MLB Player News

Harper has nothing worse than a foot contusion after being hit by a pitch Friday against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Harper will have an X-ray to verify that he's avoided a fracture, but as of right now, the team believes there's no cause for major concern. The outfielder's spring preparation was already going to be brief, as he didn't sign his contract until midway through camp, but even with another few days off to rest his foot he'll still likely be good to go for Opening Day.

Harper limped off the field after getting hit in the ankle by a fastball in Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but Harper looked to be in significant pain. More clarity should come after he's examined by team trainers.

Blackmon went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Colorado's 5-3 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The lefty slugger was just 3-for-19 this spring coming into the contest, but he checked in with his first long ball with his third-inning solo shot. The 32-year-old slashed .291/.358/.502 over 626 at-bats last season and should remain a threat to rack up lofty run totals hitting atop a talented Rockies lineup.

Reyes batted fourth in Tuesday's lineup against Oakland, a lineup which Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune calls "a fair representation of what the Padres figure to roll out in the regular season."

The game was called due to rain just a handful of batters into the exhibition, but the lineup had Ian Kinsler leading off, Eric Hosmer in the two hole followed by Manny Machado and Reyes. Wil Myers was batting fifth, in center field. If that sticks into the regular season, it would likely afford both Reyes and Hunter Renfroe regular playing time. Machado, who homered before the game was called, seems happy with his protection in the lineup, saying, "With Franmil behind me, I'm going to get pitches too. In that situation today, you don't want to load the bases to face Franmil. I think our lineup is pretty deep."

Ozuna, who started in left field for the first time this spring in a 3-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Nationals on Monday, reported no pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder following the game, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Ozuna didn't get too many chances out in the field, but he did show some encouraging zip on a throw to second after Trea Turner laced a ball his way in the first inning. Ozuna was happy with that play in particular, reporting no pain after uncorking the ball and going on to note his right shoulder hasn't felt as strong as it currently does in approximately three seasons. Offseason surgery addressed an impingement that was hampering Ozuna's arm strength, and the slugger is now set to play left field for next two weeks in preparation for the regular season. Additionally, with Monday's 0-for-3 day at the plate leaving him just 1-for-20 this spring, the veteran also plans to put in extra work in the batting cage in order to address his poor timing thus far this spring.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Monday against the Rays.

McCutchen batted leadoff and belted his first home run in a Phillies uniform in the fourth inning. He's now 7-for-25 at the dish in spring training and remains on track to open the regular season as Philadelphia's starting left fielder.

Manager Mickey Callaway said that Cespedes (heels) is scheduled to begin a throwing program Monday, Anthony Rieber of Newsday reports.

Cespedes is still recovering from surgeries on both of his heels, which he required in August and October. The Mets don't expect Cespedes to be ready to play until midseason, so his advancement to a throwing program shouldn't be taken as a sign that he's nearing a return to game action. With Cespedes likely set to open the season on the 60-day injured list and Jeff McNeil expected to fill in for Todd Frazier (oblique) at third base to begin the campaign, J.D. Davis and non-roster invitee Carlos Gomez could be the top candidates to draw most of the early starts in left field for the Mets. It's also possible the Mets may shift Brandon Nimmo over to left in order to open up more work in center for defensive standouts Juan Lagares and Keon Broxton.

Ozuna (shoulder) is making his first spring start in the outfield Monday against the Nationals.

He will start in left field and hit cleanup, which will also likely be where he slots in on Opening Day. Ozuna had been limited to designated hitter work thus far as he was returning from offseason shoulder surgery.

Blackmon (illness) is starting in right field and batting leadoff in Sunday's spring game against the Dodgers, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Blackmon was unable to travel with the team to Mexico for the two-game series against the Diamondbacks due to an illness, but his quick return to the lineup should alleviate any concerns. The 32-year-old has yet to find his footing at the plate as he is 2-for-13 through five spring training games.

Harper is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Orioles, according to Joe Trezza of MLB.com.

Harper was expected to receive Sunday off after making his spring debut Saturday, and that will indeed be the case. He is set to play right field for the first time this spring in Monday's exhibition matchup with the Rays.