MLB Player News

Donovan clubbed a two-run homer and added an RBI single Monday versus the Mets in Grapefruit League action.

It's the second home run in three spring training games for Donovan, who hit just five long balls in 126 contests for the Cardinals in his rookie season. Donovan is standing more upright at the plate this spring and, as manager Oli Marmol noted on Monday's ESPN broadcast, is making more of an effort to pull the ball in the air. He's also switched to a puck-style bat knob. It's worth tracking to see whether Donovan's newfound pop can be sustained while not taking away from his excellent plate skills.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Tuesday that Lux has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee and is likely out for the season, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 25-year-old was set to take over as the Dodgers' everyday shortstop in 2023, but he won't get the opportunity to play a single regular-season game after his leg gave out as he was running the bases in a Cactus League game Monday against the Padres. He also has some damage to his right LCL and will require a full surgical repair, which is already scheduled for March 7 in Los Angeles, per Harris. Miguel Rojas, acquired from the Marlins in January, currently looks like the best bet to fill the vacancy at shortstop for the reigning NL West champs. Utility man Chris Taylor could also see some action at the position.

Lux's right knee injury is "bad," a source told Buster Olney of ESPN. The injury is expected to keep the infielder sidelined for a long time.

The Dodgers have yet to reveal the results of the MRI performed on Lux's knee, but it doesn't sound like the news will be good. Lux injured his knee during Cactus League play Monday on a slide into third base and had to be carted off the field. We should find out more about the 25-year-old later Tuesday. Miguel Rojas figures to take over at shortstop while Lux is on the shelf.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Lux is currently undergoing an MRI on his right knee, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Roberts also confirmed that the injury was to his knee, and not to his ankle or another part of his lower body. The injury occurred on Monday in the sixth inning against the Padres while he was sliding into third base, and he was unable to place any weight on his leg before being carted off the field. Roberts also mentioned that the infielder "heard something pop," before the exit. It seems very likely that Lux is going to miss time, but there likely won't be an update on Lux until after the results of the imaging are checked by the club.

Lux suffered an apparent right knee or lower leg injury in the sixth inning of Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres and was carted off the field, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Lux wasn't able to put any weight on his foot and required assistance just to get on the cart after he sustained the injury while trying to avoid a throw across the diamond as he slid into third base. The Dodgers will likely provide an update on Lux's condition later Monday, and a clearer diagnosis of the injury should be available in the next day or two once he receives X-rays and/or an MRI. Given how the injury looked, Lux could be in danger of missing time to begin the season.

Vargas (finger) will start at second base in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres and is listed as the Dodgers' No. 9 hitter, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. Juan Toribio of MLB.com relays that Vargas will check out of the game before his first plate appearance comes up.

Vargas has been dealing with a hairline fracture on his right pinkie finger, but he was able to swing without pain on Sunday. However, the Dodgers aren't yet comfortable having him face high-velocity pitching in a game setting, so Vargas' first at-bats of the Cactus League slate look as though they'll have to wait for a few more days. The 23-year-old is in contention for an everyday role at second base for the Dodgers while Gavin Lux transitions over to shortstop following the departure of Trea Turner in free agency. Vargas struggled to a .170/.200/.255 slash line with Los Angeles last season over 50 plate appearances, but he's considered the Dodgers' top prospect and produced a .304 average with 17 homers, 82 RBI, 100 runs and 16 stolen bases with Triple-A Oklahoma in 2022.

Vargas (finger) took some two-handed swings during a workout Sunday and indicated that his right hand felt fine, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Vargas suffered a hairline fracture in his right pinky finger while fielding a grounder Feb. 20 and had been held back from swinging until Sunday. He did, however, start the Dodgers' Cactus League opener against Milwaukee on Saturday, playing defense and tracking pitches during his two plate appearances. Given Vargas' ability to progress to swinging Sunday, he should have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day, when he's expected to be in the lineup as Los Angeles' starting second baseman.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Vargas (finger) has regained his grip strength and is working in the batting cage, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 23-year-old has been limited since he suffered a hairline fracture to his right pinky finger last week, but he appears to be progressing toward full clearance. Vargas was in the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League opener in order to see some defensive reps, though he wasn't cleared to swing the bat. He'll likely need to face some live pitching before receiving full clearance for games.

Castro went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBI in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Castro started the Rockies' first spring training game at second base and led off. He doubled to begin the contest and added a two-run triple one frame later. Castro is with Colorado on a minor-league deal, though his defensive versatility could help him win a roster spot to begin the campaign.

Vargas (finger) will be in the lineup for the Dodgers' Cactus League opener Saturday but will not be allowed to swing the bat, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The team wants Vargas to get the defensive reps, but he'll only be tracking pitches at the plate as he comes back from a hairline fracture in his right pinky. It's not clear when exactly he might be cleared to hit, but it's not expected to be long. Barring setbacks, the Dodgers are anticipating that Vargas will be ready for Opening Day.