MLB Player News

The Mets optioned Vientos to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Vientos appeared to have a good chance to win a bench spot with the Mets out of the Grapefruit League, but the 23-year-old will begin the season in the International League. He could be an option for New York if there's an injury or if the Mets are looking for offense in the summer months, particularly against left-handed pitching.

Blackmon (back) will bat second and serve as the designated hitter Saturday against the Guardians, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon sat for two weeks due to back stiffness, but he appeared in a minor-league game Friday and will play with the big-league club just one day later. It looks as though he'll be good to go for Opening Day, though the 36-year-old may require more off days than normal early on to ease him into the season.

Canha went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Getting the start in left field and batting sixth, Canha collected his third double of the spring, although he has yet to go yard. The veteran outfielder has gone 12-for-48 (.250) in Grapefruit League action and is locked into a starting spot for the Mets.

Blackmon (back) will get at-bats in a minor-league game Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has dealt with a back issue for the last two weeks but it doesn't seem to be a major concern. The veteran figures to try to get into another Cactus League game or two before camp breaks and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Morel hit his second home run in as many days and fourth of the spring in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

Morel is batting only .244 in Cactus League action, though the power display has been impressive in 41 at-bats. The 23-year-old hit 16 home runs across 379 at-bats as a rookie last season, but he again struggled to make consistent contact with a .235 batting average. Morel could be a utility option for the Cubs this year, and while the playing time might not always be there, his combination of power and speed could make him interesting at some point.

Ruf (wrist) is starting at first base and batting sixth in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Ruf has battled through wrist issues during spring training and is 3-for-23 in seven contests. A move to the injured list to begin the season has been mentioned for the 36-year-old, who also struggled after being acquired by the Mets at last year's trade deadline with a .413 OPS. Even if he sticks on the Opening Day roster, Ruf's opportunities are likely to be limited as a right-handed platoon and bench option.

Pederson was scratched from the Giants' Cactus League lineup Tuesday due to lower-body tightness, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's being called a precautionary measure and probably had a lot to do with the forecast of rain across parts of Arizona. Pederson can safely be considered day-to-day.

McCutchen (elbow) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies.

McCutchen missed a handful of days with right elbow soreness, but it looks like he'll be ready to go with Opening Day just over a week away. It's not clear when he might be ready to play the outfield, but the elbow issue never seemed like a major concern.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that Harper (elbow) won't open the season on the 60-day injured list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. "We're going to keep our options open," Dombrowski said.

Not placing Harper on the 60-day IL -- at least for the time being -- leaves open the possibility that he could return before the end of May. That would be quite a change in timetable from what the slugger referenced just 12 days ago, when he told the Associated Press that the All-Star break is "the date we kind of solidified." Ultimately, the Phillies could still wind up putting Harper on the 60-day IL if it becomes clear he won't be ready within the first two months of the season. Still, the news at least offers hope that a return much sooner than midseason is possible.

Blackmon (back) will take part in batting practice before Monday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has been out of the lineup for the Rockies while dealing with stiffness in his back. The veteran outfielder told Harding the most important thing is that he doesn't take any backwards steps, and there's no reason for him to be rushed into the lineup during exhibition play. Most importantly, Blackmon believes he'll be ready for Opening Day, and there's a good chance that happens if there are no setbacks.