Bregman told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "It's bruised right now. It's a bigger bruise right now than I had all of surgery." Other than getting hit by a pitch, Bregman reported feeling good and is looking to get some at-bats under his belt to find his rhythm. He swung just once over his three plate appearances.

Astudillo went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a two-run homer in Saturday's spring loss to the Nationals.

Astudillo was 1-for-8 prior to hitting his first home run of the spring Saturday. The 27-year-old is attempting to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as a utility player.