MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks have reassigned Beer to their minor-league camp, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Beer, the Diamondbacks' seventh-ranked prospect according to RotoWire, batted .176 (3-for-17) with three walks, an RBI and a run scored over 10 Cactus League games. A first-round pick of the Astros in 2018, Beer joined the Diamondbacks in 2019, when Arizona traded Zack Greinke to Houston. He seems like an odd fit for a National League team, as his defensive limitations may make designated hitter his best position. Plus, even if he shows promise at first base, the Diamondbacks have several first baseman ahead of Beer. The change in organizations led to a drastic decline in production, as Beer slashed .205/.388/.318 with one home run over 24 games at Double-A Jackson. This, after he bashed 25 homers in 98 games while in the Astros' system. Let's chalk that up to poor transitional adjustment and see what happens to Beer in his first full year with the new organization.

Ozuna was having a rough spring at the plate when MLB was put on pause, hitting .083 (2-for-24) with no extra-base hits and a 1:12 BB:K.

If he were a kid trying to crack the roster for the first time that kind of performance would be worrisome, but Ozuna's track record suggests it was just a matter of time before he found his rhythm, although the interruption in the schedule could reset that clock back to zero. After slugging at least 23 homers in four straight years, the 29-year-old is set to hold down a spot in the heart of Atlanta's batting order once the regular season finally begins.

Ramirez is a candidate to platoon with Matt Joyce in right field once the regular season begins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old is facing competition from Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison and Garrett Cooper for the role. Ramirez put together a fairly impressive rookie season in 2019, but that may not be enough to ensure him consistent playing time in 2020.

The Rockies were using Blackmon in the third spot in the order this spring, while experimenting with David Dahl in the leadoff spot, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Manager Bud Black wants to get Blackmon into a better 'run-producing' - i.e. RBI-producing - spot in the order. He's already running less often as it is, so this move will only likely give him fewer runs while adding RBI.

Pederson (hip/side) has not resumed throwing to bases from the field, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

While Pederson has logged at-bats in a minor-league game, his inability to make throws from the outfield has prevented the slugger from making a full return. According to manager Dave Roberts, the defensive limitation "has been more of a hurdle than the swing" in Pederson's recovery from the hip/side soreness that has hampered him since the start of the spring training. Nonetheless, the Dodgers are optimistic that Pederson will be ready for the now-delayed start of the regular season.

Manager Dave Roberts said Pederson (hip/side) could return to Cactus League games next week, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson has been held out of Cactus League games to this point by hip and side injuries, but he's progressed to appearing in minor-league games this week. Roberts continues to believe the 27-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day, and a return to spring games next week would keep him on that track.

Turner (personal) will bat third and play third base Wednesday against the Brewers.

Turner had been away from the team for a few days to watch his wife run in the Los Angeles Marathon. WIth over two weeks left until Opening Day, his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted.

Miller, who returned to Grapefruit League action from a back injury against the Red Sox on Tuesday, appears to have the inside track to the utility role due to the recent release of Yairo Munoz, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Miller is a veteran who's capable of playing up to a wide range of positions, so if it comes down to him and the promising but unproven Edmundo Sosa, the former could have the upper hand. Manager Mike Shildt commented Tuesday that in addition to seeing time at second base, third base and left field -- all positions Miller filled with the Indians and Phillies in 2019 -- the 30-year-old could also play shortstop on occasion this coming season if he nabs a roster spot.

Miller (back) started at third base in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Miller missed over a week of games due to his sore back, but he was able to get back on the field Tuesday. He will attempt to secure some sort of utility role with the Cardinals over the final couple weeks of spring training.

Harper suffered nothing worse than a bruised left big toe after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday and will be back on the field Friday against Detroit, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper indicated during the game that his removal was purely precautionary, and it seems as though his optimism was warranted. The Phillies have an off day Wednesday, and Harper wasn't scheduled to play Thursday, so he won't wind up missing any additional time with the minor injury.