MLB Player News

Ramirez was diagnosed with a left knee bruise after leaving Sunday's exhibition game and will undergo X-rays, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Ramirez was carted off the field Sunday after fouling a ball off his left knee and appeared to be in a significant amount of pain. The 26-year-old's status for the season opener Thursday is now in jeopardy while the severity of the injury is determined. The Indians' infield is already depleted as Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis are sidelined with calf strains.

Ramirez was removed from Sunday's spring game after fouling a ball off his knee, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Ramirez looked to be in a good amount of pain and ultimately needed to be carted off the field. While the severity of the injury remains unclear -- he'll be further evaluated in the coming days -- this is certainly a worrisome development for the stud third baseman, especially with Opening Day less than a week away. The Indians are already without Francisco Lindor (calf) and Jason Kipnis (calf) for the first day of action.

Duffy (hamstring) will be shut down from baseball activities for two weeks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It turns out Duffy is dealing with a back injury on top of the hamstring issue that has bothered him throughout spring. He'll open the season on the injured list, and this latest setback confirms his stay on the shelf will extend beyond the minimum 10 days. Look for Yandy Diaz, Daniel Robertson and Joey Wendle to cover the hot corner in his absence.

Robinson's spot on the Opening Day roster is now locked in with Jedd Gyorko (calf) opening the season on the injured list, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Robinson had already helped his cause with a solid spring at the plate, but Gyorko's season-opening absence helps cement Robinson's status. The 26-year-old has hit .268 with eight RBI over 56 Grapefruit League at-bats and is capable of filling in at all three outfield positions.

Peterson was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

This explains why Peterson was scratched from Sunday's spring game against the Pirates. The infielder hit .297/.435/.378 with a homer and a pair of stolen bases in 20 spring appearances. He'll operate as organizational infield depth.

Peterson was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Pirates, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The reason for Peterson's removal from the lineup remains unclear at the moment. Zach Vincej will replace him at the keystone, hitting eighth.

Moustakas has gone 8-for-18 (.444) with two home runs and four RBI over his previous six spring games.

Moustakas is getting hot at the right time with Opening Day just a few days in the distance. He is set to play second base regularly this year for the first time in his career, and despite his inexperience at the position, figures to be in the lineup nearly every day out of the gate. He also figures to hit somewhere in the middle third of the Brewers' order, but could move around a spot or two depending if the opposing starter on a given day throws right-handed or left-handed.

Moncada went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two runs scored Saturday against the Dodgers.

Moncada is putting the finishing touches on an encouraging spring. He's slashing .356/.482/.689 with eight extra-base hits over 56 plate appearances. Hidden among those batted-ball stats is an improved strikeout rate. Moncada fanned on 25 percent of his plate appearances, a drop from 33.4 percent in 2018 when he led the AL in strikeouts.

Alvarez opted out of his minor-league contract Saturday with the Marlins and has 48 hours to decide whether to remain in the organization, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez exercised the opt-out after being informed he would not make the Opening Day roster, and now has a chance to pursue other opportunities. The veteran slugger would be headed to Triple-A New Orleans should he choose to stay with the Marlins.

Kieboom was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Kieboom reached Double-A for the first time last season, hitting .262/.326/.395 in 62 games. It's unclear if he'll head back there to start the year or open with Triple-A Fresno.