MLB Player News

Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) will face live pitching Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It hasn't been determined yet whether it will be against a pitcher or a Trajekt machine, but either way it will be the first time Ohtani has swung a bat against live pitching, or at least simulated live pitching from a robot, this spring. Ohtani is being brought along slowly after November surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder, and he is not expected to pitch until around May 1. However, there are no concerns about his availability as a designated hitter for the Dodgers' season-opening set in Tokyo versus the Cubs on March 18 and 19.

Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) has thrown mostly out of a windup during his first two bullpen sessions this spring and plans to continue to do so during games this season, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

When asked if he intends to use a windup during games this year, Ohtani responded, "That's my plan...With increasing the intensity, I do want to see how the body responds, how I respond to it. As of now, that's the plan." Using a windup is a shift from his previous norm, as the two-way star threw almost exclusively out of the stretch during his time on the mound with the Angels. A study published in 2024 concluded that there's no significant difference in velocity or injury risk for pro hurlers pitching out of the stretch versus out of a windup, so there may not be a tangible fantasy impact on Ohtani's decision to change his approach.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Ohtani will remain the team's leadoff hitter this season, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He'll be followed by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez, which is the same top four in the lineup the Dodgers used down the stretch last season when all four were healthy. The reigning National League MVP, Ohtani batted .307/.392/.680 with 35 home runs and 44 stolen bases in 90 regular-season games out of the leadoff spot in 2024.

The Cubs designated Canario for assignment Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Justin Turner, whose signing has been made official. Canario has an .857 OPS but a 42.2 percent strikeout rate during his brief time in the majors over the last two seasons. Strikeout issues and a lack of minor-league options could limit Canario's appeal, but the Cubs should be able to find a trade partner willing to gamble on the 24-year-old's power upside.

Manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that there's no timetable for when Stanton (elbows) will resume baseball activities, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Stanton is dealing with tennis elbow in both arms and has not swung a bat in several weeks. He battled the same issue with both elbows last season, as well, but the discomfort has reached a point to where he and the team decided shutting things down for a while was necessary. Stanton's availability for Opening Day is in question.

Pederson (illness) returned to Rangers camp Wednesday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Pederson was away from the club for a few days while battling the flu, but he's now recovered and ready to resume workouts. The 32-year-old's first Cactus League game might be delayed a bit since he's a tad behind, but he will have plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day.

Jimenez lost 25-to-30 pounds over the offseason, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez had to settle for a minor-league contract with the Rays this offseason following a 2024 campaign that he referred to Sunday as a "disaster." Manager Kevin Cash said that Jimenez is "really, really motivated" and will get some reps in the outfield and even at first base in addition to competing for at-bats at designated hitter.

Pederson will be away from Rangers camp for a few days while battling the flu, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 32-year-old will get a bit of a late start to spring training, but his bout with the illness shouldn't prevent him from being ready to go for Opening Day. Pederson is slated to serve as Texas' designated hitter against right-handed pitching this season, though Grant relays that the Rangers also intend to give Pederson some work at first base this spring to see if he's capable of making occasional starts at the position when Jake Burger requires a day off.

Harper will miss the Phillies' first full-squad workout Monday due to illness, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Trea Turner is also away from the club because his wife recently gave birth. Turner is expected to join workouts Wednesday, and Harper will likely be ready by then, if not before.

Stanton disclosed Monday that he hasn't swung a bat in 3-to-4 weeks and is dealing with a "very high" level of pain in both elbows, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton is dealing with tennis elbow in both arms, which is something he battled for much of last season, as well. The veteran designated hitter admitted that he's not sure that he will be ready in time for Opening Day. If Stanton requires a stint on the injured list, the Yankees could mix and match with some of their regular position players in the DH spot.