MLB Player News

Vargas will have a tougher time making the Minnesota 25-man roster after the Twins signed Logan Morrison, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Vargas is 1-for-2 this spring and says he has improved vision after being fitted for a contact lens in his left eye. "I was seeing the ball really good," he said after getting a hit Saturday. "I've never seen it that clear."

Vargas looked likely to make the 25-man roster as a reserve and part-time DH before the Twins signed Morrison. Following the signing, Vargas looks like a candidate to be traded or sent to the minors. His limited ability to play in the field hurts his chances to win a spot on the bench.

Martinez is still expected to sign with the Red Sox, despite a recent delay due to a medical matter, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

A physical revealed an undisclosed issue that could impact Martinez later in his career. Fortunately, there are no concerns that Martinez won't be able to play the upcoming season at full strength. However, due to the findings at Martinez's recent physical, certain details of the contract needed to be altered. The delay appears to be coming to an end, as Boston could formally announce the signing as early as Monday.

Brantley (ankle) has shown improvement in the running portion of his injury rehab, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona reported Sunday that Brantley had a great workout Saturday and is making strides when it comes to running. The veteran outfielder had been having issues decelerating while running but apparently made some solid progress in that area during his recent workout. This is certainly encouraging news, but Brantley still has a few hurdles to clear before he's deemed healthy and fully ready for live action. He's still targeting a return to the lineup prior to the Indians' Opening Day matchup with the Mariners on March 29.

Vogelbach is dealing with a bruise in his right foot and will be sidelined for 3-to-4 days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Vogelbach was hit by a pitch on the foot during Friday's game, and though X-rays came back negative, the power-hitting first baseman is expected to miss some time in order to allow the bruising to reside. With Ryon Healy (hand) also out, look for Mike Ford and Evan White to see additional reps at first base this week.

Martinez's signing with the Red Sox has been delayed by a medical matter, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

It's expected that more information regarding the undisclosed medical issue will surface later Saturday, but a baseball source with knowledge of the situation said the medical issue would not have an impact on Martinez's immediate future. Additional medical experts are involved as the team and Martinez work through the issue, including experts consulted by the player's agent, Scott Boras. The source described the process between the team and player as cooperative.

Vogelbach is dealing with a right foot injury that he suffered during Friday's spring game, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Vogelbach was hit by a pitch but remained in the game, which may not have been the best course of action since he admitted the foot "blew up" on him overnight. The 25-year-old was seen in a walking boot with a crutch when he appeared at the team's facility Saturday and will likely miss a little time while recovering from this ailment.

Canha (wrist) will take the field versus the Padres during Oakland's Cactus League game Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Canha underwent surgery on his right wrist to remove a cyst in early November, but he looks to be at full health as the club gets underway with spring contests. In 2017, he played in 57 big-league games, hitting just .208/.262/.382 with five home runs and 14 RBI. He will need to bounce back this spring in order to make the Opening Day roster.

Vargas will compete for the Twins' final bench spot during spring training, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Vargas is likely frontrunner given he's out of minor-league options, but he'll still need to impress the Twins' brass during camp to assure himself a spot on the Opening Day roster as a backup option at first baseman and designated hitter. In 78 games with the big club last season, the 27-year-old hit just .253/.314/.444 with 11 homers. He's flashed some serious power potential in the past -- launching the third longest homer in the majors last season -- but that comes with a lowly 68 percent contact rate. Even if he breaks camp with the Twins, it would likely take an injury or two for him to see extended playing time.

Ohtani (ankle, elbow) is set to face Milwaukee on Saturday during the Angels' Cactus League contest, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani continues to work his way back from a Grade 1 UCL sprain and an ankle procedure he underwent in October. The right-hander is in line to throw a couple innings against the Brewers during his debut, and he should get an opportunity to DH in the following days. Recently, Ohtani was able to throw a live batting practice session as well as receive some time of his own in the batters' box, which signals another step forward in his return to full health.

Solak was traded to the Rays on Tuesday as part of a three-team deal, Robert Murray of FanRagSports.com reports.

This makes sense, as the 22-year-old's path to the majors in New York was blocked by the highly-touted Gleyber Torres. Solak, who offers a plus hit tool with a relatively high floor, is coming off a respectable 2017 campaign spent with High-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton, where he hit a combined .297/.384/.452 with 12 homers and 14 stolen bases in 130 games. According to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, the Yankees will receive Brandon Drury in return, while the Diamondbacks acquired Steven Souza.