MLB Player News

Pederson went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs and three runs scored in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Rockies.

The game wasn't at Coors Field, but Pederson performed like it was. The outfielder has been on a tear to begin spring training, as he now has five home runs and a 2.071 OPS through seven games. Pederson should play every day for the Cubs and has the chance to put up good numbers in a lineup that also features the likes of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Willson Contreras.

Harper isn't expected to play the field until sometime next week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Harper dealt with back issues last season and has been brought along cautiously in camp, with his Grapefruit League appearances all coming as a designated hitter thus far. The Phillies haven't expressed much concern, but the way they're treating the star slugger nevertheless seems telling. It's possible Harper sees more frequent off days than he's used to this year as the Phillies strive to ensure his back problems don't reach the point that he needs to miss an extended period. It's also possible that this is simply standard spring caution and that Harper will be treated normally once the regular season begins.

Pederson went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

The 28-year-old is fitting in nicely with the Cubs, as he now has a robust 1.672 OPS and three home runs this spring in six games. Pederson is essentially replacing Kyle Schwarber in Chicago, and after a rough 2020, eyes are on him to return to the form that saw the lefty slugger hit 36 homers for the Dodgers in 2019.

Belt (heel) is not yet ready for game action but will continue taking part in baseball activities for the next few days, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right heel in October, placing his readiness for Opening Day in some doubt. He was further slowed by an illness early in camp, though he seems to be past that now. There's still seemingly time for him to get up to speed by the start of the regular season, but he'll need to get into game action fairly soon if that's to happen.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Brewers.

Pederson is just 2-for-9 to begin spring training, but both of the hits have left the yard. That's pretty much par for the course with the outfielder, who batted just .190 last season but slugged seven home runs in 43 games. Pederson had a .249 average and 36 home runs in his last full season back in 2019. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a great batting average in 2021, either, but the power should be there in Pederson's first season with the Cubs.

Carpenter is 0-for-8 with two walks and four strikeouts across his first four Grapefruit League games.

It's certainly early and the sample is therefore small, but Carpenter's struggles are an unfortunate development with respect to his bid for regular playing time to start the season. Manager Mike Shildt has gone on record with his desire to try and keep the 35-year-old's bat in the lineup as much as possible despite the fact Nolan Arenado is now entrenched at the hot corner. Nevertheless, Carpenter has plenty to prove after generating a combined .216/.332/.372 line across 661 plate appearances over the last two seasons, and with the designated hitter currently not in the National League's 2021 plans, he could have a difficult time getting consistent at-bats even if he shows marked improvement over the balance of spring training.

Harper mentioned on the Phillies' spring training broadcast Friday that he's on a throwing program but will throw to bases as soon as Monday.

Harper battled back issues late last season, making it tough for him to throw. He's being brought along slowly this spring but made his Grapefruit League debut as a hitter Friday against the Pirates and looked ready to go, homering to left field in his first plate appearance. There should still be plenty of time for Harper to get fully up to speed on both sides of the ball by Opening Day.

Harper will make his spring debut in Friday's exhibition game against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Harper was in no rush to get into games, but he is apparently ready to step into the batter's box and face opposing pitchers for the first time. Harper will serve as the Phillies' designated hitter and hit third Friday.

Belt (heel/illness) played catch and swung in the cage Thursday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt is recovering from a non-COVID illness and October heel surgery, but he's been able to participate in baseball activities in recent days. The Giants are still pushing him to be ready in time for Opening Day.

Winker (hip) will lead off and play left field Thursday against the Royals, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker was scratched Monday with a sore hip, but the Reds called that decision "very precautionary." That appears to be correct, as he's now back in the lineup just three days later. Opening Day is still four weeks away, so he'll have plenty of time to get up to speed by the start of the season.