MLB Player News

Martinez went 2-for-3 with three-run home run in Wednesday's spring game against the Tigers.

The homer was Martinez's second of spring training and third extra-base knock in four hits. Entering his age-32 season, Martinez is still an elite and productive hitter.

Turner had X-rays come back negative after being hit by a pitch on his left hand during Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The news is reassuring but not overly surprising, as the veteran third baseman remained in the game for a few innings after taking the hit and clubbed a homer in his subsequent at-bat. Turner may still end up taking things easy for a few days for precautionary reasons.

Turner will undergo precautionary X-rays after being hit by a pitch on his left hand during Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Turner remained in the game for a few innings and actually hit a home run in his subsequent at-bat, but he'll still undergo some testing just to be safe. The veteran third baseman indicated he felt fine, but he may take it easy for a few days.

Winker won't play Wednesday in the Reds' 'B' game against the White Sox due to an illness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Per Andy Masur of 720 WGN Chicago, Winker had been scheduled to serve as the Reds' designated hitter and leadoff man Wednesday before the ailment thwarted the plan. He'll likely only need a couple days off to recover from the illness.

Solak looks fine in center field but won't be the Rangers' primary option there, at least early in the season, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

The Rangers appear confident that the versatile 25-year-old, who played only second and third base during his 33-game debut last season, can handle the position, but they prefer Danny Santana out there for now. It looks as though Solak's primary work will come at third base, which pushes Todd Frazier into a competition with Ronald Guzman. and perhaps Greg Bird, at first base. Solak's flexibility means he could wind up playing multiple spots throughout the season to cover for injuries or underperformance by his teammates.

Manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday that Alvarez will be withheld from baseball activities for "three to four days" while the slugger manages knee soreness, Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez's shutdown seems to be precautionary more than anything, but until he re-enters the Astros' Grapefruit League lineup, his status will be one worth tracking. Alvarez is expected to occupy a spot in the heart of the Houston lineup in 2020 after an exceptional rookie campaign in which he posted a .412 on-base percentage, 27 home runs and 78 RBI in just 87 games with the big club.

Solak started in center field and went 0-for-3 in Tuesday's spring game against the Giants.

Solak made his fourth start and played his sixth game in center field Tuesday as the Rangers continue to evaluate the infielder for a shift to the outfield. Texas manager Chris Woodward will also give him starts at third base, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. The manager wants to get Solak's bat in the lineup, whether that be in center or third. If it's third base, then Todd Frazier could move across the diamond to first base, where neither Ronald Guzman (.176) nor Greg Bird (.067) has grabbed hold of the open spot.

Miller (back) is slated to return to Grapefruit League action Saturday against the Astros, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Miller, who's hitting .300 over his first four spring games, was scratched from Sunday's game against the Astros with back stiffness. Miller will remain out through the next two games Wednesday and Thursday, and he'll get an extra day of rest on Friday's team off day before jumping back into action.

Alvarez's removal from the lineup for Tuesday's game against St. Louis was due to soreness in his knees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager Dusty Baker didn't sound particularly concerned, calling the lineup change precautionary. It sounds as though Alvarez is expected to be fine by Opening Day, though that won't be entirely clear until he returns to the lineup.

Alvarez was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cardinals for undisclosed reasons, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

If the young slugger is dealing with an injury, that should be revealed at manager Dusty Baker's upcoming press conference. Alvarez is looking to build on his incredible rookie season, which saw him win Rookie of the Year despite playing in just 87 games. He hit .313/.412/.655 with 27 homers.