MLB Player News

Turner (face) has left the hospital and returned home to rest, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

According to an update from his wife Kourtney Turner, Turner had to undergo 16 stitches and is dealing with a lot of swelling, but the veteran suffered no fractures and cleared all of his scans. The injury occurred when he was struck in the face during Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Tigers. It's very positive news, but the timetable as to when Turner will return to action this spring is not yet known.

Turner (face) is being treated for soft-tissue injuries and monitored for a concussion at a hospital after exiting Monday's game when he was hit in the face by a pitch, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox say Turner is stable, alert and in good spirits, all things considered, which is very nice to hear. It does not appear he suffered any fractures as a result of the hit by pitch, but obviously he's far from out of the woods. Turner will be examined closely over the next few days and more should be known later this week about his status for the coming weeks and Opening Day. If he does need to miss time, it would open up some playing time in the Red Sox' designated hitter spot.

Alvarez (hand) is expected to resume swinging a bat "maybe by this weekend," Astros general manager Dana Brown said on the team's radio broadcast Sunday.

Alvarez has been battling nagging soreness in his left hand which has kept him from swinging a bat the last couple weeks. The slugger also dealt with soreness in both hands last season. There hasn't seemed to be any real concern regarding Alvarez's potential availability for Opening Day, but obviously it would be nice to see him take a step forward later this week.

Turner was taken to a hospital in an ambulance after being struck in the face with a pitch Monday versus the Tigers, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Turner was hit by a Matt Manning pitch in the first inning in a scary situation at JetBlue Park. The Red Sox have yet to offer any additional updates on Turner other than he's been transported to the hospital, but the team should have more on the infielder's condition later Monday.

Turner was removed from Monday's Grapefruit League game versus the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

A pitch in the bottom of the first inning got away from Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, striking Turner. He eventually walked off the field with a trainer, holding a bloody towel to his face. The Red Sox should offer an update on Turner's condition before long.

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.