MLB Player News

Stanton (calf) completed a live batting practice session Wednesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

While the on-field activity amounts to a step forward for Stanton, the real test for his strained right calf will likely come Thursday, when he's expected to resume running outside. The 30-year-old slugger had been working out on an anti-gravity treadmill in recent days, so he'll now see if he can run the bases and cut in the outfield without issue. Stanton remains unlikely to be ready to go for Opening Day, but he may be tracking toward only a brief stint on the injured list.

Miller, who returned to Grapefruit League action from a back injury against the Red Sox on Tuesday, appears to have the inside track to the utility role due to the recent release of Yairo Munoz, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Miller is a veteran who's capable of playing up to a wide range of positions, so if it comes down to him and the promising but unproven Edmundo Sosa, the former could have the upper hand. Manager Mike Shildt commented Tuesday that in addition to seeing time at second base, third base and left field -- all positions Miller filled with the Indians and Phillies in 2019 -- the 30-year-old could also play shortstop on occasion this coming season if he nabs a roster spot.

Miller (back) started at third base in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Red Sox and went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Miller missed over a week of games due to his sore back, but he was able to get back on the field Tuesday. He will attempt to secure some sort of utility role with the Cardinals over the final couple weeks of spring training.

Buxton (shoulder) took his first live batting practice session of the spring Tuesday and reported no issues, MLB.com reports.

If Buxton's shoulder responds well, he'll next take live batting practice again Thursday and Friday. Buxton could then play in a game as soon as next week as he's been cleared for all baseball activities. If he doesn't have a setback, it looks like he could be ready for Opening Day in his return from surgery for a torn labrum.

Harper suffered nothing worse than a bruised left big toe after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday and will be back on the field Friday against Detroit, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper indicated during the game that his removal was purely precautionary, and it seems as though his optimism was warranted. The Phillies have an off day Wednesday, and Harper wasn't scheduled to play Thursday, so he won't wind up missing any additional time with the minor injury.

Stanton (calf) will run on the field within the next two days, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Stanton is working his way back from a Grade 1 calf strain he suffered in late February. It's unlikely that he makes it back before Opening Day, but he's been trending in the right direction. He's been able to run on a treadmill and hit off a tee in recent days.

Harper said that he was "totally fine" after leaving Tuesday's game against the Twins after a pitch hit his foot, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper didn't appear to be in significant pain as he left the game, and he confirmed during the game that his removal was indeed precautionary. He was only scheduled for two at-bats in Tuesday's contest, so his early removal shouldn't have any impact on his buildup for Opening Day beyond costing him a single spring at-bat. His return date is not yet clear, but it sounds as though it will be coming quite soon.

Harper left Tuesday's game against the Twins after getting hit by a pitch in his foot, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper walked off the field without issues and didn't appear to be noticeably limping, so it's likely his removal was purely precautionary. His expected return date should become clear following the game.

Alvarez (knee) won't play Wednesday as previously scheduled, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday that he was unsure when Alvarez would return or if he'd be ready for Opening Day. The young slugger has been dealing with knee soreness for a week, though the Astros originally didn't sound particularly concerned. If Alvarez does miss time at the start of the season, that could open up at-bats for Kyle Tucker, who is currently stuck as the team's fourth outfielder.

Canha is hitting .316 (6-for-19) with two doubles, five RBI, six walks and two runs across his first 10 Cactus League games.

The veteran outfielder enjoyed a breakout season at age 30 in 2019, slashing .273/.396/.517 with 45 extra-base hits (16 doubles, three triples, 26 home runs) and 58 RBI. The numbers helped earn him a solid pay raise to $4.8 million this offseason, as well as the inside track to the starting left field job for 2020. Canha has only further cemented his status with his solid spring at the plate thus far, and he heads into 2020 projected to log a workload on par with last season's 126 games, at minimum.