MLB Player News

Chapman is starting at third base and batting fifth for the Giants on Thursday against the Dodgers in his Cactus League debut, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman officially signed on with the Giants on Sunday and will make his debut with the team four days later. Left-hander James Paxton is starting for the Dodgers and the five spot could be where Chapman resides versus southpaws during the regular season, as well. He might slide down a spot or two against righties.

Madrigal was diagnosed with a mild right hamstring strain Thursday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Madrigal will be re-evaluated in a week, at which point the team will have a better idea of when Madrigal will be able to return to game action. The 27-year-old infielder landed on the injured list twice last season due to problems with his hamstring, and Madrigal's most recent tweak indicates that it may remain a recurring problem this year as well.

Monasterio went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Cincinnati.

The 26-year-old has impressed in the spring thus far, hitting .364 with a .728 OPS over 11 at-bats. It's hard to imagine the utility infielder pushing out promising prospect Brice Turang or stalwart shortstop Willy Adames, but it's possible Monasterio could initially start at third base over Joey Ortiz, who was acquired in the beginning of February as part of the Corbin Burnes trade to Baltimore. Monasterio played in 92 games for the Brewers last season and had a .259/.330/.348 slash line in 315 plate appearances.

Madrigal underwent a precautionary MRI on his right hamstring Tuesday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Madrigal exited Monday's game versus the Padres with what was deemed a leg cramp, but the Cubs have now specified that he's dealing with a hamstring-related concern. The Cubs are optimistic the injury isn't serious but wanted to put Madrigal through imaging just to be safe, particularly with his history of leg problems. Madrigal is competing for starts at the hot corner for the Cubs.

Suarez started at third base and went 1-for-1 with a walk, a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Tuesday's spring game against the Padres.

Suarez missed a week of action while dealing with a side injury. This was his fourth Cactus League game and first home run of the spring.

Wisdom (quadricep) took at-bats in a simulated game Tuesday and is building back up to being ready for game action, MLB.com reports.

Wisdom has played in only three Cactus League games, and there's no clear timetable for his return, but this is still promising news. The veteran seems like he should be healthy by the start of the regular season, though he'll likely have to settle for a reserve role due to the Cubs adding some corner infield depth in the offseason and Christopher Morel pushing for more playing time as well.

Suarez (side) is starting at third base and batting fifth for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday versus the Padres in his return to the lineup, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Suarez hasn't played in nearly a week after developing some side tightness, but he's now feeling well enough to give it a go. The veteran third baseman was acquired via trade from the Mariners earlier this offseason after slashing .232/.323/.391 with 22 home runs and 96 RBI in 2023.

Hayes has hit two home runs and a double across his first 14 Grapefruit League at-bats.

Hayes is locked into every day playing at third base thanks to his tremendous defense, but his fantasy value will turn on his ability to hit for power and swipe bases. He took a step forward in the former category in 2023, improving his average launch angle to 13.2 degrees, which resulted in a career-best .182 ISO. He's seemingly carried that approach over into his early at-bats this spring and could be in for a solid regular season while occupying a key position in the Pittsburgh lineup.

Madrigal was pulled from Monday's game against the Padres with a right leg cramp, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Madrigal grounded out in his lone plate appearance before exiting. Leg problems have plagued the 26-year-old throughout his career, so hopefully this is indeed just a cramp and it's a day-to-day situation. Madrigal is competing for playing time at third base for the Cubs.

The Dodgers acquired Lipcius from the Tigers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Lipcius had been designated for assignment and now finds himself in a new organization. The 25-year-old has little shot to crack the Dodgers' Opening Day roster but will give them some infield depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.