MLB Player News

Muncy (finger) had two at-bats in Tuesday's intrasquad game, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The 29-year-old came off the bench and went 2-for-2 during the same inning, and he was replaced by a pinch runner after both hits. Muncy resumed swinging a bat Monday and apparently has no issues at the plate, but he's experiencing some discomfort while catching the ball and hasn't been taking groundballs. Manager Dave Roberts still expects Muncy to be at first base on Opening Day, per Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA, but until he's clear of the discomfort while catching his status will remain somewhat up in the air.

The Reds have been pleased with Moustakas' defense at second base so far, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "He's made all the plays," manager David Bell said. "He has great hands. He has a strong arm, which you can get away without having a really strong arm at second base. But it does help, especially with the way teams play defense now. A lot of times, he'll be in a nontraditional position."

Bell elaborated that Moustakas' conditioning has improved considerably since spring training in March, and that's helped his range. It's not that second base is alien to Moustakas, but it's clearly not his top position. The Reds have made some defensive concessions to improve their hitting, between adding Moustakas at second base and either Nick Castellanos or Jesse Winker playing in the outfield, with the other at DH.

Bregman admitted his swing is not where it needs to be and continues to work on his mechanics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bregman had a late start to camp and is trying to build up plate appearances and see as much pitching as possible. "I'm going to continue to work hard and continue [to work on] those mechanical issues we have going on right now," said the third baseman. Bregman homered in four at-bats during Monday's intrasquad game, which was a step in the right direction, and is confident he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Senzel (elbow) will play in the Reds' intrasquad game Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel had been on the shelf for a few days with a hyperextended elbow, but the injury was never considered serious. He should be ready to fill a major role in a crowded Reds outfield this season, as he's now past both the minor elbow issue and the shoulder surgery that he underwent back in September.

Burger (Achilles) will play in a local St. Louis league to get game reps in this season, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Burger hasn't gotten any game action in since 2017 due to Achilles issues. With minor-league games cancelled this season, he'll have to turn elsewhere for reps. He hasn't been included in the White Sox's 60-man player pool but will be allowed to play independent ball in order to stay sharp.

Muncy (finger) has been swinging a bat but has some discomfort while catching a ball, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Muncy was hit in the hand with a ball nearly a week ago and has been held out of intrasquad games since. While the slugger doesn't feel his bruised left ring finger limits his offense, he has experienced tenderness when playing catch. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated Sunday that he expects Muncy to be ready for Opening Day.

Astudillo, who is on the Covid-19 IL, still has not been cleared to participate in summer camp, though he is asymptomatic and feeling well, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey 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 was on the major-league roster bubble before spring training was shut down in March, as it wasn't clear if the Twins would keep three catchers. However, Astudillo looked set to make the initial expanded roster as a third catcher, but it's not certain he'll be in game shape when the regular season begins even if he's cleared to join camp soon.

Senzel hyperextended his left elbow and is expected to be back in the lineup Monday or Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Manager David Bell says Senzel is day-to-day, but that he would likely be playing if this were a regular season contest. The oft-injured center fielder underwent shoulder surgery in September of 2019 but was fully cleared from that procedure when he reported to camp.

White Sox hitting coach Frank Menechino is uncertain how many at-bats Moncada (undisclosed) will need to be ready for the regular season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada, who was placed on the injured list Friday, could be eligible to return before the regular season starts. He has not yet reported to camp and described his hitting activity at home in Miami during the shutdown as "limited." Menechino was at first reticent to estimate a number of at-bats Moncada needs once he's been activated but then offered a timeline to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "I think 10, 15 at-bats to see where he's at. And then, probably, I'd say 20 at-bats to get him started in the right direction," Menechino said. "As far as days, I don't know what he's able to do while he's not here." If Moncada is unable to start the season, Leury Garcia or Danny Mendick could fill in at third base.

Vargas belted two home runs and drove in six runs during Saturday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Vargas was a likely addition to the roster in spring training, and based on the way he's hit in camp, it's almost certain he'll be part of the 30-man Opening Day roster. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo estimated Vargas has hit six home runs in intrasquad and simulated games since camp opened. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has experience at three infield positions (2B, 3B, SS) and played a few games in the outfield for Arizona in 2019. That positional versatility, along with the distinction of being a switch hitter, could be helpful when Lovullo is required to trim the roster as the regular season progresses.