MLB Player News

Carpenter (back) completed a full-body workout and ran sprints Thursday, Jeff Jones of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter was scratched from the lineup ahead of Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins after experiencing back tightness, but his removal looks to have been strictly precautionary. The Cardinals' training staff was satisfied with how he looked after re-evaluating him Thursday, leaving Carpenter optimistic that he'll be ready to play Saturday against the Nationals. He's expected to take batting practice Friday as a final test of his health before drawing back into the spring lineup.

Carpenter (back) called his removal from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins "super preventative" and expects to be back in the lineup Saturday, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

Carpenter's absence appears to be little more than early spring caution. The veteran did make a trip to the injured list last July with a lower-back strain, however, so it's somewhat worrisome that he's already dealing with back issues again.

Stanton's readiness for Opening Day is at risk after he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right calf strain Wednesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The slugger suffered the injury during a defensive workout Tuesday. He'll be shut down for a few weeks, and while he's expected to get back on the field before the end of spring training, he may not have time to be fully built up by the start of the regular season. The Yankees will understandably be cautious with Stanton after injuries limited him to just 18 games last season. He's averaged 116 games per season over his 10-year career.

Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins due to back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

This explains why Nolan Gorman replaced Carpenter in the starting lineup shortly before first pitch. The veteran infielder should be considered day-to-day.

Carpenter was removed from Wednesday's split-squad spring game against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The reason behind Carpenter's late scratch is not yet known, but well-regarded 19-year-old Nolan Gorman replaced the veteran in the starting lineup.

Pederson's strained side has lingered longer than the Dodgers originally expected, and he's still yet to resume hitting, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson has been dealing with the issue, which has also been referred to as a sore hip, since early in camp. He still seems to have plenty of time to get up to speed by Opening Day, but it's possible that the injury's persistence means it's something worse than the team originally feared.

Solak went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Monday's spring game against the Reds.

Solak served as the designated hitter and batted second for the Rangers, who are looking to find him a regular home in 2020. He started in center field Sunday and will get opportunities in the infield as well. If the bat holds up this spring, Solak could become a regular in center field or at a corner infield spot. In his MLB debut in 2019, he posted an .884 OPS in 135 plate appearances (33 games).

Reyes dropped 18 pounds over the winter, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Reyes didn't earn high marks for his fielding with the Padres before coming to Cleveland in a midseason trade last year. Now in the American League, Reyes doesn't need to be a good fielder, as all but three of his starts came as a designated hitter following the trade. Still, showing up in better shape certainly doesn't hurt, and if he can be at least a passable option in the field he'll help Cleveland's lineup flexibility this season.

Winker said Monday that his wrist felt fine and that his X-rays came back negative, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist during the first inning, but the injury doesn't appear to be too severe. He had a bruise on his wrist, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to a full workload in the coming days.

Solak started in center field and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Sunday's spring game against Seattle.

Solak is an infielder by trade but will be exposed to center field this spring. Danny Santana is the presumptive starter at that position, but manager Chris Woodward may prefer him as a utility player. If Solak proves capable of playing outfield, then the manager will have the roster flexibility to use Santana as needed. Solak did not have any fielding opportunities during his six innings in the field.