MLB Player News

Solak started in left field and went 2-for-3 in Friday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He's 7-for-20 during intrasquad play.

Look at any position on the Rangers' depth chart and you'll find Solak's name, many of which he's the top backup. Rangers manager Chris Woodward wants to find an everyday spot for his bat, but he's blocked at his best positions -- second and third base. The latest project is to have him get time at first base.

Lewis hit two home runs during Friday's six-inning intrasquad game at T-Mobile Park, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The pair of blasts added to the already strong impression Lewis already has made during the first week of summer camp. The outfielder's first homer of the day, a solo shot, came off rookie Justin Dunn and caromed high off the out-of-town scoreboard in left-center field, while the second was an opposite-field bomb off Nick Margevicius. Justus Sheffield, who drew the start for Lewis' team and pitched two scoreless innings, was the latest to extol the virtues of the 24-year-old. "The dude is locked in right now," Sheffield said. "On and off the field. I feel like he's going to have a really big year for us. He's always had the talent, and he's really starting to put it together. Hopefully, he can keep it going through this summer camp and push it through the season."

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.

Lewis is a candidate to shift over to center field on occasion early in the season if Mallex Smith (undisclosed) remains away from the team, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "I love what Kyle Lewis has done since he's been here, on both sides of the ball," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "I think he looks tremendous running around in the outfield and is giving us every opportunity to put him out there in center field on occasion, if not more than occasionally, and see what the future holds for him."

Lewis worked diligently during the shutdown, particularly on his speed, which he's been flashing since summer camp began. The promising outfielder is currently projected to serve as the everyday right fielder, but he logged 111 games at center in the minors and certainly appears to have the agility to man the position effectively.

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.

Buxton went went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk in Wednesday's scrimmage and made several running plays in the outfield, MLB.com reports. "I've got no limit. I'm back to being myself and going out and playing the game the right way," he said.

Buxton underwent surgery on his torn labrum in September, which placed his availability for the original Opening Day in question. However, he was able to rehab his injury during the pandemic shutdown and is back to full strength as evidenced Wednesday. Buxton was absent for the first few days of summer camp after the birth of his son, but he should be set to start in center field on Opening Day of the re-started 60-game season.

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.

Vargas was released by the Tigers on Wednesday, Andersen Pickard of MLBDailyDish.com reports.

Vargas signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers in January, but he was released by the team Wednesday after being left off the 60-man roster. The 29-year-old was a non-roster invitee during spring training, but he went 0-for-7 with four strikeouts. Whether Vargas will be able to land with another team remains to be seen.