MLB Player News

  • Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton: Opening Day at risk

    Stanton's readiness for Opening Day is at risk after he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right calf strain Wednesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

    The slugger suffered the injury during a defensive workout Tuesday. He'll be shut down for a few weeks, and while he's expected to get back on the field before the end of spring training, he may not have time to be fully built up by the start of the regular season. The Yankees will understandably be cautious with Stanton after injuries limited him to just 18 games last season. He's averaged 116 games per season over his 10-year career.

  • Matt Carpenter DH | STL

    Cardinals' Matt Carpenter: Scratched with tight back

    Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins due to back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

    This explains why Nolan Gorman replaced Carpenter in the starting lineup shortly before first pitch. The veteran infielder should be considered day-to-day.

  • Matt Carpenter DH | STL

    Cardinals' Matt Carpenter: Scratched from lineup

    Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

    The reason behind Carpenter's late scratch is not yet known, but well-regarded 19-year-old Nolan Gorman replaced the veteran in the starting lineup.

  • Joc Pederson DH | TEX

    Dodgers' Joc Pederson: Side issue remains

    Pederson's strained side has lingered longer than the Dodgers originally expected, and he's still yet to resume hitting, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

    Pederson has been dealing with the issue, which has also been referred to as a sore hip, since early in camp. He still seems to have plenty of time to get up to speed by Opening Day, but it's possible that the injury's persistence means it's something worse than the team originally feared.

  • Nick Solak DH | SD

    Rangers' Nick Solak: Homers Monday

    Solak went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Monday's spring game against the Reds.

    Solak served as the designated hitter and batted second for the Rangers, who are looking to find him a regular home in 2020. He started in center field Sunday and will get opportunities in the infield as well. If the bat holds up this spring, Solak could become a regular in center field or at a corner infield spot. In his MLB debut in 2019, he posted an .884 OPS in 135 plate appearances (33 games).

  • Franmil Reyes DH | WAS

    Indians' Franmil Reyes: Dropped weight over offseason

    Reyes dropped 18 pounds over the winter, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

    Reyes didn't earn high marks for his fielding with the Padres before coming to Cleveland in a midseason trade last year. Now in the American League, Reyes doesn't need to be a good fielder, as all but three of his starts came as a designated hitter following the trade. Still, showing up in better shape certainly doesn't hurt, and if he can be at least a passable option in the field he'll help Cleveland's lineup flexibility this season.

  • Jesse Winker DH | NYM

    Reds' Jesse Winker: Avoids major injury

    Winker said Monday that his wrist felt fine and that his X-rays came back negative, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

    Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist during the first inning, but the injury doesn't appear to be too severe. He had a bruise on his wrist, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to a full workload in the coming days.

  • Nick Solak DH | SD

    Rangers' Nick Solak: Tries hand in center

    Solak started in center field and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Sunday's spring game against Seattle.

    Solak is an infielder by trade but will be exposed to center field this spring. Danny Santana is the presumptive starter at that position, but manager Chris Woodward may prefer him as a utility player. If Solak proves capable of playing outfield, then the manager will have the roster flexibility to use Santana as needed. Solak did not have any fielding opportunities during his six innings in the field.

  • Jesse Winker DH | NYM

    Reds' Jesse Winker: Exits after HBP

    Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the White Sox after being hit by a pitch on the left wrist during the first inning, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

    Winker was immediately replaced by a pinch runner, though he indicated he was fine after exiting the contest. Regardless, it's worth keeping an eye on his availability in the coming days with spring training just getting started this weekend.

  • Shohei Ohtani DH | LAD

    Angels' Shohei Ohtani: Tosses bullpen session Sunday

    Ohtani (elbow) threw off a mound Sunday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

    Although the throwing session was described as "basically just playing catch off the mound," it represents another step in a positive direction for Ohtani as he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Per Bollinger, the Japanese star remains on track to toss his first "real" bullpen session in mid-March. In the meantime, Ohtani will focus on hitting -- he's slated to begin the season as the Angels' primary DH.

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