MLB Player News

Miller agreed Thursday with the Dodgers on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Miller's late arrival to camp along with his lackluster production at the MLB level since slugging 30 home runs for the Rays in 2016 make it unlikely that he'll earn his way onto the Opening Day roster. The infielder's minor-league contract presumably includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he doesn't receive a look in the big leagues in the first couple months of the season.

Winker played in his first spring training game Tuesday, going 0-for-2 against the Giants.

The results aren't what matters for now -- it was just good that Winker was able to play. "He was really happy to be out there," manager David Bell said to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. "He's worked so hard to get out there, and he said it just felt great. It was great to see him."

Interim manager Mike Shildt suggested Monday that Ozuna may not play the outfield in Grapefruit League games until around mid-March, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Shildt didn't provide a definitive date for Ozuna to log his first outfield action of the spring, but he noted the slugger was on a "similar-ish" timetable to Yadier Molina (knee), who is penciled in to make his first start at catcher March 14. The Cardinals are simply exercising precaution with Ozuna as he works to regain strength in his surgically repaired shoulder, so he should be ready to play the field on an everyday basis once Opening Day arrives. In the meantime, Ozuna has already served as a DH on two occasions during the Grapefruit League slate, putting him on track to get in a full share of at-bats prior to the regular season.

Winker will make his spring training debut Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker and Nick Senzel have sat out the first couple of spring training games. Reds manager David Bell said that there's no injury to Senzel or Winker to explain their respective delayed spring training debuts, only that he wanted them to get more live batting practice first.

Turner did not practice Wednesday while resting his knee after an annual spring knee lubrication injection, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The injection doesn't appear to be of any concern, as Turner undergoes the procedure every spring. He's expected to be back on the field Thursday.

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that he expects Winker to get 500-plus at-bats, the John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "Not so much does he need it. . ." Bell said. "He does need to continue to develop, but we want him to contribute at that level and as an everyday player. Again, it's challenging having a lot of guys that can contribute, but I'm confident that it will work out. I really am. He's going to be a big part of what we're doing."

The Reds have a crowded outfield, but they are committed to playing Winker regularly. And why wouldn't they, after seeing him post a .299/.405/.431 line last year? The primary obstacle for him is health, not competition.

Manager Mike Shildt said Ozuna (shoulder) has been cleared for all baseball activities, FOX Sports Midwest reports. "We're in a good spot with his timetable," the manager added.

Shildt noted that Ozuna is still limited in some of his throwing, though he's progressing nicely through his throwing program. The Cardinals are expected to ease the outfielder into game action during spring training, starting him out at DH before allowing him to play the field, likely sometime in March. Barring any setbacks, Ozuna is on track to be ready for the start of the season.

Manager Bud Black said Blackmon will start in right field for the Rockies, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

It was originally thought that Blackmon would shift to left field in 2019 with Ian Desmond set to take over primary center field duties, but the Rockies prefer Dahl and his range in left field, leaving Blackmon to man the right side of the outfield. Regardless of where he plays, the veteran outfielder figures to be a staple in Colorado's lineup after hitting .291/.358/.502 with 29 homers and 12 stolen bases in 156 games last season.

Cespedes (heel) believes he will return at some point this season, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The Mets have been vague about the outfielder's timeline, and Cespedes hasn't been able to offer up anything more concrete either, stating that he doesn't know if he'll be back in one month or three months. He doesn't intend to return until he's 100 percent healthy after playing a total of just 119 games over the last two seasons. Cespedes will start throwing next week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports, though he doesn't know when he'll return to hitting.

Blackmon is expected to move to left field for the 2019 season, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The 32-year-old has been a staple in center field for Colorado, playing exclusively at that position the last three years. However, the Rockies want to reduce some wear and tear on his body, so they plan to move him to a less taxing outfield position. Ideally, less strenuous fielding will help Blackmon produce more at the plate, though anything near the .860 OPS with 29 home runs and 119 runs atop the Rockies batting order is still welcome. To accommodate the change, Ian Desmond is expected to handle primary center field duties in 2019.