MLB Player News

Rookier received an invitation to major-league spring training, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Rooker slashed .254/.333/.465 with 22 home runs in 130 games at Double-A Chattooga in 2018, but was sidelined with an ankle sprain during Arizona Fall League action in October. The 24-year-old is unlikely to make the jump straight from Double-A to the majors, but a good showing at spring training could help him potentially earn a look at some point during 2019.

Cabrera (biceps) has been cleared ahead of spring training, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera is slated to enter camp fully healthy after appearing in just 38 games last season due to a slew of injuries -- most notably a ruptured biceps that required season-ending surgery in June. Prior to getting hurt, Cabrera hit .299/.395/.448. The veteran slugger should come at a discount as he looks to revert back to his dominant form following a pair of disappointing years.

Lewis was invited to major-league spring training Thursday, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Lewis struggled a bit during his first taste of Double-A in 2018, but he finished the season on an absolute tear, slashing .311/.426/.578 over the final 13 games of the season. He'll get a chance to prove himself in front of the major-league coaching staff, though he'll likely get more looks at Double-A and Triple-A in 2019 before he sniffs the majors given that he has just 152 plate appearances above High-A to his name.

Collins was invited to the White Sox's major-league camp, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Collins was the White Sox's first-round pick (10th overall) in 2016 and is the organization's top-ranked catching prospect. He's known more for his bat, so developing defensively has been his biggest challenge, as it is for most bat-first catchers. Another challenge for Collins has been his patience. He has impressive on-base skills, which can mitigate his power potential. His manager last year at Double-A Birmingham, Ryan Newman, said Collins can be too selective and let drive-able pitches pass by.

Alvarez was invited to the Astros' major-league camp Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After impressing in the upper minors in 2018, Alvarez will get a chance to show off his skills in front of the Astros' brass during spring training. The 21-year-old split time between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno last season, hitting a combined .293/.369/.534 with 20 homers and six stolen bases. Alvarez appeared in just 45 games at Triple-A and is blocked at the major-league level, so he'll likely open the year back in the minors. That said, he could force a promotion this summer if he continues to excel on the farm.

General manager Billy Eppler said Monday that Ohtani (elbow) will have a follow-up appointment soon, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani is slowly working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in October of 2018. The Angels are hoping a timetable for Ohtani to resume hitting will emerge following his upcoming visit with doctors. At this point, the 24-year-old is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Canha avoided arbitration with the Athletics by signing a one-year, $2.05 million contract, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Canha had a breakout season in Oakland during 2018 with a .249/.328/.778 slash line with 17 home runs in 411 plate appearances. The 29-year-old receives a sizable pay raise for 2019, but he was largely relegated to a reserve role down the stretch last season following the emergence of Nick Martini and Ramon Laureano in the outfield.

Buxton signed a one-year deal worth $1.75 million Friday, avoiding arbitration, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Buxton's relationship with the team was potentially on rocky ground after the Twins did not call him up in September, a move which secured the team an extra year of control. Avoiding arbitration will at least remove an opportunity to damage that partnership further. Injuries limited the center fielder to just 28 games last season. He hit very poorly in those games, finishing with an ugly .156/.183/.200 line.

Brantley has agreed to a two-year, $32 million deal with the Astros, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sport reports.

Brantley spent his entire big-league career with the Indians prior to becoming a free agent this offseason (2009-18). Although the deal hasn't been made official quite yet, both sides have agreed in principle and are working out the details. He put up stellar numbers at the dish a season ago, posting a .309/.364/.468 batting line, and he showed some pop by hammering 17 home runs and driving in 76 over 143 games. Houston already has a number of solid outfielders (George Springer and Josh Reddick to name a few), though Brantley figures to slot in as the starting left fielder, especially considering he made 134 starts in left field during the 2018 season. However, he may also see time at first base and as the designated hitter, per Passan.

Jimenez (quadriceps) will be shut down until the start of spring training, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

This doesn't come as a huge surprise, as the outfield prospect was already scheduled to complete his stint in winter ball at the end of next week. Jimenez will now work on rehabbing the issue ahead of spring training, though nothing suggests his availability will be in jeopardy due to this injury. Prior to getting hurt, he produced a stellar .448/.500/.759 slash line for Gigantes in the Dominican Winter League.