MLB Player News

Carpenter (back) completed a full-body workout and ran sprints Thursday, Jeff Jones of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter was scratched from the lineup ahead of Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins after experiencing back tightness, but his removal looks to have been strictly precautionary. The Cardinals' training staff was satisfied with how he looked after re-evaluating him Thursday, leaving Carpenter optimistic that he'll be ready to play Saturday against the Nationals. He's expected to take batting practice Friday as a final test of his health before drawing back into the spring lineup.

Carpenter (back) called his removal from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins "super preventative" and expects to be back in the lineup Saturday, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

Carpenter's absence appears to be little more than early spring caution. The veteran did make a trip to the injured list last July with a lower-back strain, however, so it's somewhat worrisome that he's already dealing with back issues again.

Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins due to back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

This explains why Nolan Gorman replaced Carpenter in the starting lineup shortly before first pitch. The veteran infielder should be considered day-to-day.

Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The reason behind Carpenter's late scratch is not yet known, but well-regarded 19-year-old Nolan Gorman replaced the veteran in the starting lineup.

Pederson's strained side has lingered longer than the Dodgers originally expected, and he's still yet to resume hitting, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson has been dealing with the issue, which has also been referred to as a sore hip, since early in camp. He still seems to have plenty of time to get up to speed by Opening Day, but it's possible that the injury's persistence means it's something worse than the team originally feared.

Winker said Monday that his wrist felt fine and that his X-rays came back negative, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist during the first inning, but the injury doesn't appear to be too severe. He had a bruise on his wrist, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to a full workload in the coming days.

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the White Sox after being hit by a pitch on the left wrist during the first inning, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Winker was immediately replaced by a pinch runner, though he indicated he was fine after exiting the contest. Regardless, it's worth keeping an eye on his availability in the coming days with spring training just getting started this weekend.

Pederson (hip) has yet to be cleared for baseball activities, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

It was reported Saturday that Pederson might be able to resume hitting Sunday or Monday after entering spring training with the sore right hip, but it appears that he will have to wait at least a few more days. The 27-year-old received treatment Friday, but there's no real reason to rush him back this early in camp if he's still feeling any residual soreness.

Cespedes (ankle) is hoping to play in spring games by the middle of March, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes has been able to hit and run early this spring, but he has not been cleared for all activities, so he will continue working out on the side for the time being. If Cespedes is able to jump into game action when he expects, he will have a shot to be ready for Opening Day.

Winker (neck) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's spring opener against the White Sox, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Winker has been sidelined since late August due to a cervical strain, but he'll be ready to return to action for the Reds on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw consistent playing time in Cincinnati last season prior to his injury, but he could face competition heading into 2020 after the Reds acquired Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama during the offseason.