MLB Player News

Ohtani (elbow) is starting at designated hitter and batting second for the Dodgers on Tuesday versus the White Sox in his Cactus League debut, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ohtani will be flanked by Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot and Freddie Freeman in the three-hole in what likely is a preview of the top third of the Dodgers' Opening Day batting order. The superstar has been eased into things at the start of spring training as he comes back from September's right elbow surgery, but there's never been much doubt that Ohtani will be ready to roll for the team's March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Padres.

Carpenter was scratched from the lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins because of a left wrist contusion, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Carpenter was hit on the wrist by a pitch in a game over the weekend and is evidently still feeling the effects. The Cardinals are seemingly viewing Carpenter as day-to-day.

Ohtani (elbow) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday against the White Sox, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Ohtani didn't appear in the first few games of spring training as he eased into action following right elbow surgery, but he'll make his first appearance in a Dodgers uniform Tuesday. Though the team will likely exercise caution with the 29-year-old as he prepares for a role as a designated hitter to begin the 2024 season, he'll have just over three weeks to prepare before the Dodgers open the campaign against the Padres in South Korea on March 20. Ohtani expects to get in about 50 competitive at-bats between spring games and simulated games ahead of the season opener.

Blackmon is expected to serve as the Rockies' primary designated hitter in 2024, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Blackmon signed a one-year, $13 million extension with the Rockies just before the close of the 2023 campaign. Given that financial commitment, he's expected to keep a significant role on the team. Blackmon has stated a desire to play regularly in right field, but manager Bud Black is prioritizing carefully managing the veteran's workload.

Morel went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's Cactus League game against the White Sox.

Morel started at third base, which is where he's slated to see most of his playing time, at least in the early going. The 24-year-old got off to a flying start in the power department last season and now has his spring campaign started on the right foot as well. If Morel sees regular time at the hot corner and can build on the positives from his 2023 campaign, a big 2024 could be in store.

Ford signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday that includes an invite to big-league camp, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Ford had a .228/.323/.475 slash line with 16 home runs in 84 games with the Mariners last season before being cut loose in November. The Reds already have a logjam of quality bats, so Ford is unlikely to see much playing time even if he manages to crack the big-league roster.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Ohtani (elbow) could make his Cactus League debut next week, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Ohtani will be held out of game action through the weekend as he eases into things following right elbow surgery, his spring debut isn't far off. It would still give the designated hitter about three weeks of game action ahead of the Dodgers' March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Padres.

Ohtani (elbow) will take live batting practice Monday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

There seems to have been some confusion over the last few days as to when Ohtani was taking live BP, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that it will be Monday. It will be the first time Ohtani has faced live pitching since he underwent surgery on his right elbow in September.

Ohtani was originally scheduled to take live batting practice Sunday, but he won't do so after all, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ardaya reported earlier Sunday that Ohtani would be facing Michael Grove in a live batting practice session, but that plan has apparently been scrapped. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts insisted that the change of direction has nothing to do with Ohanti's health and suggested that the slugger is simply being given the freedom to direct his own schedule. Ohtani has been taking normal batting practice and may do so again Sunday, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that he wants Morel to concentrate on playing third base to begin spring training, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Counsell remains open to Morel's role changing over time but emphasized giving Morel consistency from the beginning of camp. Morel played just five games at third base last season, with most of his starts coming between DH, the outfield and second base. A move to third base for Morel would likely spell fewer at-bats for Nick Madrigal while opening the door for Matt Mervis or Michael Busch to see opportunities at DH.