MLB Player News

Ramirez has reported to Cleveland's big-league camp and cleared intake procedures.

He will be competing with a host of similarly talented outfielders for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Ramirez may lack the fantasy upside of players like Daniel Johnson and Bradley Zimmer, but he may be a steadier option early in the season.

Alvarez (knee) participated in on-field batting practice Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been increasing his workload over the past several days, and he participated in batting practice for the first time this spring. He could spend some time playing first base this spring if he's fully healthy, but the 23-year-old should serve as the primary designated hitter for the Astros during the regular season if he recovers from his knee injury.

Choi (knee) is starting at designated hitter and batting cleanup Wednesday against the Pirates, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

He has been eased into spring action after dealing with right knee soreness early in camp. Choi is starting at DH in this one, but appears to be on track to get starts at first base in the near future.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said Alvarez (knee) has increased his workload since joining the team last week for on-field practices, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has not yet taken batting practice or fielding practice, although the Astros don't plan to use him in the field often. If he's healthy, Alvarez will be Houston's primary designated hitter.

Mercedes went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

The White Sox have used Zack Collins and Mercedes in the first two games of Cactus League play while Yasmani Grandal deals with right-knee inflammation. The club is not going to push Grandal, who began ramping up activity Sunday and is expected to get plenty of at-bats to be ready for Opening Day. Mercedes, whose power stroke during 2020 spring training made headlines, may get some opportunities early this spring, but he's expected to be in the minors when camp breaks.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Choi (knee) is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday against the Pirates, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With his sore right knee responding well to drills in recent days, Choi looks poised to make his first appearance of the spring in the middle of the week. According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Choi will likely serve as the Rays' designated hitter Wednesday before getting some work at first base in Thursday's game against the Twins.

Reyes (ankle) will serve as Cleveland's designated hitter and will bat cleanup in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

The sprained right ankle Reyes picked up shortly before reporting to spring training still may be limited him from a mobility standpoint, but that's not a major component of the slugger's game anyway. So long as Cleveland is comfortable enough deploying him as a DH in spring games, Reyes should be able to pick up the at-bats he needs to get himself ready for Opening Day.

Rooker (forearm) will start in left field and will bat cleanup Monday in the Twins' Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Rooker's rookie season came to a quick end in mid-September, when he was diagnosed with a fractured right forearm that required surgery. The 26-year-old was cleared to resume swinging a bat early in the offseason, and the Twins' decision to use him in the field rather than at designated hitter this early in spring training suggests he's already completed his throwing program. Rooker will get the opportunity to compete for a bench role with the big club during spring training, but since he still has three minor-league options remaining, there's a good chance he begins the season at Triple-A St. Paul, where he would be able to play on an everyday basis.

Solak started at second base and went 1-for-2 in Sunday's spring game against the Royals.

The competition for the Rangers' second base job is off and running. Solak will be given a shot to take the position away from Rougned Odor, who did not play in Sunday's spring opener.

Choi (knee) fielded groundballs and took batting practice before Sunday's Grapefruit League opener, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Choi sat out Saturday's workout with right knee soreness, so Sunday's activity level was a welcome sight. The first baseman will have a chance to make his Grapefruit League debut Monday against the Twins, and how his knee responds to Sunday's activity level will play a pivotal role in the decision on whether Choi at least fills a designated hitter role or suits up at all.