MLB Player News

Turner (personal) will bat third and play third base Wednesday against the Brewers.

Turner had been away from the team for a few days to watch his wife run in the Los Angeles Marathon. WIth over two weeks left until Opening Day, his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted.

Miller, who returned to Grapefruit League action from a back injury against the Red Sox on Tuesday, appears to have the inside track to the utility role due to the recent release of Yairo Munoz, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Miller is a veteran who's capable of playing up to a wide range of positions, so if it comes down to him and the promising but unproven Edmundo Sosa, the former could have the upper hand. Manager Mike Shildt commented Tuesday that in addition to seeing time at second base, third base and left field -- all positions Miller filled with the Indians and Phillies in 2019 -- the 30-year-old could also play shortstop on occasion this coming season if he nabs a roster spot.

Miller (back) started at third base in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Miller missed over a week of games due to his sore back, but he was able to get back on the field Tuesday. He will attempt to secure some sort of utility role with the Cardinals over the final couple weeks of spring training.

Harper suffered nothing worse than a bruised left big toe after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday and will be back on the field Friday against Detroit, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper indicated during the game that his removal was purely precautionary, and it seems as though his optimism was warranted. The Phillies have an off day Wednesday, and Harper wasn't scheduled to play Thursday, so he won't wind up missing any additional time with the minor injury.

Harper said that he was "totally fine" after leaving Tuesday's game against the Twins after a pitch hit his foot, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper didn't appear to be in significant pain as he left the game, and he confirmed during the game that his removal was indeed precautionary. He was only scheduled for two at-bats in Tuesday's contest, so his early removal shouldn't have any impact on his buildup for Opening Day beyond costing him a single spring at-bat. His return date is not yet clear, but it sounds as though it will be coming quite soon.

Harper left Tuesday's game against the Twins after getting hit by a pitch in his foot, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper walked off the field without issues and didn't appear to be noticeably limping, so it's likely his removal was purely precautionary. His expected return date should become clear following the game.

Cespedes (ankle) has been hitting in simulated games and running in a straight line at full speed, but has yet to make full-speed changes of direction, David Lennon of Newsday reports.

Cespedes' right ankle evidently remains tender after it was fractured in multiple places during an encounter with a wild boar last May. He's making steady progress, but with less than three weeks remaining until Opening Day, it may be tough for him to avoid a trip to the injured list. The Mets have yet to announce their plans for the outfielder. If he does indeed miss time, more at-bats would open up for J.D. Davis in left field to begin the season.

Miller (back) participated in a full workout Sunday and will be evaluated Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Miller was originally expected to return to action Saturday, but he continued to sit out for precautionary reasons. The veteran has reportedly been taking practice swings without issues, and manager Mike Shildt said Miller could be in the lineup Tuesday if all goes well with the evaluation.

Pederson (side/hip) recorded five at-bats during a minor-league game Sunday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Pederson will likely play in another minor-league game before appearing in the Cactus League, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports. The 27-year-old has yet to make his spring debut due to soreness in his right side and hip that arose at the beginning of camp. Given the Dodgers' depth in the outfield, the team will continue to take a conservative approach to bringing Pederson back, but it looks as though he'll be able to avoid a trip to the injured list. The left-handed power hitter slugged a career-high 36 home runs during 2019 and registered an impressive .920 against right-handed pitching.

Turner will be away from camp until Monday to watch his wife run in the Los Angeles Marathon, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Turner is expected to be back with the team by Monday's game against the Padres, though whether or not he winds up playing remains to be seen. The loss of a few days of at-bats shouldn't have a meaningful impact on the veteran's readiness for the upcoming season.