MLB Player News

Choi, who walked twice and scored two runs over three plate appearances in Sunday's 10-4 Grapefruit League win over the Pirates, is one of three players expected to see time at first base during the regular season, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe are also capable of manning first, and the expectation is that manager Kevin Cash will make his playing time decisions based on matchups. Choi will also log time at designated hitter, a role in which he slashed .253/.350/.483 with nine home runs and 27 RBI last season. Choi's 24.9 percent strikeout rate and 71 percent contact rate in 2018 both left plenty of room for improvement, but his .242 ISO across 221 plate appearances represented an encouraging spike, especially when considering the relatively substantial sample size.

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

Cabrera did plenty of damage before getting replaced defensively in the sixth inning, as he clubbed his first home run of the spring, a two-run shot off Atlanta reliever Jacob Webb. The veteran slugger is coming off an injury-shortened 2018, so it will be interesting to watch him in the early going to see if he's fully recovered from his ruptured biceps. The Tigers may choose to slowly ramp up the 35-year-old.

Martinez will make his spring debut Saturday, according to Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com.

The Red Sox have taken it easy with Martinez thus far this spring, but he is ready to see his first action of 2019. Martinez will serve as Boston's designated hitter and hit cleanup Saturday.

Winker hit the second pitch of Friday's spring training game out of the park for his second homer of the spring. Before the game, he mentioned how his shoulder felt stronger, and how he was able to lift the ball with authority, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Winker is part of the Reds' leadoff picture, depending on who makes the team (don't worry, he's making the team -- it's just a question of whether Nick Senzel will also be there) and is in the lineup on a given night. Scott Schebler is also an option. "It's just depending on how our roster shapes up," manager David Bell said. "Getting on base is important factor for a leadoff hitter. Those are two guys who can do that."

Ohtani (elbow) is hitting soft toss for the first time this spring Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Ohtani continues to make incremental progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Barring setbacks, he remains on target to return to the lineup as a hitter in May.

Soler (undisclosed) will start in right field and bat cleanup in Friday's spring game against the Angels, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Soler was scratched from Wednesday's lineup for undisclosed reasons but he's apparently healthy given his quick return, especially with him starting in the outfield. The 27-year-old is expected to begin 2019 as the primary designated hitter for the Royals.

Choi (back) is in the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Orioles, Rays broadcaster Neil Solondz reports.

Choi missed a couple days of spring action because of his setback, but he will return to action Friday as expected. Choi will play first base and occupy the third spot in the batting order for the Rays.

Winker went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Thursday against Milwaukee.

Winker clubbed a two-run homer over the fence in right field to cap off a four-run third inning. After going hitless in his first spring game, he showed signs of life at the dish in a 10-8 loss to the Brewers.

Choi (back) is expected to play Friday against the Orioles, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Choi tweaked his back while taking a swing earlier in the week, but he's been cleared to rejoin the lineup after taking a couple of days to rest and recover. Through three games this spring, Choi is 1-for-5 with a 1:2 K:BB.

Carpenter went 2-for-2 with a solo home run Thursday in the Cardinals' Grapefruit League contest against the Mets.

Carpenter was making his third start of the spring, all of which have come as the Cardinals' leadoff man. Both Dexter Fowler and offseason acquisition Paul Goldschmidt have followed him in the order on all three occasions, offering a preview of the arrangement manager Mike Shildt plans to proceed with during the regular season. The arrival of Goldschmidt should bolster Carpenter's chances of surpassing the 100-run plateau for the second straight year and fourth time in his career.