MLB Player News

GM Jerry Dipoto announced Wednesday that Winker underwent knee surgery last week and is also scheduled for neck surgery, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

The 29-year-old landed on the injured list with a neck injury in early October, and he's apparently also dealing with a knee issue. The injuries capped a season to forget for Winker, who posted a career-worst .219/.344/.344 slash line in 136 games after being acquired from the Reds in March. Assuming he's healthy, Winker is likely to open spring training as the favorite to start in left field to open 2023, but his disappointing first season in Seattle could leave him with a short leash.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Padres in Game 1 of the NLCS.

Harper took Padres starter Yu Darvish deep to left field in the fourth inning for the game's first run. His homer proved to be all the Phillies needed as their pitching staff completed a shutout Tuesday night. The 30-year-old continued his torrid run in the 2022 postseason with his fourth home run and seventh extra-base hit in just seven games, extending his hitting streak to six games. Prior to the postseason, Harper hit only three home runs in all of September and October, but his power surge is coming at the perfect time for the Phillies.

Goins became a free agent Monday.

Goins lost his place on the 40-man roster in August after Ehire Adrianza returned from illness, and he ultimately cleared waivers to finish out the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. He appeared in 90 contests at Triple-A in 2022, slashing .216/.244/.256 with 25 RBI and 22 runs scored.

Dickerson elected free agency Monday.

Dickerson spent the majority of the 2022 season at Triple-A Gwinnett after being designated for assignment in April, and he's decided to test his luck elsewhere heading into the offseason. The veteran outfielder appeared in 13 games for Atlanta in 2022, going 4-for-33 with one home run, two RBI and three runs scored.

Ozuna will sit for Game 4 of the NLDS against the Phillies on Saturday.

Ozuna sat for Game 1 but returned for Games 2 and 3. He's yet to make an impact this series, going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts. William Contreras will get his chance as the designated hitter in Game 4.

Carpenter (foot) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Manager Aaron Boone said he sees Carpenter as a "big bat off the bench," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. The 36-year-old recorded a whopping 1.139 OPS in 2022, but he has been held out of action since Aug. 8. So, while Carpenter may not be used in an on-field role, it's reasonable to expect him to be used in a few pinch-hit scenarios throughout the Yankees' playoff run.

Ozuna will sit for Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies on Tuesday.

Ozuna had a disappointing season overall, hitting .226/.274/.413 in 124 games. He earned a spot on Atlanta's playoff roster nonetheless, but he won't get the start against lefty Ranger Suarez in Game 1. It's possible he starts Game 2 or 3 against righties Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, but it will be William Contreras who serves as the designated hitter Tuesday.

Stanton will take part in outfield drills over the next few days to determine whether he feels comfortable enough to play there during the ALDS against Cleveland, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

Stanton played 34 games in right field and four games in left during the 2022 campaign, but his last outfield start dates back to July 21 against the Astros. If he does feel like he can play outfield in the postseason, it would help the Yankees become more flexible with how they use the designated hitter spot.

Carpenter (foot) feels ready for the upcoming ALDS against Cleveland and will get another workout in Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The timeline hasn't changed for Carpenter, who remains on track to return in time for the American League Divisional Series after suffering a fractured foot Aug. 8 against Seattle. Per Hoch, Carpenter has already been hitting and running the bases, and he's set for a few more at-bats and a workout at first base Sunday. The veteran slugger fully expects to be available for Game 1 on Tuesday.

Vogelbach will be on the bench for Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Padres on Saturday.

Vogelbach will hit the bench with lefty Blake Snell on the mound for the Padres. It's possible he'll make a pinch hitting appearance later in the game, potentially for Darin Ruf, who will start at designated hitter in his place.