MLB Player News

Harper will make his Grapefruit League debut for the Phillies on Saturday against Toronto, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Harper's protracted contract negotiations will wind up costing him a large chunk of spring training, but he'll still be able to return to game action nearly three weeks before Opening Day. It's possible that the loss of time will lead to a slow April for Harper, though different players need different amounts of time to get up to speed. Harper has historically started the season hot, with his .309/.436/.619 career line in March and April easily representing his best OPS (1.055) of any month over the course of his career.

Winker hit the second pitch of Friday's spring training game out of the park for his second homer of the spring. Before the game, he mentioned how his shoulder felt stronger, and how he was able to lift the ball with authority, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Winker is part of the Reds' leadoff picture, depending on who makes the team (don't worry, he's making the team -- it's just a question of whether Nick Senzel will also be there) and is in the lineup on a given night. Scott Schebler is also an option. "It's just depending on how our roster shapes up," manager David Bell said. "Getting on base is important factor for a leadoff hitter. Those are two guys who can do that."

Winker went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Thursday against Milwaukee.

Winker clubbed a two-run homer over the fence in right field to cap off a four-run third inning. After going hitless in his first spring game, he showed signs of life at the dish in a 10-8 loss to the Brewers.

Carpenter went 2-for-2 with a solo home run Thursday in the Cardinals' Grapefruit League contest against the Mets.

Carpenter was making his third start of the spring, all of which have come as the Cardinals' leadoff man. Both Dexter Fowler and offseason acquisition Paul Goldschmidt have followed him in the order on all three occasions, offering a preview of the arrangement manager Mike Shildt plans to proceed with during the regular season. The arrival of Goldschmidt should bolster Carpenter's chances of surpassing the 100-run plateau for the second straight year and fourth time in his career.

Harper agreed to a contract with the Phillies on Thursday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, Harper's deal is worth $330 million over 13 years and doesn't include any opt-out clauses.

After a long offseason of waiting, Harper has finally found a new home. The superstar outfielder will stick in the NL East, joining the Phillies after spending the first seven years of his career with the Nationals. Harper should immediately slot in as the team's starting right fielder, likely pushing Nick Williams to a reserve role. His arrival should also have a positive impact on the run and RBI counts for the players that flank him in the lineup.

Miller agreed Thursday with the Dodgers on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Miller's late arrival to camp along with his lackluster production at the MLB level since slugging 30 home runs for the Rays in 2016 make it unlikely that he'll earn his way onto the Opening Day roster. The infielder's minor-league contract presumably includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he doesn't receive a look in the big leagues in the first couple months of the season.

Winker played in his first spring training game Tuesday, going 0-for-2 against the Giants.

The results aren't what matters for now -- it was just good that Winker was able to play. "He was really happy to be out there," manager David Bell said to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. "He's worked so hard to get out there, and he said it just felt great. It was great to see him."

Interim manager Mike Shildt suggested Monday that Ozuna may not play the outfield in Grapefruit League games until around mid-March, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Shildt didn't provide a definitive date for Ozuna to log his first outfield action of the spring, but he noted the slugger was on a "similar-ish" timetable to Yadier Molina (knee), who is penciled in to make his first start at catcher March 14. The Cardinals are simply exercising precaution with Ozuna as he works to regain strength in his surgically repaired shoulder, so he should be ready to play the field on an everyday basis once Opening Day arrives. In the meantime, Ozuna has already served as a DH on two occasions during the Grapefruit League slate, putting him on track to get in a full share of at-bats prior to the regular season.

Winker will make his spring training debut Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker and Nick Senzel have sat out the first couple of spring training games. Reds manager David Bell said that there's no injury to Senzel or Winker to explain their respective delayed spring training debuts, only that he wanted them to get more live batting practice first.

Turner did not practice Wednesday while resting his knee after an annual spring knee lubrication injection, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The injection doesn't appear to be of any concern, as Turner undergoes the procedure every spring. He's expected to be back on the field Thursday.