MLB Player News

Ruf (wrist) is starting at first base and batting cleanup for the Mets on Friday in their Grapefruit League contest versus the Cardinals, Michael Mayer of Metzmerized reports.

Ruf made his spring debut Tuesday after recovering from a right wrist issue which plagued him early on in camp. The 36-year-old will see action against left-handed pitching for the Mets this season, primarily at DH.

Harper (elbow) hit off a tee for the first time Thursday in Phillies camp, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The workout came right after a followup physical, which apparently showed an encouraging degree of healing in Harper's surgically-repaired right elbow. The 30-year-old slugger had been limited to dry swings so far in his rehab progression before taking this meaningful step forward. Throwing, and thus playing the outfield, could remain an issue throughout all of 2023, but Harper is on track to return offensively from Tommy John surgery around the middle of the upcoming season.

Harper (elbow) said Thursday that he has no idea whether he'll be ready to play right field at some point this season, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports.

Harper has reported to the Phillies' spring training complex and is set to undergo a physical. Based on those results, he expects to have a better idea on a timeline for his return to the Phillies' lineup. Harper underwent Tommy John surgery in November and the initial rough timetable projected him to be back as a designated hitter shortly before the All-Star break. That same timetable had him hopefully playing the outfield at some point in the second half, but it sounds as if that's not a slam dunk. For fantasy purposes, Harper will not have outfield eligibility initially in 2023 and it appears there's a chance that could carry over into 2024. A clearer picture will be available following the slugger's physical.

Torrens went 2-for-2 with two solo home runs in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers.

The power display was a bit unexpected, as Torrens had only three home runs in 151 at-bats with Seattle last season. However, the veteran backstop did go deep 15 times in 2021, so he has shown off some pop in his career. Torrens is likely third in Chicago's catching pecking order behind Yan Gomes and Tucker Barnhart, so his fantasy value will be limited unless he's able to move up the depth chart. He's on a minor-league deal and could start the year with Triple-A Iowa, though the Cubs may decide to carry three catchers in the early going.

Lewis went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Athletics.

Lewis made his second spring appearance at designated hitter after missing time while building up strength in his legs.

Winker (neck, knee) is making his Cactus League debut Tuesday.

Winker will DH and bat second in what is also his unofficial Brewers debut. He had a rough go of it in Seattle last season, due in part to neck and knee injuries, but there is bounce-back potential ahead for the 2021 NL All-Star.

Ozuna has gotten more plate appearances than any Atlanta player who isn't either participating in the WBC or competing for a job through the early part of the Grapefruit League schedule, and he's been used exclusively at designated hitter, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old worked to improve his shoulder strength in the offseason in an effort to not be such a liability in the field, but Atlanta would be content simply to get some value out of his bat at this point. Ozuna has two years and $32 million remaining on his contract with a $16 million club option for 2025, but over the last two seasons he's played only 172 games due to injuries and off-field issues, posting decent power numbers with 30 homers and 82 RBI but slashing a weak .222/.278/.397.

McCutchen (hand) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

McCutchen exited early in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Twins due to hand soreness, but as anticipated, his removal from that contest proved to be merely a precaution. At least at the start of the season, the 36-year-old should handle a near-everyday role as he opens his second stint in Pittsburgh, with McCutchen expected to move between the corner outfield and designated hitter.

McCutchen's (hand) removal from the Pirates' game on Sunday was precautionary and he's expected to be fine, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

McCutchen was lifted from the game against the Twins after being hit by a pitch, but it sounds like he probably could've remained in had it been a regular-season contest. The veteran outfield is expected to open 2023 as the Pirates' starting right fielder.

Lewis started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Sunday's spring game against Cleveland.

Lewis made his spring debut after dealing with leg issues early in camp. It sounds like the Diamondbacks gave the 27-year-old outfielder, who is coming off a variety of knee injuries the last two seasons, extra preparation more than it was Lewis experiencing anything serious. He could remain a DH-only deployment in the short term before the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year gets a look in the field. Lewis gives the Diamondbacks a right-handed bench bat amid a lefty-dominant lineup.