MLB Player News

Harper has nothing worse than a foot contusion after being hit by a pitch Friday against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Harper will have an X-ray to verify that he's avoided a fracture, but as of right now, the team believes there's no cause for major concern. The outfielder's spring preparation was already going to be brief, as he didn't sign his contract until midway through camp, but even with another few days off to rest his foot he'll still likely be good to go for Opening Day.

Harper limped off the field after getting hit in the ankle by a fastball in Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but Harper looked to be in significant pain. More clarity should come after he's examined by team trainers.

Martinez (back) is in the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Martinez did not play in Boston's last two official spring training games because of his sore back, but he was able to take some at-bats in a minor-league game Thursday, and will return to Grapefruit League action Friday. Martinez will hit third and is feeling good enough to avoid the DH spot and play right field.

Ohtani (elbow) made 55 throws from 50 feet Wednesday and estimated that he was tossing the baseball at about 30 percent intensity, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

At this point in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani is hitting soft toss nearly every day and throwing off flat ground three times a week. It's expected that he'll gradually increase the intensity and distance of his long-toss sessions in the weeks to come, but there's no clear timeline for him to resume mound work. He could advance to facing live pitching before camp ends in late March, but the Angels have already dismissed the possibility of Othani being ready to handle designated-hitter duties for the big club at any point in April.

Martinez (back) got a couple at-bats in a minor-league game Thursday and he expects to return to big-league action Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

He said his back is feeling better and the fact that he got at-bats against minor leaguers supports that notion. Look for him to get back in the lineup Friday against the Yankees.

Martinez (back) is not in the lineup for Thursday's spring game against the Tigers, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.

Martinez was scratched from the lineup Wednesday with tightness in his back, and the soreness will cost him at least one more game. The Red Sox have not expressed any concern about Martinez's status publicly, so he figures to return to action in short order.

Buxton went 2-for-3 with a home run in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox. He's hitting .400 (10-for-25) with four home runs this spring.

Buxton also has just four strikeouts after a 29 percent or worse strikeout rate each season in the majors. It's small sample, but Buxton is healthy and comfortable at the plate. He's looking like the player who seemed set for a breakout 2018 season before his campaign was derailed by injuries.

Blackmon went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Colorado's 5-3 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The lefty slugger was just 3-for-19 this spring coming into the contest, but he checked in with his first long ball with his third-inning solo shot. The 32-year-old slashed .291/.358/.502 over 626 at-bats last season and should remain a threat to rack up lofty run totals hitting atop a talented Rockies lineup.

Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

This move was unfortunately inevitable. If he stays healthy, the expectation is that Jimenez will join the big-league club shortly after the White Sox have secured a seventh year of control by keeping him in the minors until at least April 12. Chicago starts a home series against the Royals on April 15, which seems like the most likely date for him to get the call.

The Mariners have informed Vogelbach that he'll be included on the roster next week for the team's two-game, season-opening series with the Athletics in Tokyo, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners and Athletics will both be allotted 28-man rosters in Japan as they kick off their seasons a week before the league's other 28 teams. That extra roster flexibility will make it easier for the Mariners to keep Vogelbach around temporarily, but the 26-year-old may have already earned his spot with the big club once they resume play in North America. Heading into Wednesday, Vogelbach has reached base at a .613 clip in Cactus League play, largely owing to his 12 walks in 31 plate appearances. With no minor-league options remaining and the Mariners down a corner-infield bat in Kyle Seager (hand) through at least the beginning of May, Vogelbach looks poised to fill at least a part-time role at first base or designated hitter for Seattle early in the season.