MLB Player News

Ohtani was removed from Monday night's spring start due to an apparent right middle finger injury, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ardaya notes that Ohtani was looking at his right hand throughout the inning, so there's certainly a possibility that this is nothing more than a blister issue, especially considering his history with blisters. Expect more news on the extent of the injury to emerge after further evaluation.

Mercedes chances of claiming a roster spot improved Monday when the White Sox released Jonathan Lucroy, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Mercedes slashed .283/.340/.348 with eight RBI over 50 spring plate appearances and showed quick pop times on throws to second base. If he makes the roster, he and Zack Collins will backup starter Yasmani Grandal, and both could operate at DH.

Collins benefits from the White Sox releasing Jonathan Lucroy on Monday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Collins already had a bead on the Opening Day roster, but his chances were greatly enhanced with Lucroy's release. He made modest improvements behind the dish under the tutelage of catching instructor Jerry Narron and batted .295/.380/.523 with three home runs, one double and six RBI over 50 spring plate appearances.

Cabrera 2-for-3 with a three-run home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

Cabrera has had a fairly quiet spring, as this was just his second home run and he's batting .225 with a .650 OPS. However, the most important thing is that the 37-year-old appears to be healthy heading into the regular season. Cabrera will likely be the Tigers' designated hitter most days, but new manager A.J. Hinch has said he's committed to playing the veteran at first base one or two times per week.

Rooker has been optioned to Minnesota's alternate training site, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

This is a surprise since Rooker appeared set to platoon in right field after the Twins sent Alex Kirilloff to the minors to begin the season. Rooker hit .243 (19-for-80) with three home runs this spring. He showed he's healthy after his 2020 season ended in mid-September due to a fractured right forearm that required surgery. He'll likely be called up sooner rather than later, but his window to win regular playing time may close quickly if the Twins call up Alex Kirilloff ahead of him. With Rooker sent to the minors, Kyle Garlick will likely begin the season in a platoon with Jake Cave in left field, with Luis Arraez also getting starts as well.

Choi suffered a setback in his recovery from right knee inflammation/soreness and will be checked out by a doctor Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays were previously optimistic that there were no structural issues with Choi's knee, though he's already received a pair of cortisone injections and was expected to open the year on the injured list. That seems all but confirmed now, though when exactly he's expected to return won't become clear until after his doctor visit. The Rays have a deep group of alternatives at the corner infield positions, with Yandy Diaz, Yoshi Tsutsugo and Mike Brosseau all potentially in line to benefit from Choi's absence.

Lewis (knee) won't play in Monday's Cactus League finale, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Lewis has been sidelined over the past several days due to a left knee injury. Manager Scott Servais isn't yet sure whether Lewis will be available for Opening Day, but the team will be running some tests in the coming days to determine his status. If Lewis is held out to begin the regular season, Jake Fraley could shift to center field while Jose Marmolejos starts in left field.

Lewis, who was held out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive spring training game Friday due to a left knee injury, is recovering more slowly than anticipated, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. "It's not coming along as quickly as I hoped or Kyle hoped or anybody else," Mariners manager Scott Servais said Friday afternoon. "We are staying patient... He's not 100 percent and I don't want to put him out there until he feels 100 percent, so that's why he's not out there (Friday against San Diego)."

Lewis' injury stems from a collision with the outfield wall in Monday's game against the Dodgers, and even though it was initially believed he'd be available to return to game action as soon as Wednesday, he remains sidelined with just two more Cactus League games left. Initial evaluations on the talented outfielder's knee have indicated there's no structural damage, but Servais confirmed Friday the team will be "running a few more tests" in coming days.

Choi, who took swings in the batting cage and played catch Wednesday, said Thursday his knee felt "back to normal", Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

It's encouraging the first baseman's knee appeared to tolerate Wednesday's activity well, but Choi will still begin the season on the 10-day injured list. Yandy Diaz and Yoshi Tsutsugo are slated to be the primary fill-ins at first base while Choi remains sidelined.

Martinez (illness) is starting in right field and batting third in Friday's spring game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran slugger was sidelined the past couple days due to food poisoning, but he's back in the lineup Friday. Martinez should take up his usual post at designated hitter for the Red Sox come Opening Day.