MLB Player News

Donaldson's right shoulder is "hanging a little bit" according to manager John Gibbons, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Donaldson has appeared in two Grapefruit League games, both as a designated hitter. The team expects him to start at third base Tuesday. The 32-year-old has dealt with a variety of injures over the past few years, though the fact that he's already played through this one, at least as a designated hitter, suggests that it's not likely to significantly impact his season.

Anderson went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run homer in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

He's got only two hits in his first 11 spring at-bats, but both have gone for extra bases, with Friday's home run being his first of the year. Anderson will need a big camp -- or for Martin Prado (knee) to remain on the shelf -- to win the Opening Day starting job at third base, but once Prado proves he's healthy he could well join the veteran exodus out of Miami. Either way, the 24-year-old Anderson figures to be the future at the hot corner for the Marlins.

Moncada is a candidate to open the year as the White Sox's leadoff hitter, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He is leading off Friday, and it's easy to see why the White Sox might view him as their best option at the top of the order. He has high-end speed, and even though he hit just .231 last season, he walked at a 12.6 percent clip that resulted in a .338 OBP. Moncada will get his counting stats whether he is hitting first or in a run-producing spot, but he may get more opportunities to run out of the leadoff spot. The other top internal option to lead off is center fielder Charlie Tilson.

Riley went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's split-squad game against the Tigers.

The Braves' top infield prospect had been 0-for-8 to begin the spring coming into the game, but he was able to flash his tremendous power potential. Riley is still only 20 years old and isn't yet on the 40-man roster, so there's no chance of him breaking camp with the big club, but after a strong showing at Double-A to end last season, he could force his way into the picture at third base very quickly if he keeps slugging.

Valencia has signed a minor-league deal with Baltimore, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Valencia hit .256/.314/.411 in 130 games for the Mariners last season, unremarkable numbers for a player who played primarily as a first baseman. The 33-year-old can play all four corner positions and could win a role as a bench bat for the Orioles, though his fantasy value is likely to be limited unless an injury opens up unexpected playing time.

Plouffe (left intercostal) is making progress and could play Friday, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Plouffe was signed to a minor-league deal after a rough 2017 when he posted a .590 OPS over 100 games with Tampa Bay and Oakland. The 31-year-old infielder has fallen off pretty drastically since he hit 22 home runs and knocked in 86 runs for the Twins in 2015. At best, he hooks on as a reserve infielder with Texas.

Manager Bob Melvin said Chapman (hand) is expected to take batting practice Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman was able to resume swinging Thursday for the first time since injuring his right hand earlier in camp. The 24-year-old hit soft toss while also hitting off a tee, and apparently everything went off without a hitch. If Saturday's batting practice session goes as planned, Chapman could make his Cactus League debut shortly thereafter.

Vargas (hand) has appeared in six Cactus League games for the Diamondbacks this spring after undergoing right hamate bone surgery in October.

Vargas was expected to be healthy by the time spring camp rolled around, and he's been given a shot to show his potential in front of the organization after appearing in 12 big-league games last season. In 11 at-bats thus far, Vargas has picked up two hits and one RBI while adding three walks and should continue to receive more reps throughout the spring.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Duffy (back) could be cleared to resume working out Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Duffy was scratched from the Rays' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Orioles due to what was later revealed as a back spasm, but it doesn't sound like the team is concerned it will morph into a long-term issue for the infielder. After resting Wednesday and Thursday, Duffy will see how he feels Friday before the Rays determine whether he needs an additional day or two to recuperate or if he's able to get back on the field. Duffy is expected to open the regular season as the Rays' primary option at third base.

Newman has played spring games at second base in addition to seeing time at shortstop, Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic reports. "It's adding versatility," manager Clint Hurdle said of putting Newman at second. "It's giving him options if something happens where he's not just a shortstop."

Although he hasn't played a position other than shortstop since high school, he made a fine diving play at second base Wednesday. Newman slashed a middling .267/.311/.363 in 509 minor-league at-bats in 2017, but he's hit .283 overall in the minors. While the 2015 first-round draft pick likely won't hit for power (11 homers in three seasons), he could eventually help fantasy teams in the batting average category.