Ohtani (elbow) will take part in live batting practice "soon," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani has already been hitting on the field this week without any limitations. There is no set timetable for when he will appear in Cactus League action as a designated hitter, but it shouldn't be too deep into the schedule. Ohtani is expected to be ready to serve as the Dodgers' DH for their March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Padres.

Soler agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Giants on Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Soler gives the Giants a right-handed power bat for the middle of their lineup. With the Marlins last season, he slashed .250/.341/.512 while adding 36 home runs, 75 RBI, 77 runs scored, 24 doubles and one stolen base. The Giants had previously planned on having Michael Conforto serve as their primary designated hitter in 2024, but Soler is now likely to fill that spot while Conforto and fellow left-handed hitter Mike Yastrzemski project as the top options in the corner-outfield spots, at least against right-handed pitching.

Winker signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Winker has been in a tailspin the last two seasons, slashing just .214/.337/.318 between the Mariners and Brewers while battling multiple injuries. The Nationals will hope the player who had an .888 OPS from 2017-21 can reemerge. Winker should be in the mix at designated hitter and left field against right-handed pitching.

Ohtani (elbow) will hit on the field Monday for the first time since he underwent an internal brace procedure in September, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani said last week that he's been swinging the bat at around 100 percent effort and he'll now get to test things out against live pitching. The Dodgers plan to ease Ohtani into workouts during spring training, but the full expectation is that he'll be ready to serve as the designated hitter when the club opens up its season March 20 in South Korea. Per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com, manager Dave Roberts said at the Dodgers' Feb. 3 Fan Fest event that he has penciled Ohtani in as the team's No. 3 hitter during the upcoming season.

Ohtani (elbow) told reporters Friday that he's swinging the bat at around 100 percent effort, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The next step for Ohtani as he works his way back from right elbow surgery is to either face live pitching or hitting off a high-velocity pitching machine. The Dodgers will ease the superstar into things this spring, but he's fully expected to be ready to serve as the designated hitter Opening Day. Ohtani will not be ready to pitch again until 2025.

Dodgers' general manager Brandon Gomes said Saturday that Ohtani will be "somewhat limited" to begin spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September and has yet to resume throwing, which is hardly a surprise since he isn't expected to pitch again until 2025. The two-way superstar has resumed hitting drills, however, and he should be ready to serve as the Dodgers' DH without restrictions by Opening Day.

Pederson signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Thursday, which includes a mutual option for 2025, John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix reports.

The 31-year-old fits Arizona's desire to add some thump in the designated hitter spot from the left side. Pederson slashed a pedestrian .235/.348/.416 with 15 home runs over 121 contests with the Giants in 2023, but he had a solid .786 OPS versus right-handers and boasts a career .834 OPS against righties.

Carpenter signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Friday.

The 38-year-old slashed just .176/.322/.319 last season with the Padres before being traded to Atlanta over the offseason and then released. He's owed $5.5 million in 2024 but the Cardinals will be responsible only for the veteran minimum. Carpenter could conceivably see time time in the designated hitter spot in St. Louis, but it'll be difficult for the club to justify playing time for him over younger options.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell and general manager Carter Hawkins indicated Saturday that Morel will likely continue to be used in a super utility role rather than focusing on one position, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Morel has made starts at every position other than first base and catcher during his two seasons in the majors, and he began working out at the former position during winter ball. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to master any spot yet and was used almost exclusively at designated hitter in the second half. As things currently stand, the Cubs would seem to have openings in center field and at third base (as well as DH), positions Morel has played plenty. However, the club doesn't appear anxious to keep Morel at one spot. The good news is Morel's bat should still be in the lineup plenty. He slashed .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs over 107 games in 2023.

Pittsburgh re-signed McCutchen (Achilles) to a one-year, $5 million contract Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McCutchen missed the final month of the 2023 campaign due to a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon, but he posted a respectable .776 OPS with 12 homers and 11 steals over 112 games for the Pirates when healthy. The 37-year-old will likely again serve as Pittsburgh's primary designated hitter in 2024, also possibly sprinkling in a bit of action in the corner outfield if his lower left leg cooperates. McCutchen is sitting on 299 career home runs as he enters his 16th major-league season.