MLB Player News

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

He took Kenta Maeda deep in the third inning, giving Ozuna his first homer of the spring. The 32-year-old slugger is gaining momentum at the plate as Opening Day approaches, and he's now batting .270 (10-for-37) this spring, with half of his hits going for extra bases.

Lewis went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against Kansas City.

Lewis, who was delayed from playing Cactus League games while working to strengthen his legs, ran well while scoring from second base on a double to left field. "It was pretty much a full stride. He looked good. He looks like he's feeling good," manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Lewis is in the mix for a final bench spot with Pavin Smith considered his most likely competitor.

Beer was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Beer clubbed two home runs in 10 spring training games but hit just .231 and was unable to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 26-year-old played in 38 contests for Arizona last season and had a .189/.278/.243 slash line.

Morel went 0-for-2 with a walk while striking out twice Saturday in a Cactus League game against the Giants.

Morel has gotten off to a rough start in Arizona, as the hitless game now has him slashing .216/.293/.418. The 23-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign with 16 home runs and a .741 OPS over 379 at-bats, but he is likely to serve in a utility role for the 2023 campaign and isn't expected to provide fantasy significance to begin the year.

Pederson went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's Cactus League loss to the Athletics.

Pederson struggled at the World Baseball Classic, going 1-for-9 with a double over three games with Israel. He's now back in Giants camp, and he's continuing with learning first base after starting there Friday. The 30-year-old is also likely to start primarily against right-handers while seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter this season. Pederson is hitting .278 (5-for-18) across seven Cactus League games.

Lewis went 2-for-2 with two doubles and three RBI in Friday's spring game against the Rockies.

Lewis leads the Diamondbacks with nine RBI in the Cactus League after getting a late start due to leg issues. He's looking to nail down a fifth outfield spot with Pavin Smith also in the mix. Each have posted results worthy of making the roster, but the decision likely comes down to which one manager Torey Lovullo thinks he'll use the most. From that perspective, Lewis' right-handed bat might give him an edge in an outfield that has three lefty-batters at the top of the depth chart.

Vogelbach has gone 6-for-23 in Grapefruit League play with zero home runs and a 0:10 BB:K through eight appearances.

The 30-year-old posted a solid .829 OPS in 183 plate appearances with the Mets last season after being acquired from the Pirates, and Vogelbach heads into 2023 expected to fill the strong side of a platoon at DH. His spring numbers aren't encouraging, but his career .238/.364/.458 slash line against right-handed pitching with 61 homers in roughly two full seasons worth of plate appearances offers a better glimpse at his likely production.

Blackmon (back) will not return to the Rockies' lineup before the end of the weekend, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Blackmon has already missed a week of action with back soreness and won't return for at least a few more days. There's been no indication that his readiness for Opening Day could be in doubt, so a return at some point next week seems likely.

Harper (elbow) hit soft toss Thursday in Phillies camp, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It's another step forward for Harper, who had been limited to tee work since he arrived at the Phillies' spring training complex earlier this month. On the mend from Tommy John and ulnar nerve transposition surgery, the 30-year-old slugger is expected to be ready to return at DH for the reigning NL champs just prior to the All-Star break, so he still has plenty of rehab work ahead of him.

McCutchen was sidelined Thursday in Pirates camp due to minor right elbow soreness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

It's not believed to be anything serious, but Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said the team will "take it very slow with Andrew." He'll probably spend the weekend getting rest and treatment before a reevaluation of the situation early next week.