MLB Player News

Pederson's increased recent usage suggests that the Dodgers plan to carry him on the 25-man roster over Andrew Toles to begin the season, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old went 0-for-2 with a walk while serving as the club's designated hitter against the Angels on Thursday. With center and right field settled and Matt Kemp leading the race for the Dodgers' left field job, manager Dave Roberts would likely use Pederson as a fourth outfielder and bench power bat if the current configuration holds true. A backup role hurts his fantasy value, but the slugger would likely be the first man up should an injury (or a slow start from Kemp) open up a starting spot.

Cespedes went 3-for-3 with a double, two home runs and four RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Despite wrist, shoulder and hamstring issues that have restricted Cespedes to only 11 games this spring, the 32-year-old has still pounded out five homers and a .323 (10-for-31) batting average. That offers a solid glimpse at the risk/reward scenario he presents in fantasy drafts -- Cespedes will give you excellent numbers when he's healthy, but his next DL stint could be just around the corner.

Vargas was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Thursday.

Vargas' power potential is undeniable, but his struggles in the majors ultimately forced the Twins to cast him off the 40-man roster earlier in the month. He'll now head to Cincinnati, where he'll likely be relegated to being a bench bat given the presence of star first baseman Joey Votto.

Choi (ribs) is back in the lineup in left field against the Royals on Thursday.

Choi has been battling rib soreness for the past couple days but should be fully operational heading into Thursday's Cactus League game. He was initially plugged into Wednesday's lineup as the designated hitter, but was removed since the DH spot was not in effect for that contest. Expect to see Choi at the Triple-A level at the start of the 2018 campaign.

Martinez went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Wednesday's game against the Rays, but admitted his timing at the plate is still behind schedule, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Martinez had a late start to camp, signing with Boston in late February and making his spring debut one week into March. "It's getting there," Martinez said. "The results were there [Wednesday] but that's kind of not me. When I'm getting hits to the left side of the field and those top-spin liners, for me I know I'm not there yet. When I'm hitting balls in the air, up the middle or the other way is when I'm feeling good." Martinez is hitting .276 with a .714 OPS in just 29 spring at-bats.

Brantley (ankle) was noncommittal when asked about his status for Opening Day, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. "We shall see," the outfielder said. "I'm going to take it one day at a time like I always say."

Brantley made his Cactus League debut Wednesday, playing five innings in left field and going 1-for-3 at the plate, swatting a solo homer in his first plate appearance of the night. His status for the start of the season should clear up as he continues to ramp things up over the next week. Even if Brantley isn't ready to go by Opening Day, it doesn't sound like he'll be out for an extended period.

Brantley (ankle) is batting fifth and playing left field in Wednesday's spring game against the Royals, T.J. Zuppe of The Athletic Cleveland reports.

As anticipated, Brantley will make his Cactus League debut Wednesday. The oft-injured outfielder underwent ankle surgery in October, and although his status for Opening Day is still in question, it doesn't appear that he'll be out for an extended period of time.

Choi (ribs) was removed from the Brewers' lineup Wednesday against the A's as the team is not using a designated hitter.

It doesn't appear that the move has anything to do with Choi's rib soreness, but until he's back in the lineup, it can't be confirmed that he's fully recovered. Choi will likely open the year with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Choi (ribs) is in the Brewers' lineup Wednesday.

Choi is batting seventh as a designated hitter. He has been battling sore ribs but appears to be good to go now. Despite his recovery, he has little chance to crack the roster for the Brewers, who have Eric Thames, Ryan Braun and Jesus Aguilar all ahead of him at first base.

Dickerson (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery at the end of March, Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

Dickerson had been trying to rehab his elbow in hopes of avoiding Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately, Dickerson's condition didn't improve, which has led to him requiring the procedure. Heading into the upcoming campaign, Dickerson was expected to be a reserve outfielder for San Diego. However, now that he's poised to miss the season, Hunter Renfroe will likely fill said role.