MLB Player News

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

He's 3-for-10 to begin the spring, but Friday's shot was his first spring homer. Ozuna tied his career high with 23 home runs in 2016, but the Marlins will be looking for a little more from their 26-year-old left fielder this season.

McCutchen is nursing a tight back but expects to play Saturday against the Red Sox, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. The outfielder said his back was "a little tight when [he] woke up this morning."

He wore a heat wrap on his lower back before Saturday's game. McCutchen has dealt with chronic knee issues throughout his career, but has never made mention of back problems. The Pirates have little incentive to play him during a meaningless exhibition game, so if there's any question about his injury, he'll likely sit out. Otherwise, the tight back may simply indicate that the former MVP is now 30 years old.

Manager Mike Matheny said that Carpenter (back) has informed Team USA he will skip the World Baseball Classic, Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Evidently, the injury has progressed to a point where Carpenter has become concerned for his long-term health. Matheny mentioned that the infielder has been holding back from hitting drills over the past week while dealing with the ailment. In addition, Carpenter is concerned the back soreness could impact his oblique, something that kept him out for a month last season. Fantasy owners can rest assured that the three-time All-Star is committed to getting back to full strength by Opening Day.

Carpenter (back) may skip the World Baseball Classic, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The versatile infielder's workouts are being "slowed down" because of his lingering back soreness, which likely means increased caution by the organization to preserve him before the 2017 season. There's still time for Carpenter to improve before suiting up on Opening Day, though the WBC may get in the way of that.

Harper went 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored and a two-run home run in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Ho hum, another big game at the plate for Harper, who's now got a ridiculous 1.806 OPS through his first handful of spring appearances. He's only had one truly huge season in the majors so far, but even in a down 2016 campaign he managed 24 homers and 21 steals. Harper still has as much fantasy upside as anyone in MLB.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a run Thursday against the Tigers.

He has four hits (including two doubles) in 15 Grapefruit League at-bats thus far and has made a relatively easy transition from center field to right. McCutchen, who will soon leave for the World Baseball Classic, has enjoyed a quiet camp following a tumultuous winter.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with his first home run of the spring -- a three-run shot -- in Wednesday's win over the Giants.

The home run was also the centerfielder's first hit in Cactus League action. Pederson has a starting job locked down, so he will just look to get his bat going heading into the regular season. While his job is secure, his spot in the batting order is not. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned Pederson as one of several options that could be used as a leadoff man this season. Pederson's combination of on-base percentage (.352) and power (.495) make him a candidate to bat anywhere in the order. If he ends up batting atop the Dodgers lineup, then his potential for runs goes up while his RBI chances will decrease. The inverse can be said if he lands in the heart of the rotation. Wherever he lands, Pederson will be a good bet for 25 homers and a strong on-base percentage.

Carpenter was removed from the starting lineup of Thursday's spring game because of lower back stiffness and is day-to-day.

He'll be reevaluated Friday. This looks like a precaution for the versatile infielder, who's lined up to play first base on Opening Day. Keep an eye on this issue, but early indications don't provide a reason to panic in fantasy leagues.

Dickerson (back) played catch for the first time since the opening week of camp, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Dickerson said he was feeling good after the light throwing session, a small but important step on the road to recovery. Nonetheless, expect the Padres to be apprehensive with putting him back in game lineups before he feels completely healthy. A clearer timetable should be available as he progresses towards regular workouts.

Ozuna (shoulder) is included in the lineup for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

A sore shoulder cost Ozuna a few days of action, but he'll be back in left field and hit sixth in the order Tuesday, which could be his regular lineup spot once the regular season arrives. A second-half collapse ended up depressing Ozuna's final numbers in 2016, but he still brought value for those who drafted him with 23 homers, 76 RBI and a .266 batting average.