MLB Player News

Pederson (back) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Pederson was expected to return to the lineup quickly after exiting Thursday's game due to back spasms. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, manager Dave Roberts said the 26-year-old's absence is precautionary and he will play all three games in the exhibition series against the Angels, which begins Sunday.

Jimenez (illness) is in a minor-league lineup Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jimenez was scratched from a minor-league game Thursday due to a head cold but his quick return confirms it was a minor issue. The 22-year-old remains at minor-league camp but his recent six-year extension likely has him ticketed for the majors fairly shortly.

Harper went 2-for-3 with a walk, two homers, three runs and three RBI in Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.

Harper's late arrival and cold start to spring gave at least some reason to worry that the slugger may start the season in a slump. If Thursday's exploits are anything to go by, he sure seems ready now, as his spring OPS soared up to 1.192. The outfielder has typically started the season hot, as he owns a .309/.436/.619 line through the end of April over the course of his career.

Cabrera went 2-for-2 with a home run, a walk, two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Giants.

Cabrera keeps rolling along this spring, as he now has a strong .324/.422/.622 slash line along with three home runs and 10 RBI across 37 at-bats. The 35-year-old looks like he's fully recovered from the ruptured biceps that cut his 2018 campaign short, and while it'd be unfair to expect Cabrera to return to his MVP-level production from a few years ago, he could still be a solid fantasy asset in 2019 if he stays healthy.

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.