MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker said that Alvarez (hand) will make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday against the Nationals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been out all spring while dealing with nagging soreness in his left hand, an issue similar to what he experienced in both hands at times during the 2022 season. The Astros seem to be taking extra precaution with Alvarez this spring, but fantasy managers still must have some level of concern about the slugger's ability to hold up all season. Alvarez will have a week to knock the rust off before Opening Day, but all signs point to him avoiding a stint on the injured list.

McCutchen (elbow) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies.

McCutchen missed a handful of days with right elbow soreness, but it looks like he'll be ready to go with Opening Day just over a week away. It's not clear when he might be ready to play the outfield, but the elbow issue never seemed like a major concern.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that Harper (elbow) won't open the season on the 60-day injured list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. "We're going to keep our options open," Dombrowski said.

Not placing Harper on the 60-day IL -- at least for the time being -- leaves open the possibility that he could return before the end of May. That would be quite a change in timetable from what the slugger referenced just 12 days ago, when he told the Associated Press that the All-Star break is "the date we kind of solidified." Ultimately, the Phillies could still wind up putting Harper on the 60-day IL if it becomes clear he won't be ready within the first two months of the season. Still, the news at least offers hope that a return much sooner than midseason is possible.

Ramirez has started two games since returning from the World Baseball Classic, and he's gone 2-for-5 with an RBI in that span.

Ramirez played for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic, though he managed only two hits across 16 plate appearances. He's fared better overall with the Rays in spring training, though he has drawn zero walks and zero extra-base hits with five strikeouts across 16 plate appearances. Despite the minimal production, Ramirez remains a prime candidate to see work as the designated hitter in the Rays' lineup come the regular season.

Hummel, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a solo home run in a Cactus League win over the Brewers on Monday, is projected to make the Opening Day roster by Daniel Kramer of MLB.com.

Kramer fleshed out his position-by-position Opening Day roster prognosis Friday, and Hummel, who can fill in at catcher and the corner outfield spots, added to this terrific spring Monday with a multi-hit effort that pushed his Cactus League average to .333 and his homer tally to four. The 28-year-old, who logged the first 201 plate appearances of his big-league career last season with the Diamondbacks after spending six-plus seasons in the minors, has been a constant presence on the basepaths all spring, and Kramer notes Hummel's defensive versatility would give the Mariners more flexibility with the workloads of the top backstop duo of Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy.

Ohtani could pitch in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic against Team USA if Team Japan advances to the final, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Team Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama said that it's a non-zero chance that the two-way star would be able to pitch if Japan was able to defeat Mexico in the semifinal. Angels manager Phil Nevin had told reporters that Ohtani was unlikely to pitch past the quarterfinals, but the right-hander hurler told reporters shortly after that a decison hasn't been made. If Ohtani does pitch, it likely would be a short outing; possibly as a relief option to close out the game.

Blackmon (back) will take part in batting practice before Monday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has been out of the lineup for the Rockies while dealing with stiffness in his back. The veteran outfielder told Harding the most important thing is that he doesn't take any backwards steps, and there's no reason for him to be rushed into the lineup during exhibition play. Most importantly, Blackmon believes he'll be ready for Opening Day, and there's a good chance that happens if there are no setbacks.

Jimenez is day-to-day after exiting Monday's Cactus League game versus the Diamondbacks with cramping in his right calf, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it isn't something more serious. Jimenez figures to rest for a few days just to be safe, but this doesn't sound like a long-term concern.

Jimenez was removed from Monday's Cactus League game versus the Diamondbacks with an apparent injury, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear what happened to Jimenez, but he was spotted walking back to the White Sox' complex with the trainer after the second inning. Injuries have hampered Jimenez throughout his major-league career to this point.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

He took Kenta Maeda deep in the third inning, giving Ozuna his first homer of the spring. The 32-year-old slugger is gaining momentum at the plate as Opening Day approaches, and he's now batting .270 (10-for-37) this spring, with half of his hits going for extra bases.