MLB Player News

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.

Lewis was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Lewis had a solid run at the dish in big-league camp, hitting .389 with two home runs, four RBI, a stolen base and six runs scored. The former first-round pick slashed .220/.309/.371 over 37 games with Double-A Arkansas a season ago and could remain with the Travelers to open the 2019 campaign.

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.

Alvarez went 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Alvarez's bat is not in question -- he slugged a combined 21 home runs with a .534 slugging percentage and .904 OPS at Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno in 2018 -- but a spot on Houston's roster is. The 6-foot-5 Alvarez has the frame of a first baseman, but the Astros are exposing him to left field, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. "He's a little more athletic and a little bit better in left field than I had anticipated, just because there's so much attention and talk about his bat," manager AJ Hinch said of Alvarez. If the 21-year-old can handle the added responsibility of another position, Alvarez improves the chances of bringing his impressive bat to the majors.

Cabrera went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

Cabrera now has two home runs this spring to go along with a 1.270 OPS. The veteran had his 2018 season cut short due to a ruptured biceps, but the early returns in 2019 indicate he could be back to full health, and he could be a nice discount option in fantasy leagues.

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.

Ozuna took normal fielding practice and threw to bases prior to Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Astros, Glenn Sattell of MLB.com reports.

It's another step in the right direction with Ozuna's planned Monday return to the outfield. Sattell reports Ozuna uncorked several strong throws during Saturday's session and got through them without any setbacks. The slugger has only seen time as a designated hitter thus far this spring after undergoing right shoulder surgery last October, and he's been following a throwing program since that point. According to manager Mike Shildt, Ozuna is expected to proceed with his planned spring outfield debut Monday if his shoulder is free of any discomfort Sunday.