MLB Player News

Cubs manager David Ross indicated Thursday that Hoerner will be the primary leadoff man to begin the 2023 season, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hoerner has already led off four times through less than a week of Cactus League games, and it sounds like that theme is going to carry over into the regular season. The 25-year-old middle infielder enjoyed a mini breakout in 2022, tallying 10 homers and 20 stolen bases across 135 games. He did that with a .327 on-base percentage, which can perhaps improve and elevate his full range of counting stats as Chicago's likely tablesetter.

Rodgers was determined to have suffered significant damage to the capsule in his left shoulder following an MRI on Wednesday and could be facing season-ending surgery, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Rodgers was initially diagnosed with a dislocated left shoulder when he dove hard for a ball in a Cactus League game Tuesday against the Rangers, but follow-up tests have revealed a more serious injury than anticipated. Harding notes that doctors are still reviewing the full scope of the issue, so it may be several days before a determination on surgery is made one way or the other. The 26-year-old had been in line to serve as the Rockies' everyday second baseman in 2023, but his expected absence will force Colorado to alter its plans. Ryan McMahon could move over from third base to man the keystone, or Colorado could roll with Harold Castro or Alan Trejo at the position. Either way, Rodgers appears destined for an extended absence, and his expected absence for a large chunk of the season -- if not all of it -- is a major blow for the Rockies organization.

Albies (shoulder) plans to steal more bases this season with the new pickoff throw limits and larger bases, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports.

"I'll take 30-30," he said. "But my goal is to go 40-40." Albies also thinks Ronald Acuna and Michael Harris can go 40-40, with Acuna having a chance at 50-50. They're lofty, almost surely unattainable goals, sure, but it's good to hear Albies plans to be aggressive on the basepaths. For what it's worth, Albies' career high in steals is 20 -- set in 2021 -- and during last year's injury-riddled season he went just 3-for-8 on stolen base attempts while seeing his sprint speed drop dramatically.

The Rockies sent Rodgers (shoulder) in for an MRI on Wednesday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

After he exited Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers early, Rodgers was given a preliminary diagnosis of a dislocated left shoulder, but the MRI should offer more clarity on the exact nature of the injury as well as its severity. For the time being, the Rockies seem to be viewing Rodgers as day-to-day, but even if the MRI doesn't reveal anything overly concerning, the 26-year-old may be several days away from rejoining the spring lineup.

Vargas (finger) is hopeful to gain clearance to swing the bat in games by this weekend, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register Register reports.

For the second time in three days, Vargas will start at second base in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers, but he'll be limited to only tracking pitches at the plate when his turn in the batting order comes up. However, Vargas has resumed hitting in the batting cage without any apparent discomfort in his fractured right pinkie finger, so he sounds like he could be fully cleared within a few days.

Vargas (finger) told reporters Wednesday that he has started taking batting practice, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Vargas has been cleared to take BP, but hasn't been told when he'll be able to start swinging in games. The infielder suffered a hairline fracture in his right pinkie at the start of camp, but he's been able to play defense, and the fact he's already taking swings is a positive sign. Assuming there are no setbacks, Vargas should be ready for the start of the regular season.

Rodgers left Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers due to a dislocated left shoulder, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters after the game that they had to pop Rodgers' shoulder back into place. The injury occured when the infielder was diving for a baseball, and a trainer had to help steady him as he exited. Rodgers will likely need to undergo further testing to see the severity of the injury, and there should be further updates before Wednesday.

Mendick (knee) is expected to begin playing in Grapefruit League games within the next week, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Mendick has been eased into action this spring after he suffered both a fractured fibula and a torn ACL in his right leg last June. The plan calls for him to get a lot of action at a lot of different spots once Mets camp thins out for the World Baseball Classic. The 29-year-old super-utilityman signed a one-year, $1 million contract with New York in December.

Lux also suffered a sprained LCL on top of his torn ACL, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

There was some belief that Lux had torn his LCL, but imaging revealed just a sprain. Unfortunately, the torn ACL suffered by the 25-year-old will keep Lux out for all of the 2023 season, as he will undergo surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on March 7 in Los Angeles. Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor are expected to get the majority of the reps at shortstop with Lux out.

Rodgers left Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers due to an apparent injury, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Rodgers got banged up as he was diving for a ball on the infield. A trainer had to steady him once he finally rose to his feet, but there's no word yet on the exact nature of the injury. Rodgers did ultimately walk off under his own power, though the trainer was sticking close at his side.