MLB Player News

A left oblique strain could be more serious than first expected for Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf. He will undergo an MRI on Friday, per the Philadelphia Daily News. He felt discomfort for a week, but aggravated the oblique Thursday and was scratched from the game.

Ruf is slated for backup duty in left and right field, as well as first base. He has enjoyed a strongspring after showing some provide in 2013 with 14 home runs in 251-at-bats. But his 91 strikeouts were a concern.

The Dodgers will open the season with veteran Justin Turner starting at second base Saturday against the Diamondbacks, with Dee Gordon coming off the bench.

Turner finished the spring batted .355 in 23 at-bats, second on the team among hitters with as many trips to the plate. Gordon was productive as well, with a .286 batting average and nine stolen bases in 42 at-bats, and will likely still see playing time moving forward. 

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf was scratched from Thursday's spring lineup against the Astros after suffering a strained left oblique during batting practice. Ruf is batting .217 (10 for 46) with two doubles, two home runs and seven RBI in 18 spring games.

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is having a pretty horrible spring at the plate. He's batting just .135 (5 for 37) with 12 strikeouts through 14 games.

"I’m taking too many pitches in the [strike] zone and swinging at bad pitches," Ozuna said, per The Miami Herald. "My timing sometimes is early. Sometimes it’s late. When I [swing] late I get a lot of outs. When I [swing] early I’m pretty good. I’m working with (hitting coach) Frank (Menechino) every day. He says swing down, don’t swing up, don’t hit fly balls. I’m watching videos."

Despite Reed Johnson and Jake Marisnick having productive springs, Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Tuesday he's "still expecting (Ozuna) to be out (in center field) on opening day."

"We feel comfortable with what he’s able to do," said Redmond, who points to the three walks Ozuna has drawn in his last three games as a sign of a more patient approach of late. "I think sometimes in spring training you just need a hit to kind of jump start you and get your confidence back and going."

The Marlins reassigned 17 players to the minors Monday, which included optioning top pitching prospect Andrew Heaney to Double-A Jacksonville. Catcher Rob Brantly was also optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.

Joining Brantly at New Orleans are Sam Dyson and Brian Flynn, who was competing for a spot in the team's rotation. Edgar Olmos was optioned to Jacksonville.

The Marlins also reassigned Nick Wittgren, Bryan Evans, James Leverton, Greg Nappo, Adam Conley, Josh Spence, Rett Varner, Austin Barnes, Danny Black, Mark Canha, Colin Moran and Joe Benson to minor-league camp. Moran, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, is one of the team's top hitting prospects.

The Dodgers made a few roster moves Sunday. They selected the contract of infielder Justin Turner, optioned infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to minor-league camp and reassigned catcher Miguel Olivo to minor-league camp.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen went 2 for 3 and hit a solo home run in his team's 6-5 win over the Phillies Friday.

McCutchen has been on fire this spring, clubbing three home runs while going 12 for 22 with two doubles, four RBI, two walks and one stolen base. He's now hit at least three home runs in each of the last four springs.

Nationals infielder Ian Desmond and outfielder Bryce Harper are feeling better Friday, according to The Washington Post.

Both players have been dealing with the flu in recent days. Desmond was sent home Thursday due to the illness. He's also been dealing with a finger injury, which has also improved. Both players should be able to get back into games shortly.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt missed his second straight game due to the flu Wednesday and will likely rest Thursday as well, MLB.com reports.

Belt is 6 for 20 with two doubles and one walk in eight games this spring.

The Cubs optioned infielders Arismendy Alcantara and Logan Watkins and outfielders Jorge Soler and Matt Szczur Wednesday, while also re-assigning infielders Kris Bryant and Jeudy Valdez, outfielder Albert Almora and pitchers Carlos Pimentel and Eric Jokisch to minor-league camp.