MLB Player News

Jimenez went 2-for-3 with a triple and a solo home run in Thursday's spring game against the Reds.

The two extra-base hits were Jimenez's first of the Cactus League. Chicago's starting left fielder is 5-for-19 with three runs scored through seven spring games. Jimenez has established himself has one of the game's best sluggers and could put up monster counting numbers in 2021, the first year he'll have a chance to play a full 162-game schedule at the MLB level.

Stanton indicated Wednesday that he plans to spend some time playing in the outfield before the end of spring training, Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

Stanton has been tabbed the Yankees' everyday DH for the coming campaign, but the veteran nonetheless hopes to get a chance to play the field during Grapefruit League play. Manager Aaron Boone was noncommittal when discussing such a scenario, saying that those discussions have yet to take place and that Stanton could "possibly" get some outfield reps. Given the slugger's recent injury history, it wouldn't be surprising for the organization to play it safe in spite of Stanton's wishes.

Soler went 1-for-1 with a home run and a walk in Wednesday's 9-3 Cactus League win over the Reds.

The home run was the second in as many days for Soler, who had been off to a 2-for-15 start to the spring before this recent power surge. The 29-year-old hit .228 and mashed only eight homers in 43 games during an injury-plagued 2020 season, but he'll be eyeing a bounce-back campaign in 2021 after reporting to camp at full health.

Buxton has been out of the lineup since Sunday due to a broken tooth, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Buxton cracked his tooth while eating steak, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He certainly doesn't have the best luck with injuries, though this particular issue probably won't sidetrack his season. He underwent a root canal and had a crown placed on the tooth Wednesday, so he should be able to get back into game action soon.

Lewis went 2-for-2 with an RBI single, a triple, a sacrifice fly and a run in a Cactus League win over the Royals on Tuesday, pushing his spring average to .364 (4-for-11) across five games.

Lewis was 0-for-4 after the Mariners' first two exhibitions, but he's atoned nicely with a pair of subsequent two-hit efforts. Expectations are elevated for the 25-year-old outfielder after he slugged 11 home runs in 2020 and garnered AL Rookie of the Year honors.

Solak started at second base and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against Cleveland.

Solak has appeared in six Cactus League games -- all at second base -- and is 4-for-15 with the one home run and two RBI. It looks like the Rangers' plan to have the utility player carve out a home at the keystone while Rougned Odor mans third is going to happen. Odor has started four consecutive spring games at the hot corner.

Alvarez (knee) could get into game action early next week, Mark Berman of KRIV Fox 26 reports.

Alvarez's incredible .313/.412/.655 slash line in his 87-game debut back in 2019 indicates the massive boost he could provide both the Astros and fantasy teams if he can just stay on the field. His knees are already rather poor for a player who's merely 23 years old, however, as they limited him to two games last season. The Astros are bringing him along cautiously this spring, but he's at least trending in the right direction and could get into game action with two weeks to spare before the start of the regular season.

Martinez is scheduled to make his next Grapefruit League appearance in Wednesday's game against the Braves, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Martinez was initially listed as the Red Sox's designated hitter for Tuesday's game against the Rays, but manager Alex Cora had a change of heart and determined the 33-year-old would be better off getting a breather. Coming off a rough 2020 campaign, Martinez has turned in quality at-bats through his first four games of the spring, going 4-for-11 with a double, two RBI, three strikeouts and no walks.

Reyes (not injury-related) is back with the team Tuesday and scheduled to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Angels, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Reyes and teammate Jose Ramirez violated COVID-19 protocols over the weekend, so both spent the last couple days isolating away from the team. They won't face any further punishments after testing negative, so they should get back into game action as soon as possible.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona said Reyes (COVID-19 protocols) could be cleared to rejoin the team as soon as late Monday or Tuesday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Both Reyes and Jose Ramirez were forced to self-isolate after the two admitted to violating MLB's COVID-19 protocol, though neither tested positive for the virus. Assuming Reyes continues to submit negative test results over the next 24 hours, he should be back in camp in the next day or two. The brief absence from workouts should't affect Reyes' readiness for Opening Day.