MLB Player News

Dickerson (back) will start the season on the disabled list, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

It was recently announced that Dickerson would miss 3-4 weeks of action, so his upcoming move to the DL doesn't come as a major surprise. Although Dickerson wasn't expected to be an everyday outfielder for the Padres this coming season, his absence will open the door for Travis Jankowski and Jabari Blash to see an increase in usage.

Manager Bruce Bochy has signaled in his Cactus League lineups that he plans to use Belt as his No. 2 hitter to begin the season, Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

While Belt has yet to emerge as the consistent 20-plus-homer threat the Giants probably envisioned early on during his time in the big leagues, he's been an on-base machine throughout his six seasons with the team. After posting a career-best .394 mark in 2016, Belt's presence in the two hole in front of Hunter Pence, Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford would seemingly help his chances of establishing a new career high in runs, though he could sacrifice some RBI opportunities as a result. Manager Bruce Bochy isn't necessarily married to the idea of using Belt as his No. 2 hitter, so if the team struggles to generate offense early in the season, it's possible that Belt could move into the heart of the order.

Harper went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

He leads all spring training hitters with eight homers, and Harper is slashing a mammoth .308/.403/.827 in 62 at-bats. It looks like the 24-year-old is gearing up to return to his 2015 MVP form.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer Monday against the Twins.

He's hitting .263 in 19 Grapefruit League at-bats with one homer and one stolen base. His move to right field from center has gone seamlessly. McCutchen, who is batting third after struggling in the second spot for much of 2016, will look to get off to a good start. He's hit just .212 in 165 April at-bats in 2015 and 2016.

Winker was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, the Dayton Daily News reports.

Scott Schebler looks set to start in right field as a result. However, Winker may not be in the minors long as one of Cincy's top prospects.

Belt crushed a three-run homer in Friday's win over the Rockies. It was his only hit in four at-bats.

The 28-year-old is quietly having a consistent spring, slashing .289/.340/.600 in 49 plate appearances. Quiet and consistent are also ways to describe the first baseman's offensive game. In his last three full seasons, Belt has averaged 17.3 homers, 72.3 RBI and 75.3 runs. The one aspect of his game that stands out from the rest is his ability to get on base at a high clip (.394 on-base percentage in 2016), which obviously inflates his value in leagues that incorporate that statistic. Barring an injury, we should expect more of the same from Belt in 2017.

Carpenter went 2-for-3 with four RBI from a sacrifice fly, RBI single and two-run triple in Wednesday's 6-1 Grapefruit League win over the Nationals.

Carpenter looks fully recovered from the back woes that plagued him last week, and is enjoying his spot in the middle of the order after hitting leadoff in the past. The Cardinals' starting first baseman is now hitting .333 (5-for-15) with a triple, home run, seven RBI, two walks and a run over nine spring games.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Wednesday during Team USA's victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Cutch poked clutch RBI singles in the fifth and eighth innings as the United States went on to win 8-0, and the veteran went 5-for-21 with five RBI during the WBC. His fantasy stock may remain a bit undervalued in many circles, presenting a potentially profitable buying opportunity in mixed leagues.

Ozuna went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, his fourth long ball of the spring, and came around to score on a walk in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves.

He continues to enjoy a solid spring, hitting .316/.357/.684 through 38 at-bats. Ozuna primarily hit fourth or fifth last season for the Marlins, and the 26-year-old should once again slot into the heart of a young and improving batting order in Miami, giving him a shot at matching or topping his career high of 85 RBI.

Jimenez has a bone bruise in his right shoulder and will rest for three weeks, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

The Cubs' top prospect aggravated an already sore shoulder on an errant throw from left field Tuesday, and he was sent for both an MRI and a CT scan. It's good news that Jimenez is only dealing with a bruise, as there's hope that some rest is all that's required.