MLB Player News

Cespedes (shoulder/hamstring) will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and bat second in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After being shut down for the final month of last season with a hamstring strain, Cespedes worked on his flexibility in the offseason to address the lower-body issues that have plagued him in the past. Though the hamstring injury is no longer a concern, the Mets have used Cespedes strictly as a designated hitter so far this spring, but look for him to get some reps in the outfield as Grapefruit League plays winds down. It was also revealed earlier this week that Cespedes was battling some soreness in his right shoulder, but his presence in the lineup Thursday suggests that injury isn't a major issue, either.

Reed went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Reed got the start at first base on the day it was announced Yulieski Gurriel underwent surgery on his left hand. Reed is one of several players in competition to fill in for Gurriel, who is expected to be out until at least mid-to-late April. Being that it's a hand injury and understanding his swing could be impacted, that timeline could push into May. Reed has the body and the bat to be a first baseman, but his MLB track record is wanting. In the coming weeks, expect to see Tyler White and J.D. Davis get time at first, although when Houston breaks camp, there's a good chance Marwin Gonzalez will be the primary starter at first.

Reed could see regular playing time at first base to start the season following the news of Yulieski Gurriel's hand surgery, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic Houston reports.

Reed mashed 34 homers at Triple-A Fresno last season, but he only appeared in the majors for two games, going 0-for-6 in those contests. This could've been big news for him given the potency of the rest of Houston's lineup, but expectations should be tempered. Gurriel is only expected to miss the first couple weeks of the season, so Reed probably wouldn't even get that much extra playing time. Additionally, J.D. Davis and Tyler White are also competing for the spot, making it even tougher for Reed to make an impact.

Jimenez (knee) is expected to compete in a full capacity Thursday after spending Wednesday doing hitting drills, Daryl Van Schouwen of The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jimenez has been dealing with a little left knee soreness that cropped up earlier this week, but he's been able to complete field work and continue hitting over the past couple days. It doesn't appear as though the club is too concerned with this ailment and it's expected that he will be able to play in Cactus League games in the near future.

Harper will not play against the Marlins on Wednesday due to an ingrown toenail, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

Harper should be considered day-to-day while dealing with this minor issue. The outfielder is coming off another excellent season, hitting .319/.413/.595 with 29 home runs and 87 RBI in 111 games, but he did miss a significant portion of the year after suffering a bone bruise to his knee in August. Victor Robles will take over in right field versus Miami in his stead.

Belt went 3-for-3 with two runs scored in the Giants 14-12 spring training victory over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Belt suffered the fourth concussion of his baseball career against Arizona in early August, which cost him the final two months of the 2017 season. Concussion-like symptoms plagued the 29-year-old through everyday life in the following months, Kerry Crowley of the San Jose Mercury News reports, but he looks himself with spring training now underway. Belt was officially cleared of the concussion by MLB in October and is slated for another season as the Giants' starting first baseman.

Jimenez (knee) completed some field work without issue Tuesday, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

The top prospect seems to be progressing nicely from the knee soreness that emerged Monday, as he's hit and fielded since reports of an injury emerged. Jimenez is expected to get Wednesday off in an effort to proceed cautiously with his rehab program, but it doesn't seem like this is too serious of an issue at this point. It's worth monitoring over the course of spring training.

Vogelbach (foot) is serving as the designated hitter and batting fourth Tuesday against the Royals, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Vogelbach is set to return to action after missing the past couple of games with a bruised foot. The issue was never thought to be anything overly serious, and he'll likely return to playing the field Wednesday.

Cespedes is battling mild right shoulder soreness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cespedes was already being eased into spring action after missing half of last season with lower-body injuries. This is another reminder of the risk involved with the veteran outfielder. He hit .292/.352/.540 in 81 games for the Mets last year, an excellent level of production, but he's 32 and is already battling multiple mild injuries. It's probably best to not expect or pay for a full season from Cespedes.

Miller is out for a few days with a broken right pinky toe, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller was able to take some groundballs Monday but is not very mobile at the moment. The injury isn't expected to keep him out long. The 28-year-old infielder is in a battle for playing time after the Rays acquired C.J. Cron, so any lost time this spring could hurt him in his quest for regular at-bats this season.