MLB Player News

Bregman (elbow) threw across the diamond Tuesday and indicated the session went "really well," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. "I got a long way to go with my swing right now," Bregman said. "Other than that, my body feels great."

Bregman has now incorporated throwing from third to first base into his regimen of baseball activities twice during the early stages of camp, an encouraging sign as he works back from arthroscopic surgery. As his comments suggest, the real test for Bregman's health will come in the batter's box. He's expected to gradually increase his throwing distance and the rigorousness of his batting and fielding drills over the next two weeks before likely making his Grapefruit League debut in early March.

Madrigal could make his major-league debut in 2019, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Yoan Moncada and Yolmer Sanchez are expected to swap positions, opening up an avenue for Madrigal to potentially take over for Sanchez at the keystone sometime in 2019. The soon-to-be 22-year-old, who was the fourth overall pick in 2018, is expected to open the season at Double-A, but it sounds like he could make it to the majors earlier than expected if he continues to excel in the upper minors.

Manager Rick Renteria said Moncada could start at third base on Opening Day, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports. "Don't be surprised if you see him there Opening Day," the manager said.

Moncada has been working at third base recently, and it sounds like the White Sox are going to give him an opportunity to take over at the hot corner if he's able to hold his own there during camp. Per Gregor, Renteria noted that playing third base requires more focus, which the team hopes will carry over to Moncada's at-bats after he struck out in 33.4 percent of his plate appearances last season. Should Moncada open the season at third base, Yolmer Sanchez would slide over to cover the keystone.

Chapman (shoulder) was cleared for all baseball activities Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman started camp slowly after undergoing thumb surgery and shoulder surgery over the offseason, but he won't end up being set back for long. He'll have over a month of full practice before the Athletics head to Tokyo for an early-season opener against the Mariners on March 20.

Bregman (elbow) progressed to throwing a baseball past 90 feet over the weekend, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "I was throwing 90, 95 percent," Bregman said. "I put a little crow hop shuffle into it. Overall, a really, really good day."

After undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in January, Bregman had already resumed incorporating some fielding and hitting drills into his regimen, so his ability to make throws over the weekend amounts to another step forward in his recovery. Bregman is expected to gradually increase his throwing distance before likely being cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut in early March. If he experiences no setbacks along the way, his availability for Opening Day won't be in much question.

Astudillo will be given a chance to win a spot on the 25-man roster as a utility player, chief baseball officer Derek Falvey told TheAthletic.com. "He's clearly put himself in a position to be a major-league player and bounce around, potentially play multiple positions. Him playing other positions is valuable," said Falvey.

With Jason Castro returning from a knee injury that caused him to miss most of last season, Astudillo's chances of sticking as a third catcher alone appear slim. If the Twins view him as a true utility player and he can play multiple positions, he'll have a much better chance of staying on the roster. The Twins may also need a third catcher for the short term if Castro is eased back into action in April.

Moncada reported to camp Saturday and took grounders at second and third base, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada may be asked to play some third base this season, and that will become a greater possibility if free agent Manny Machado eschews Chicago's offer. The 23-year-old infielder played third base while in Boston's organization, and the White Sox have a glaring need at the hot corner, so having him split time between the two positions makes roster sense. The position versatility will help fantasy owners, but Moncada will get his plate appearances regardless of where Machado decides to sign. The bigger issue for Moncada in 2019 is if he can cut down on his MLB-high 217 strikeouts. That limited his ability to get on base, steal bases and use his speed to create offense.

Chapman (shoulder) completed a 20-swing batting practice session Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman returned to facing live pitching Thursday with a 10-swing session and continued his progression Friday with no issues. A return for the March 20 season opener in Tokyo against the Mariners remains a distinct possibility for the 25-year-old.

Astudillo will report to spring training Saturday.

Astudillo was held up due to visa issues, but he's set to travel to Ft. Myers on Friday before reporting to camp over the weekend. The 27-year-old backstop will look to carve out a larger role for himself after impressing in his major-league debut last season (.355/.371/.516 with three homers in 97 plate appearances).

Bregman (elbow) hit, threw and fielded groundballs Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The star infielder continues to progress well following arthroscopic elbow surgery in January. Bregman has yet to throw to first base after fielding the groundballs, but he did comment that he is throwing harder and farther than he expected to be doing at this point. As long as he doesn't encounter any setbacks, he figures to be fully ready by Opening Day.