MLB Player News

Winker went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI in the Reds' 16-13 loss to the Brewers in Cactus League play Friday.

The three-hit performance raised Winker's spring line to .406/.459/.656, with the outfielder contributing six extra-base knocks in 32 at-bats. Power wasn't a major component of Winker's game as he rose through the Reds' farm system, but the 24-year-old displayed more pop than expected during his multiple stints in the big leagues in 2017, homering seven times in just 137 plate appearances. With the organization viewing Winker as major-league ready, it's expected that he'll see at least semi-regular starts during the upcoming campaign while rotating in with established regulars in Scott Schebler, Adam Duvall and Billy Hamilton. Given Hamilton's questionable on-base skills, it wouldn't be an especially surprising development if manager Bryan Price eventually tabs Winker as the leadoff man for an extended period.

Vogelbach has a good chance to make the active roster out of spring training even if Ryon Healy (hand) is healthy enough to play on Opening Day, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

"Vogey" initially seemed like a fill-in option in case Healy wasn't ready for the season opener, but the big 25-year-old has turned heads this spring with a 1.262 OPS in 33 plate appearances. More importantly, he has a 6:9 K:BB in Cactus League play after striking out 29 percent of the time during his time in Seattle last season. There's a chance Vogelbach could start the season as the primary designated hitter, but that is entirely dependent on Nelson Cruz's (quad) health. Regardless, manager Scott Servais said "Vogey deserves to be on this club."

Vargas was designated for assignment Friday.

The signing of Logan Morrison already made Vargas a roster redundancy, so when the Twins needed a 40-man roster spot for Jake Cave, Vargas was a relatively easy choice. Assuming the team can't find a trade partner, the switch-hitting slugger will now either be released or clear waivers and spend his time with Triple-A Rochester after batting .252 with 35 homers in the majors over the past four years.

Cespedes (wrist) expects to play Monday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Cespedes was scratched from Tuesday's game against the Astros with wrist soreness. Whil his X-rays came back negative, he received a cortisone shot Wednesday and has yet to resume hitting or throwing. His status for Opening Day is uncertain, and there's some chance this issue lingers and affects his power. It will be important to see how his wrist reacts upon his return to the lineup.

Miller (toe) will play Saturday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller has only appeared in one game this spring, back on Feb. 23. He's been dealing with a broken right pinkie toe since then but is expected to be fully ready by Opening Day.

Cespedes (wrist) remains day-to-day, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

It was revealed earlier in the week that Cespedes received a cortisone injection in his wrist, even though X-rays came back negative. While he has time to get right for Opening Day, this injury should result in his draft day price tag coming down slightly, as it could not only affect his availability, but it could negatively impact his power output if it lingers.

Manager Terry Francona announced Thursday that Brantley (ankle) should be able to return sometime around Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Francona seemed encouraged about Brantley's progress during his interview Thursday. He said that the outfielder's status for Opening Day is still up in the air, but if he does miss the opener, he won't miss it by much. Based on the skipper's comments, it sounds like Brantley is shaping up to join the Indians' starting lineup a week or two into the season at the latest.

Brantley (ankle) was the designated hitter in a minor-league game Wednesday but did not run the bases, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Although he has yet to run the bases, it seems like Brantley's rehab program is being fast-tracked a bit. The embattled outfielder partook in outfield drills Thursday and is "doing terrific" according to manager Terry Francona. No timetable for his return was revealed, but things appear to be looking up.

Carpenter manned first base in Wednesday's 3-1 Grapefruit League win over the Astros and went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run.

Carpenter made his in-the-field debut following a turn at designated hitter in his first Grapefruit League game Tuesday, but what he did at the plate was just as much of a story. The veteran infielder connected off starter Justin Verlander for a two-out, two-run shot in the third with Tommy Pham aboard, following a first-inning single. It's been an auspicious start to spring for Carpenter, who'd also walked and scored in both of his plate appearances Tuesday.

Miller (toe) will play in a minor-league game Thursday at Port Charlotte and is expected to get four or five at-bats, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

It's a positive step for the infielder, who's missed all but the opening game of spring with his broken right pinkie toe. Miller's status is likely to be updated following Thursday's game action, but manager Kevin Cash has already stated he's expecting the 28-year-old to be ready by Opening Day.