MLB Player News

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer Monday against the Twins.

He's hitting .263 in 19 Grapefruit League at-bats with one homer and one stolen base. His move to right field from center has gone seamlessly. McCutchen, who is batting third after struggling in the second spot for much of 2016, will look to get off to a good start. He's hit just .212 in 165 April at-bats in 2015 and 2016.

Soler's MRI on Monday revealed he has a Grade 1 oblique strain, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Soler's MRI confirmed what was reported earlier, so the 25-year-old will sit for the next week before slowly being eased back into baseball activities, ensuring that he will miss some time to start the season. His absence could open up a spot for speedster Terrance Gore to make the team as a reserve outfielder, while Paulo Orlando should see the bulk of the time in right field as Soler's primary replacement.

Vargas (foot) took batting practice Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Vargas is working his way back from a bruised foot, as he shed his crutches Sunday and progressed to taking batting practice Monday. The 26-year-old is just 1-for-15 this spring, so unless Vargas returns to the field soon, he could temporarily lose his Opening Day DH spot to Byungho Park.

Soler is dealing with a strained oblique and could open the season on the 10-day DL, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Ticketed for a full-time role in right field entering spring training, Soler struggled through much of Cactus League play prior to suffering the injury, batting just .143 with two homers in 49 at-bats. While the Royals haven't indicated that Soler's injury will put him at risk of a long-term absence, the possibility that he'll miss Opening Day could allow speedster Terrance Gore to make the club as a reserve outfielder. Paulo Orlando can be expected to serve as Soler's primary replacement for however long he's sidelined.

Vargas (foot) will attempt to run on the field Sunday, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

Vargas is no longer using crutches, but was still limping Sunday morning after having fouled a ball off his left foot Friday. The 26-year-old has gone just 1-for-15 at the dish during spring training, and if he's unable to shake off the injury and return to action within the next week, the Twins could opt to go with Byungho Park as their regular DH to begin the season.

Cabrera (back) will man first base and bat third in the order during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera was able to take batting practice Saturday, which was good enough for the Tigers to sign off on his return to the lineup after back tightness had troubled him since he suited up for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He's only expected to get two at-bats Sunday, as manager Brad Ausmus wants to keep Cabrera off his feet as much as possible.

Winker was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, the Dayton Daily News reports.

Scott Schebler looks set to start in right field as a result. However, Winker may not be in the minors long as one of Cincy's top prospects.

Vargas will seek a second opinion on his left foot, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Bollinger notes that Vargas was walking around the Twins clubhouse on crutches Saturday after he fouled a ball of his foot Friday. Vargas has struggled at the dish this spring with a .077/.250/.077 slash line in 13 at-bats. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate with roster cuts looming ahead of Opening Day. Conversely, fellow DH candidate Byungho Park has strung together an excellent .359/.422/.718 line over a larger sample of 39 at-bats this spring.

Belt crushed a three-run homer in Friday's win over the Rockies. It was his only hit in four at-bats.

The 28-year-old is quietly having a consistent spring, slashing .289/.340/.600 in 49 plate appearances. Quiet and consistent are also ways to describe the first baseman's offensive game. In his last three full seasons, Belt has averaged 17.3 homers, 72.3 RBI and 75.3 runs. The one aspect of his game that stands out from the rest is his ability to get on base at a high clip (.394 on-base percentage in 2016), which obviously inflates his value in leagues that incorporate that statistic. Barring an injury, we should expect more of the same from Belt in 2017.

Cabrera (back) is set to take batting practice Saturday and will start at first base Sunday if all goes well, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Manager Brad Ausmus says the slugger has been steadily progressing and will get two at-bats Sunday if he ends up playing. Cabrera has been held out of action since experiencing tightness during the World Baseball Classic, though it appears he's nearly back to full strength and ready to continue Opening Day preparations. In just seven Grapefruit League games this spring, the All-Star has six hits in 18 at-bats.