MLB Player News

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.

Harper agreed to a contract with the Phillies on Thursday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, Harper's deal is worth $330 million over 13 years and doesn't include any opt-out clauses.

After a long offseason of waiting, Harper has finally found a new home. The superstar outfielder will stick in the NL East, joining the Phillies after spending the first seven years of his career with the Nationals. Harper should immediately slot in as the team's starting right fielder, likely pushing Nick Williams to a reserve role. His arrival should also have a positive impact on the run and RBI counts for the players that flank him in the lineup.

Ohtani (elbow) will progress to soft toss soon as he ramps up his hitting work, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani has been hitting off a tee for nearly a week and will soon make the next step as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He appears to be still on target to return as a designated hitter in May.

Miller agreed Thursday with the Dodgers on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Miller's late arrival to camp along with his lackluster production at the MLB level since slugging 30 home runs for the Rays in 2016 make it unlikely that he'll earn his way onto the Opening Day roster. The infielder's minor-league contract presumably includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he doesn't receive a look in the big leagues in the first couple months of the season.

Vogelbach went 1-for-1 with a solo homer and two walks in Wednesday's game against the Indians.

It's still early, but Vogelbach -- who is out of options -- is doing what he can do prove he deserves a spot on the team's Opening Day roster. Through four Cactus League games, the hefty first baseman is 4-for-7 with a 1:4 K:BB.

Rooker went 1-for-1 with a two-run homer in Wednesday's win over the Phillies.

Rooker homered in his only at-bat Wednesday, taking Cole Irvin deep in the seventh inning to put the Twins up for good. The power has always been there for the 24-year-old, as evidenced by his 40 homers across three levels over the past two seasons, but he'll need to cut down on his strikeouts -- he has three in six at-bats this spring -- if he wants to make it to the majors anytime soon.

Soler was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

No specific reason for Soler's removal was revealed. He missed the second half of 2018 with a fractured toe but was said to be fully healthy heading into spring training. Samir Duenez takes his spot in the lineup as the designated hitter.

Choi isn't available to play in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox due to a back injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays had planned on starting Choi at first base in the exhibition, but those duties will now fall to Nate Lowe after manager Kevin Cash said Choi tweaked his back while taking a swing Tuesday. Per Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE, the injury isn't considered serious and Choi plans to test out his back by taking batting practice Thursday. If that goes well, Choi could rejoin the lineup over the weekend.

Winker played in his first spring training game Tuesday, going 0-for-2 against the Giants.

The results aren't what matters for now -- it was just good that Winker was able to play. "He was really happy to be out there," manager David Bell said to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. "He's worked so hard to get out there, and he said it just felt great. It was great to see him."