MLB Player News

Blackmon (illness) arrived at the Rockies' camp Monday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Blackmon was quarantined in Georgia over the first several days of camp after he tested positive for COVID-19 on June 23, but he cleared MLB protocol and was allowed to rejoin the team Monday. It's unclear whether the 34-year-old experienced symptoms, and whether he'll be ready for the season opener July 24 remains to be seen.

Miller remained out of Saturday's summer camp workouts due to heel soreness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The veteran first sat Friday with the issue, and manager Mike Shildt opted to play it safe with Miller a day later. Shildt added that Miller is projected to sit out Sunday as well prior to the Cardinals' scheduled day off Monday in order to afford him plenty of time off his feet.

Cespedes (ankle) is confident that he'll be ready for Opening Day, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cespedes has been participating in the Mets' intrasquad games during camp while recovering from a surgically repaired ankle, and he expressed optimism Saturday that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. The 34-year-old has reached sprint speed in workouts during quarantine, but one of the main factors in his availability during the season will be his running ability.

Manager Mike Shildt revealed Friday that Miller is dealing with a heel injury that isn't believed to be serious, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Miller was held out of the Cardinals' intrasquad games over the past several days, and manager Mike Shildt revealed the reason Friday. Although the exact nature of the injury is unknown, the utility player isn't expected to miss more than a couple of days as a result. Miller should serve as major-league depth at several positions during the shortened 2020 season.

Cespedes (ankle) crushed a home run to left field off Seth Lugo during Thursday's intrasquad game, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

While it's great to see Cespedes' bat in what appears to be midseason form, he still isn't pushing too hard when it comes to the rest of his skill set -- he didn't even attempt to trot around the bases afterwards and simply walked to the dugout. The veteran's ability to run on his surgically repaired ankle and heels will be the biggest factor in determining how much playing time he sees in 2020, either at DH or in the outfield.

Winker spent much of the shutdown in Cincinnati working on improving his footwork, in the hopes of bettering his defensive skills, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I was taking fly balls from DB and I just ran a ton," Winker said. "I think that was the best way to stay in shape for me, personally. Everything else -- throwing and hitting -- I've always trusted that would be there when it's time to go do that. Keeping my body in shape throughout this quarantine was my No. 1 priority."

This is a variation on the "best shape of his life" report, but there's come confirmation from the team that Winker is in better physical shape than he was last season. He'll spend some time in the outfield, and some as the DH.

Beer was cleared to return to baseball activities Thursday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old had to isolate, be clear of any symptoms and produce two negative tests before being cleared to rejoin his teammates. The quick turnaround will allow Beer to compete for reps at first base while holding his ground as a DH option for the time being.

Belt is sidelined by right heel pain and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-7 days, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear how the veteran first baseman picked up the injury, but it's not a great development in the early stages of camp. Belt is sporting a walking boot, per Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News, and his availability for Opening Day figures to hinge on how well he feels when re-evaluated next week.

Manager Torey Lovullo announced Tuesday that Beer tested positive for COVID-19, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old apparently cleared the initial intake testing but since reported a positive test. Beer will need to isolate, be clear of any symptoms and produce two negative tests before being cleared to rejoin his teammates.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Monday that Blackmon (illness) hasn't arrived at summer camp, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Back on June 23, Blackmon was revealed to have tested positive for COVID-19, and the outfielder has remained in quarantine at his offseason home in Georgia while he waits to fully clear the protocol for rejoining the Rockies. It's unclear at this point where Blackmon stands in his recovery or if he's free of symptoms, making it difficult to gauge when he might arrive at camp. The Rockies will open their season July 24 versus the Rangers.