MLB Player News

Miller (heel) returned to practice Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

A sore heel has kept Miller out of action since Friday, though the issue was never considered particularly serious. He's expected to participate in Thursday's intrasquad game. The lost practice time could have an impact on his readiness for the upcoming season, though he isn't expected to handle more than a utility role, so it may not cost him many (if any) at-bats.

The Rockies placed Blackmon on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to an unspecified issue.

After he was revealed to have tested positive for the coronavirus in late June, Blackmon was absent for the start of the Rockies' summer camp before reporting to the team facility Monday upon clearing all COVID-19-related protocols. No reports have surfaced since Monday suggesting that Blackmon suffered a setback in his recovery from COVID-19, which makes his move to the IL unexpected. It's possible the Rockies may have made the transaction as a means of roster management, as Blackmon was already uncertain to be ready for the July 24 season opener in Texas due to his late arrival at camp. Expect more information on Blackmon's situation to become available in the next few days.

Miller (heel) is expected to be in the lineup for Thursday's intrasquad game, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The veteran infielder has been sidelined since Friday due to the heel soreness, but he should retake the field this week. Barring a setback, Miller should be ready for the start of the season next week and is expected to operate in a utility role for the Cardinals off the bench.

McCutchen (knee) has been participating in the Phillies' intrasquad games at summer training, Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation reports.

The veteran outfielder was set to miss about the first month of the season as he completed his recovery from a torn ACL, but he's set to be ready for Opening Day with the delayed start to the season. McCutchen is expected to start in left field and bat leadoff in 2020 after posting an .835 OPS in 59 games last season before suffering the injury in early June.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday there's "definitely a good amount of hope that Byron [Buxton] will be out there on Opening Day" despite suffering a foot injury, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the left mid-foot sprain during Monday's intrasquad game and was carted off the field, but he's apparently already walking on his own without the aid of crutches or a protective boot. However, it's still early and until Buxton is back on the field it's wise to be skeptical about his availability for the season opener against the White Sox.

Manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday he isn't "100 percent sure" Belt (heel) will be ready for Opening Day, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The veteran first baseman was out of his walking boot Tuesday and took some swings in the batting cage, but his status for the season opener next week remains up in the air. The exhibition contests against the A's next Monday and Tuesday could end up being Belt's final chances to prove his game readiness if he can't return to intrasquad action this week.

Stanton took part in baserunning drills with the Yankees on Tuesday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Stanton battled a calf injury in spring training but reportedly feels back to full health. Per Kuty, the slugger was able to move from second base to home plate without incident Tuesday, further suggesting that the calf is no longer an issue. Still, Stanton is slated to open the season in a DH-only role as the team looks to play it safe following an injury-riddled 2019 campaign.

Turner is starting at third base and batting third during Tuesday's intrasquad game, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

The 35-year-old hit out of the three spot in 87 of his 122 starts last season, and he appears set to work there again in 2020. Turner remains the clear starter at third base for the Dodgers, but the implementation of the universal DH for the shortened season could also help him remain in the lineup on days he would have otherwise sat out.

Belt (heel) was out of his walking boot Tuesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt has been dealing with right heel pain that forced him into a walking boot, but he was seen out of the boot Tuesday as he prepared to take swings in the batting cages. The Giants remain hopeful that the 32-year-old will be ready for Opening Day against the Dodgers on July 23.

Pederson worked with a movement coach during the MLB shutdown in an effort to improve flexibility and prevent injury, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson was referred to the trainer by teammate Austin Barnes, who had previously taken a similar approach to combat back issues. Pederson missed most of spring training with injuries to his hip and side, but he reportedly feels lighter on his feet during summer camp and has already stolen two bases in intrasquad action. That matches the number of stolen bases he accumulated in regular-season action over the last two campaigns combined.