MLB Player News

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's spring training victory over the Angels.

The 2017 season was a lost one for the 25-year-old slugger after he was removed from the starting center field job due to a combination of poor performance (.212/.331/.407 in 323 plate appearances), a concussion and the emergence of Chris Taylor. Pederson enters the 2018 campaign with no guarantees of playing time, and a trio of viable candidates to compete with for the Dodgers' starting left field job. He has struggled through his first 26 spring at-bats (.160/.192/.240), but there is plenty of time for him to turn things around and get back in this race. If Pederson can't edge out any of Matt Kemp, Andrew Toles or Alex Verdugo, then he would find himself in a bench role or back in the minors, two scenarios that would wipe out almost all of his fantasy value.

Dickerson was diagnosed Wednesday with a UCL sprain in his left elbow and will consider his options before deciding upon a course of action, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The next step isn't clear at this point, but there's a chance that Dickerson will avoid having to undergo surgery. The outfielder will likely be sidelined for at least six weeks while recovering from the sprain, and would miss even more time if he happens to go the surgical route. Expect a decision within the next few days. Regardless of how Dickerson chooses to proceed with his rehab, he'll open the season on the disabled list, officially taking him out of consideration for the fourth-outfielder role. Dickerson's injury improves the odds of one of Franchy Cordero, Matt Szczur (oblique) and Travis Jankowski breaking camp with the big club.

Manager Andy Green indicated Tuesday that Reyes' wrist injury is still bothering him, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

Reyes underwent wrist surgery during the offseason and appeared back to full strength after recently returning to spring action. There is no specific timetable for the 22-year-old's return. However, Green did say Reyes is "not going to be out there for a while."

Dickerson (elbow) is expected to be out through Opening Day, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Dickerson has been battling an elbow injury all spring and isn't making the expected progress. He continues to be monitored by team doctors and his return timetable is unclear. Dickerson's absence limits the Padres' bench outfielder competition to Franchy Cordero, Matt Szczur and Travis Jankowski, with Hunter Renfroe and Jose Pirela competing for primary duties in left field.

Ozuna is expected to be the Cardinals' cleanup hitter more often than not this season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Manager Mike Matheny is typically coy about lineup matters during spring training, but he hasn't shied away from utilizing the former Marlin consistently in the cleanup spot this year. Ozuna bashed 37 homers and drove in 124 runs with Miami last season, and if he's going to spend much of his time in the meat of the Cardinals' order, he very well could replicate those numbers.

Carpenter (back) started a swinging progression Tuesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

As anticipated, the Cardinals first baseman advanced in his recovery program from a sore back. This swinging program currently entails simply swinging in a cage, but it also signals that he's relatively close to returning to game action. No word has come forth as to when he could get back into the lineup, but more information should be available as he swings more. Goold did comment that Carpenter needs to get back into games soon so that he'll be ready for Opening Day. If Carpenter misses any regular-season time, look for Jose Martinez to fill in at first base.

Reyes is 3-for-11 (.273) with two home runs so far this spring.

Reyes underwent wrist surgery during the offseason, but the operation doesn't appear to be hindering him in any way this spring. The 22-year-old will likely open the season at Triple-A El Paso after batting .258 with 25 homers and 102 RBI at Double-A last season.

Manager Andy Green said Sunday that Dickerson (elbow) is not progressing as hoped, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Injury woes continue to plague the 27-year-old, as he already missed all of last season due to a back injury. According to Green, Dickerson is not expected to play for a while. This likely rules him out for a big-league roster spot unless he miraculously returns soon and demolishes the ball. No concrete timetable for his return is in place yet, but more information should emerge as he is able to progress further in his rehab program.

Carpenter (back) worked out on the main field Monday and could swing a bat as early as Tuesday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

He has been sidelined thus far in spring training with a sore back, but at least it appears he is making progress. As long as he can get into games in a week or two, he still should be able to get enough reps to be ready for Opening Day. That said, the 32-year-old should be discounted slightly in drafts, as back issues can linger and pop back up, and the Cardinals have no shortage of options to spell him if he needs maintenance days during the season.

Harper went 2-for-3 with a home run, a second run scored and three RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

He yanked a two-run bomb to right field off Alex Wilson for his first homer of the spring. Harper had trouble staying healthy again last season, but his 1.008 OPS was the second-best mark of his career, and if he can stay on the field for 150-plus games he should once again figure prominently in the NL MVP discussion.