MLB Player News

Cespedes (ankle) crushed a home run to left field off Seth Lugo during Thursday's intrasquad game, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

While it's great to see Cespedes' bat in what appears to be midseason form, he still isn't pushing too hard when it comes to the rest of his skill set -- he didn't even attempt to trot around the bases afterwards and simply walked to the dugout. The veteran's ability to run on his surgically repaired ankle and heels will be the biggest factor in determining how much playing time he sees in 2020, either at DH or in the outfield.

Winker spent much of the shutdown in Cincinnati working on improving his footwork, in the hopes of bettering his defensive skills, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I was taking fly balls from DB and I just ran a ton," Winker said. "I think that was the best way to stay in shape for me, personally. Everything else -- throwing and hitting -- I've always trusted that would be there when it's time to go do that. Keeping my body in shape throughout this quarantine was my No. 1 priority."

This is a variation on the "best shape of his life" report, but there's come confirmation from the team that Winker is in better physical shape than he was last season. He'll spend some time in the outfield, and some as the DH.

Beer was cleared to return to baseball activities Thursday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old had to isolate, be clear of any symptoms and produce two negative tests before being cleared to rejoin his teammates. The quick turnaround will allow Beer to compete for reps at first base while holding his ground as a DH option for the time being.

Buxton went went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk in Wednesday's scrimmage and made several running plays in the outfield, MLB.com reports. "I've got no limit. I'm back to being myself and going out and playing the game the right way," he said.

Buxton underwent surgery on his torn labrum in September, which placed his availability for the original Opening Day in question. However, he was able to rehab his injury during the pandemic shutdown and is back to full strength as evidenced Wednesday. Buxton was absent for the first few days of summer camp after the birth of his son, but he should be set to start in center field on Opening Day of the re-started 60-game season.

Belt is sidelined by right heel pain and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-7 days, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear how the veteran first baseman picked up the injury, but it's not a great development in the early stages of camp. Belt is sporting a walking boot, per Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News, and his availability for Opening Day figures to hinge on how well he feels when re-evaluated next week.

Vargas was released by the Tigers on Wednesday, Andersen Pickard of MLBDailyDish.com reports.

Vargas signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers in January, but he was released by the team Wednesday after being left off the 60-man roster. The 29-year-old was a non-roster invitee during spring training, but he went 0-for-7 with four strikeouts. Whether Vargas will be able to land with another team remains to be seen.

Reyes is expected to participate in Wednesday's training session after the Cleveland medical staff cleared him to return to summer camp, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Reyes reportedly attended a gathering over the weekend in which partygoers weren't wearing masks, so he chose to self-isolate over the past few days as a precautionary measure. With Reyes' COVID-19 test having returned negative, he's now available to return to the field and resume his preparation for the 2020 season. The brief absence shouldn't put his status for Opening Day in jeopardy, making the 25-year-old an attractive middle-round target for fantasy players looking for power production.

Ohtani unofficially walked eight batters and uncorked six wild pitches in three innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday, Trent Rush of Angels Radio Network reports.

There are no official stats for intrasquad games, but Ohtani clearly struggled mightily with his command Tuesday, unofficially throwing strikes on only 15 of 50 pitches. The rust is understandable since Tuesday marked Ohtani's first outing against any sort of competition in nearly two years, and the fact that he was able to throw 50 pitches without a setback is reason enough to be encouraged about the two-way star's ability to contribute on the mound this season.

Manager Torey Lovullo announced Tuesday that Beer tested positive for COVID-19, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old apparently cleared the initial intake testing but since reported a positive test. Beer will need to isolate, be clear of any symptoms and produce two negative tests before being cleared to rejoin his teammates.

Buxton (personal) was present for the Twins' workouts Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Buxton reportedly arrived at camp Sunday, but his presence at Tuesday's workouts signals that his intake testing for COVID-19 went smoothly. If the 26-year-old can remain healthy, he should be present for the remainder of camp, although whether his short absence will impact his readiness for the beginning of the regular season remains to be seen.