MLB Player News

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the White Sox after being hit by a pitch on the left wrist during the first inning, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Winker was immediately replaced by a pinch runner, though he indicated he was fine after exiting the contest. Regardless, it's worth keeping an eye on his availability in the coming days with spring training just getting started this weekend.

Ohtani (elbow) threw off a mound Sunday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Although the throwing session was described as "basically just playing catch off the mound," it represents another step in a positive direction for Ohtani as he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Per Bollinger, the Japanese star remains on track to toss his first "real" bullpen session in mid-March. In the meantime, Ohtani will focus on hitting -- he's slated to begin the season as the Angels' primary DH.

Pederson (hip) has yet to be cleared for baseball activities, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

It was reported Saturday that Pederson might be able to resume hitting Sunday or Monday after entering spring training with the sore right hip, but it appears that he will have to wait at least a few more days. The 27-year-old received treatment Friday, but there's no real reason to rush him back this early in camp if he's still feeling any residual soreness.

Cespedes (ankle) is hoping to play in spring games by the middle of March, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes has been able to hit and run early this spring, but he has not been cleared for all activities, so he will continue working out on the side for the time being. If Cespedes is able to jump into game action when he expects, he will have a shot to be ready for Opening Day.

Winker (neck) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's spring opener against the White Sox, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Winker has been sidelined since late August due to a cervical strain, but he'll be ready to return to action for the Reds on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw consistent playing time in Cincinnati last season prior to his injury, but he could face competition heading into 2020 after the Reds acquired Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama during the offseason.

Pederson (hip) could resume hitting Sunday or Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson received treatment for a sore right hip Friday, but the issue is reportedly minor. He's reportedly still sore, but he could resume hitting soon. The 27-year-old will likely serve in a platoon role in the Dodgers' outfield this season.

Pederson received treatment for a sore right hip Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Although the hip soreness resulted in a "light day" in camp Friday, Pederson indicated that the issue is minor. The 27-year-old is expected to fill a platoon role -- playing primarily against right-handers -- in the Dodgers' outfield this season.

McCutchen (knee) has yet to be cleared to participate in games and has been on his own workout program this spring, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Previous reports held that McCutchen expected to be recovered from his ACL tear by Opening Day. Gelb's report doesn't directly contradict that, though it would obviously be nice to see him prove that by looking good in Grapefruit League action. With the start of the season still over a month away, McCutchen has plenty of time to catch up to his teammates. If he ends up needing to open the year on the injured list, that would open up at-bats for Jay Bruce or Roman Quinn in the outfield.

Manager Luis Rojas said Friday that Cespedes (ankle) has been limited to straight-line running and hasn't been cleared for sprints, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 34-year-old has apparently looked good while hitting and participating in fielding drills, but he's being brought along more slowly in running exercises. Cespedes appeared in only 38 games in 2018 and didn't see the field last season due to a pair of heel surgeries and a fractured ankle, so the cautious approach is to be expected, especially early in spring training.

Stanton said Wednesday that he reported to spring training without any physical limitations after a full offseason to recover from an injury-plagued 2019 campaign, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. "I had a lot of different training. I didn't have much time off," Stanton said. "I got my rest, but I had to rehab the moment the season was over, and then by the time I was done rehabbing I had my normal offseason training."

Stanton appeared in just 23 games between the regular season and playoffs in 2019, missing time on account of biceps, shoulder, calf, knee and quadriceps injuries. His last appearance came in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Astros, when he suffered a Grade 2 right squad while running out a grounder. The 30-year-old had far from a spotless health record prior to 2019, but the fact that he's feeling good again could allow his ADP to climb steadily as draft season gets underway. Perhaps with an eye on ensuring that Stanton maintains better health this season, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the slugger's time in the outfield will be "fluid." The skipper went on to suggest that Stanton's workload could be similar to 2018, when he started 72 games in the outfield and served as a designated hitter in 86 contests.