MLB Player News

Alvarez (hand) is expected to resume swinging a bat "maybe by this weekend," Astros general manager Dana Brown said on the team's radio broadcast Sunday.

Alvarez has been battling nagging soreness in his left hand which has kept him from swinging a bat the last couple weeks. The slugger also dealt with soreness in both hands last season. There hasn't seemed to be any real concern regarding Alvarez's potential availability for Opening Day, but obviously it would be nice to see him take a step forward later this week.

Turner was taken to a hospital in an ambulance after being struck in the face with a pitch Monday versus the Tigers, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Turner was hit by a Matt Manning pitch in the first inning in a scary situation at JetBlue Park. The Red Sox have yet to offer any additional updates on Turner other than he's been transported to the hospital, but the team should have more on the infielder's condition later Monday.

Turner was removed from Monday's Grapefruit League game versus the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

A pitch in the bottom of the first inning got away from Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, striking Turner. He eventually walked off the field with a trainer, holding a bloody towel to his face. The Red Sox should offer an update on Turner's condition before long.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder, personal) will hit second when in the lineup this season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jeremy Pena hit second for most of last year, but it's worth pointing out that was with Brantley missing a large portion of the season because of shoulder surgery. "If Brantley is in the lineup, Brantley is No. 2 ... I know Pena's been good, but Pena ain't been good as long as Brantley," Baker said. The veteran outfielder is away from the club now to deal with a personal matter, but a chance to hit second in the quality Houston lineup certainly doesn't hurt Brantley's fantasy potential.

Astros manager Dusty baker told reporters Sunday that Alvarez (hand) still hasn't resumed swinging, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is dealing with discomfort in his left hand, and while it's been widely reported that the slugger is expected to be ready for Opening Day, it's obviously a bit concerning that he hasn't resumed swinging at this point. After a dominant 2022 campaign, the 25-year-old is deserving of a high selection in all eligible formats, but the injury concern is something managers have to be cognizant of before making the pick.

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The home run was the first of the spring for the veteran, who likely will see his Grapefruit League playing time managed carefully the rest of the way as he ramps up for his 19th MLB season. Cabrera said during the offseason that 2023 will be his last season before he retires. The 39-year-old has managed to hit .250 or better each of the last five seasons, though his power has mostly evaporated, which has drastically cut into his fantasy appeal.

Brantley (shoulder) is away from Astros camp while dealing with a family matter, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley has yet to play in any Grapefruit League games as he takes things slowly following last August's shoulder surgery. This personal matter will halt his rehab, presumably briefly. The hope is that the 35-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day.

Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Belt (knee) is about a week away from making his Grapefruit League debut, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Belt is considered fully recovered from last September's knee surgery but is still being eased into things this spring. The Blue Jays don't believe he needs many Grapefruit League at-bats to prepare for the season, so he remains on track for Opening Day.

Ohtani is in Japan to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, Ben Verlander of Fox Sports reports.

Ohtani made his spring pitching debut for the Angels on Tuesday, hurling 2.1 scoreless innings against Oakland and allowing no hits and two walks while striking out two batters. He made his way back to his native country soon thereafter, and he'll now shift his focus to helping Japan vie for the WBC title. The tournament will take place from March 8 to March 21, so Ohtani will likely be away from the Angels for the next several weeks.

Alvarez (hand) "should definitely be back for Opening Day," Astros general manager Dana Brown told the ESPN broadcast Tuesday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

"We feel totally confident that he'll be in games sometimes midway through (spring training)," Brown added. Alvarez is currently shut down from swinging a bat due to renewed soreness in his left hand similar to what he dealt with in both hands last season. While it sounds like he won't get into any Grapefruit League games for a couple weeks, it does not appear the nagging injury will prevent him from being available come Opening Day.