MLB Player News

Major League Baseball issued a statement Friday announcing that its Department of Investigations has begun the formal process of investigating the matter involving Ohtani and his longtime interpreter. "Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhari from the news media. Earlier today, our Department of Investigations (DOI) began their formal process investigating the matter."

Ohtani's interpreter was fired by the Dodgers on Wednesday and Ohtani's camp is accusing Mizuhara of using the player's money to place bets with an allegedly illegal bookmaker. While it was reported Thursday that Ohtani was not under investigation by the league, the commissioner's office has since decided this matter warrants a closer look. There is a lot about the situation that is uncertain and that uncertainty will likely alter Ohtani's fantasy draft positioning over the rest of March.

Atlanta released Culberson on Friday, Grant McAuley of 929 The Game reports.

Culberson was attempted to convert to pitcher this spring but was roughed up for six runs over two innings of work. It's unclear at this point whether the 34-year-old will continue giving it a go as a pitcher, revert to his more familiar utility role or even call it a career.

The Angels reassigned Calhoun to minor-league camp Friday.

Calhoun joined the Halos as a non-roster invitee over the winter but posted just a .628 OPS over 33 plate appearances during spring training. He's now likely headed for Triple-A Salt Lake.

The Reds reassigned Ford to Triple-A Louisville on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ford slashed .455/.486/.727 with three homers this spring but nonetheless wasn't able to make the Opening Day roster. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him opt out and look for an opportunity elsewhere.

The Orioles optioned Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Kjerstad struggled to a .580 OPS in 18 spring games, so it's not a surprise he missed out on Baltimore's Opening Day roster given the club's strong group of position players. The 25-year-old had an .869 OPS in 76 contests at Norfolk last season and should receive another look with the Orioles at some point in 2024.

Harper (back) had seven at-bats on a back field Friday and hopes to play first base in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Matt Gelb of The Athleticreports.

The 31-year-old was able to beat out an infield single, a good sign that the back stiffness that's sidelined him for the past week has subsided. Harper returning to action this weekend would quell questions about his availability for Opening Day.

Jimenez (foot) is batting cleanup as the designated hitter in Friday's split-squad game against the A's.

The 27-year-old suffered a contusion Wednesday after fouling a ball off his foot, but he'll return to the starting nine just two days later. Jimenez avoided a serious injury, but health remains a concern given that he's missed at least 40 games in each full season of his MLB career.

Vientos could serve as the Mets' starter at designated hitter to begin the season if J.D. Martinez agrees to be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Martinez would need to consent to being optioned since he's accrued so much service time, but it sounds like he would be willing to do so in an effort to get up to game speed as quickly as possible. The move would allow Vientos at least a short-term run of everyday playing time. When Martinez is deemed ready, Vientos could be looking at a short-side platoon role at third base or a trip back to Syracuse.

Martinez could consent to being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse until the Mets decide he's ready to take over as their everyday designated hitter, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

While Martinez has options remaining, because he has accrued so much service time he would have to consent to being sent down to the minors. It sounds like he would be willing to do that in an effort to get up to speed after missing most (if not all) of spring training. Mark Vientos -- who appears out of a job once Martinez is ready -- could be used as the Mets' DH initially.

Vientos is likely to have a diminished role to begin the season after the Mets agreed to a contract with J.D. Martinez on Thursday, which was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

The 24-year-old appeared poised to open the season as a lineup regular between designated hitter and third base, but Martinez's signing a week before Opening Day significantly alters that outlook. Vientos has clubbed four homers during spring training but hit just .217 and struck out 17 times in 54 plate appearances. The right-handed bat of Vientos may now begin the campaign in the short side of a platoon at the hot corner with the lefty-hitting Brett Baty, but starting the season in the minors is also possible.