MLB Player News

Vogelbach has a good chance to make the active roster out of spring training even if Ryon Healy (hand) is healthy enough to play on Opening Day, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

"Vogey" initially seemed like a fill-in option in case Healy wasn't ready for the season opener, but the big 25-year-old has turned heads this spring with a 1.262 OPS in 33 plate appearances. More importantly, he has a 6:9 K:BB in Cactus League play after striking out 29 percent of the time during his time in Seattle last season. There's a chance Vogelbach could start the season as the primary designated hitter, but that is entirely dependent on Nelson Cruz's (quad) health. Regardless, manager Scott Servais said "Vogey deserves to be on this club."

Vargas was designated for assignment Friday.

The signing of Logan Morrison already made Vargas a roster redundancy, so when the Twins needed a 40-man roster spot for Jake Cave, Vargas was a relatively easy choice. Assuming the team can't find a trade partner, the switch-hitting slugger will now either be released or clear waivers and spend his time with Triple-A Rochester after batting .252 with 35 homers in the majors over the past four years.

Miller (toe) will play Saturday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller has only appeared in one game this spring, back on Feb. 23. He's been dealing with a broken right pinkie toe since then but is expected to be fully ready by Opening Day.

Manager Terry Francona announced Thursday that Brantley (ankle) should be able to return sometime around Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Francona seemed encouraged about Brantley's progress during his interview Thursday. He said that the outfielder's status for Opening Day is still up in the air, but if he does miss the opener, he won't miss it by much. Based on the skipper's comments, it sounds like Brantley is shaping up to join the Indians' starting lineup a week or two into the season at the latest.

Brantley (ankle) was the designated hitter in a minor-league game Wednesday but did not run the bases, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Although he has yet to run the bases, it seems like Brantley's rehab program is being fast-tracked a bit. The embattled outfielder partook in outfield drills Thursday and is "doing terrific" according to manager Terry Francona. No timetable for his return was revealed, but things appear to be looking up.

Miller (toe) will play in a minor-league game Thursday at Port Charlotte and is expected to get four or five at-bats, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

It's a positive step for the infielder, who's missed all but the opening game of spring with his broken right pinkie toe. Miller's status is likely to be updated following Thursday's game action, but manager Kevin Cash has already stated he's expecting the 28-year-old to be ready by Opening Day.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Miller (toe) would be sidelined for another 4-to-5 days before returning to Grapefruit League play, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller made his spring debut Feb. 23 but hasn't seen any action since while recovering from a broken right pinkie toe. Despite Miller's lack of at-bats to date, Cash suggested that the extended absence won't affect the 28-year-old's availability for Opening Day. Even if that proves to be the case, Miller will have some ground to make up against his competitors for the starting role at second base over the rest of spring training. Joey Wendle, Micah Johnson and Daniel Robertson have all impressed with on-base marks above .400 in exhibition play, though none of those players offer as much fantasy upside as Miller, who has a 30-homer campaign and a season of double-digit steals on his resume.

Jimenez was optioned to Double-A Birmingham on Wednesday.

This was an expected move. Over four appearances in the Cactus League this spring, he went 4-for-7 with two home runs, one triple and three RBI. Jimenez, one of the game's top prospects, battled a knee injury over the first few weeks of camp, but he's at full health heading into the regular season.

Ohtani will make his second start of the Cactus League on Friday against the Rockies, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reporrs.

Since giving up a run over 1.1 innings in his professional debut Feb. 24 against the Brewers, Ohtani has seen time at designated hitter for the Angels in the Cactus League while making two starts off the mound against minor-league batters. Friday's outing will mark Ohtani's toughest test to date, as he'll face higher-caliber competition and likely work up to 50 pitches.

Stanton appears to be the Yankees' preferred choice at cleanup hitter, as he has primarily hit fourth this spring while Aaron Judge hits second and Greg Bird hits third.

When Bird has been out of the lineup, Stanton has moved up to the three hole with Gary Sanchez hitting cleanup, but Bird figures to start most games, particularly against righties, so Stanton's primary spot will likely be the four hole. He is hitting .333/.391/.667 with one home run, four strikeouts and one walk in 21 at-bats this spring. The only question with Stanton is how many games he will play, as he should provide elite counting stat production when healthy.