MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder, personal) will hit second when in the lineup this season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jeremy Pena hit second for most of last year, but it's worth pointing out that was with Brantley missing a large portion of the season because of shoulder surgery. "If Brantley is in the lineup, Brantley is No. 2 ... I know Pena's been good, but Pena ain't been good as long as Brantley," Baker said. The veteran outfielder is away from the club now to deal with a personal matter, but a chance to hit second in the quality Houston lineup certainly doesn't hurt Brantley's fantasy potential.

Astros manager Dusty baker told reporters Sunday that Alvarez (hand) still hasn't resumed swinging, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is dealing with discomfort in his left hand, and while it's been widely reported that the slugger is expected to be ready for Opening Day, it's obviously a bit concerning that he hasn't resumed swinging at this point. After a dominant 2022 campaign, the 25-year-old is deserving of a high selection in all eligible formats, but the injury concern is something managers have to be cognizant of before making the pick.

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The home run was the first of the spring for the veteran, who likely will see his Grapefruit League playing time managed carefully the rest of the way as he ramps up for his 19th MLB season. Cabrera said during the offseason that 2023 will be his last season before he retires. The 39-year-old has managed to hit .250 or better each of the last five seasons, though his power has mostly evaporated, which has drastically cut into his fantasy appeal.

Brantley (shoulder) is away from Astros camp while dealing with a family matter, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley has yet to play in any Grapefruit League games as he takes things slowly following last August's shoulder surgery. This personal matter will halt his rehab, presumably briefly. The hope is that the 35-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day.

Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Belt (knee) is about a week away from making his Grapefruit League debut, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Belt is considered fully recovered from last September's knee surgery but is still being eased into things this spring. The Blue Jays don't believe he needs many Grapefruit League at-bats to prepare for the season, so he remains on track for Opening Day.

Ohtani is in Japan to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, Ben Verlander of Fox Sports reports.

Ohtani made his spring pitching debut for the Angels on Tuesday, hurling 2.1 scoreless innings against Oakland and allowing no hits and two walks while striking out two batters. He made his way back to his native country soon thereafter, and he'll now shift his focus to helping Japan vie for the WBC title. The tournament will take place from March 8 to March 21, so Ohtani will likely be away from the Angels for the next several weeks.

Alvarez (hand) "should definitely be back for Opening Day," Astros general manager Dana Brown told the ESPN broadcast Tuesday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

"We feel totally confident that he'll be in games sometimes midway through (spring training)," Brown added. Alvarez is currently shut down from swinging a bat due to renewed soreness in his left hand similar to what he dealt with in both hands last season. While it sounds like he won't get into any Grapefruit League games for a couple weeks, it does not appear the nagging injury will prevent him from being available come Opening Day.

Horwitz (undisclosed) will start at first base and bat second in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Horwitz came off the bench and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League opener Saturday, but he'll now get the chance to make his first start of the spring. The 25-year-old concluded the 2022 campaign on injured list at Triple-A Buffalo due to an unspecified injury, but he looks like he's back to full health following the offseason. Horwitz slashed .246/.361/.363 across 202 plate appearances in his first taste of Triple-A following his midseason call-up from Double-A New Hampshire in 2022.

Brantley (shoulder) will take batting practice on the field Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's a significant step for the 35-year-old, as it will be his first session of batting practice since he underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder back in August. Brantley still has some work to do in his rehab program before progressing to game action, but barring any setbacks he appears on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Alvarez (hand) has yet to start swinging a bat, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 25-year-old was plagued by soreness in both his hands throughout last season and continues to have issues with his left hand early in spring training. It's unclear when Alvarez is expected to be cleared for swings, and he'll likely need at least a couple days of using a bat before being cleared for game action.