MLB Player News

Miller opted out of his minor-league contract with the Dodgers, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Miller signed a minor-league deal with the team in late February, but this news means it's likely that he wasn't going to get an opportunity with the big-league squad. He's now a free agent, and will look to land a depth role in another organization.

Winker has failed to record a hit in his last 13 spring at-bats, but manager David Bell isn't concerned, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

When asked if there was concern over Winker's struggles this spring, Bell stated, "No, I'm not. I'm not at all. I wish I had a better way to explain why spring training results -- I don't look too much into them." While Bell has previously said he would like to get Winker regular at-bats this season, the outfield in Cincinnati is crowded with the likes of Matt Kemp and Scott Schebler also fighting for playing time. The situation will only get further complicated when top prospect Nick Senzel joins the team.

Pederson (back) is expected to be in the lineup Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson exited Thursday's spring game early due to a back spasm, but manager Dave Roberts said he expects him to return to the lineup Friday. Locked into a battle for playing time with Alex Verdugo, Pederson is hitting just .167 but does have three home runs in 42 at-bats.

Pederson exited Thursday's spring game because of a back spasm, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Pederson suffered the injury running down the line Thursday. The outfielder didn't seem too worried about the issue, stating that he doesn't expect to miss any games as a result. Pederson should be considered day-to-day for now; his status will be worth monitoring as Opening Day draws closer.

Alvarez was scratched from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers for unknown reasons, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros did not disclose why Alvarez didn't make the trip to Lakeland, though they did say the issue was neither disciplinary nor injury-related. It's unknown how long he'll be out.

Jimenez was scratched from a minor-league game Thursday due to a cold, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jimenez's six-year contract he signed Wednesday raised speculation that he'd be called up for Opening Day, though the team has yet to formally call him up after optioning him in mid-March. The young outfielder's cold is unlikely to affect Chicago's decision.

Carpenter (back) won't return to the lineup before Sunday against the Marlins, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Carpenter has been out since last Sunday with a sore back. It's concerning that he remains out of the lineup so soon before Opening Day, though the Cardinals don't appear worried that he'll miss an extended period.

Carpenter (back) was "moving around better" Wednesday according to manager Mike Shildt, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter has been nursing back tightness since Sunday, but he's progressing toward a return to action in the coming days. Shildt hasn't committed to an exact return date for the veteran infielder, but the goal is to get Carpenter some game action before the team departs Florida on Sunday. The 33-year-old is hitting .179 with three home runs and four RBI over 28 spring at-bats, but he hasn't suited up since Saturday.

Brantley batted fourth Wednesday in a lineup manager AJ Hinch said was a "pretty good example" of the batting order against right-handed starters, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley could knock in 100 runs hitting fourth with on-base machines Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman hitting in front of him. Hitting behind Brantley will be Carlos Correa, which is pretty good protection. This could be a big year for the 32-year-old outfielder.

Lewis went 2-for-3 with a double, a solo home run and two runs overall in a 6-4 Cactus League loss to the Cubs on Tuesday.

Lewis was part of a Mariners squad comprised of minor-leaguers that took on a Cubs lineup replete with regulars. That included starter Yu Darvish, against whom Lewis laced a leadoff double in the fourth. The 23-year-old is slated to open the season at Double-A Arkansas after a strong showing in big-league camp this spring.