MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is the front-runner for the center field job, according to MLB.com.

Ozuna has hit just .180 over 50 at-bats this spring. He's showing improvement recently, and appears to have an edge over Jake Marisnick. Marisnick will likely begin the season in Triple-A. Ozuna hit .265 in 275 at-bats last year.

Marlins infielder Derek Dietrich (head) and outfielder Marcell Ozuna (leg) both returned to action during Tuesday's spring game against the Cardinals. Dietrich went 1 for 4 with an RBI, while Ozuna went 1 for 4 with a double and RBI.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper's top priority in 2014 is to raise his on-base percentage, according to The Washington Post. 

Last year, 37.3 percent of the pitches Harper saw were in the strike zone. Among hitters with at least 450 plate appearances, only Pablo Sandoval received strikes with less frequency. Harper walked in 12.3 percent of his plate appearances last season, which would have ranked sixth in the National League if he qualified with enough plate appearances. He also posted a .368 on-base percentage, which would have ranked 13th. 

"I’m excited to just have good [at-bats] and drive my walks and get my on-base percentage through the roof," Harper said. "I just really want to get my on-base percentage up. I want to get on base every single time I get up there. Whether it’s a walk or a base hit, I really don’t care how I want to get on base. I just want to be on."

Injured Marlins players Derek Dietrich (nose), Greg Dobbs (quadriceps) and Marcell Ozuna (leg) are all progressing, per MLB.com.

Dietrich and Dobbs will both play the field during a minor-league game Monday. Ozuna, who left Sunday's game with a leg cramp, is feeling better and will do some baseball activities Monday. He could be back in the spring lineup Tuesday.

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna was removed from Sunday's spring game against the Tigers due to a left leg cramp, per MLB.com. He is listed as day to day.

Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is batting cleanup in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's season opener against the Diamondbacks in Australia.

Gonzalez was scratched from Thursday's exhibition with back tightness but was fully expected to be in the lineup for the opener. The Dodgers full batting order: RF Yasiel Puig, 2B Justin Turner, SS Hanley Ramirez, 1B Gonzalez, LF Scott Van Slyke, 3B Juan Uribe, CF Andre Ethier, C A.J. Ellis, P Clayton Kershaw.

The Dodgers optioned catcher Tim Federowicz to the minors and reassigned outfielder Joc Pederson, pitcher Zach Lee and shortstop Miguel Rojas to minor-league camp Friday.

Phillies outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf could be out as long as early May with an oblique injury, per the Philadelphia Daily News.

The loss could hurt team depth. Ruf was seeking a starting spot in the outfield, but was at least slated to back up in left field and right field, as well as first base.

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.