MLB Player News

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Monday that Buxton's back injury is minor and the outfielder is expected to return to the lineup soon, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton was a late scratch from Monday's lineup, but it sounds like the club is just being cautious. The Twins are off Tuesday, but it sounds like Buxton could return as soon as Wednesday. He's 8-for-24 with one home run and two triples at the plate so far this spring.

Buxton was scratched from the lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox due to low-back tightness on his right side, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton has had a healthy and productive spring up to this point but has now encountered his first injury hiccup. It's not clear how long the back issue might keep Buxton out of action, but given his lengthy injury history, the Twins will surely exercise the utmost caution. Buxton is slated to return to center field this season for Minnesota after operating exclusively as a designated hitter in 2023.

Ohtani (elbow) is set to begin a throwing progression when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles this weekend following their two-game, season-opening series in South Korea versus the Padres on Wednesday and Thursday, and manager Dave Roberts hasn't ruled out the possibility of Ohtani (elbow) playing the field later in the 2024 campaign, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Roberts reiterated Monday that Ohtani's sole focus for now is serving as the Dodgers' full-time designated hitter, and whether the 29-year-old could be used in the outfield or at first base at some point later in the season will depend on how his throwing program comes along. Ohtani hasn't seen playing time in the outfield with any regularity since 2014 while he was still in Japan, so the idea that he could be used in left field or right field less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery seems far-fetched, at best. Still, it's interesting that the possibility hasn't been totally nixed.

Harper (back) hopes to return to action Friday in either a Grapefruit League game or minor-league game, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The Phillies have held Harper out for a few days with soreness in his lower back, but he insists he's not worried about the injury and is just exercising caution. The 31-year-old is slated to be the Phillies' full-time first baseman this season after serving primarily as a designated hitter in 2023 following his return from his November 2022 Tommy John surgery.

Manager Rob Thomson said Sunday that Harper has been held out the past few days with back stiffness and won't play Monday, but the slugger is expected to rejoin the lineup later in the week, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, as Thomson said there is "zero" concern for Harper's Opening Day availability. Still, with less than two weeks before the March 28 opener, it's worth keeping an eye on the 31-year-old's status over the next few days.

Alvarez (eye) is starting in left field and batting second in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez was removed from Friday's contest due to an allergic reaction in his left eye, but he's ready to return to game action a couple days later. Barring any additional issues, the 26-year-old slugger will be ready for Opening Day against the Yankees on March 28.

McCutchen (illness) is starting as Pittsburgh's designated hitter Saturday against the Tigers, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McCutchen was a late scratch from Thursday's lineup because of his illness, but he appears to have recovered in time for Saturday's game. McCutchen has played in just two games this spring, recording two hits in five at-bats, including a home run.

Alvarez was removed from Friday's Grapefruit League game due to an allergic reaction in his left eye, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez fouled a ball off his right foot during his lone at-bat Friday and left the game shortly afterward, but it appears his removal was due to an unrelated issue. Manager Joe Espada said Alvarez's eye won't require any extra medical attention, and the 26-year-old slugger should still be ready to go for Opening Day.

Alvarez left Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies early after fouling a ball off his right foot, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez initially remained in the game to finish his at-bat in the first inning but was replaced in left field by Jacob Melton to begin the second. Alvarez didn't appear to be in much pain as he walked back into the clubhouse, so his removal may only be precautionary.

McCutchen was scratched from the Pirates' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday due to illness, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

The veteran slugger should be ready to rejoin the lineup in a day or two. Billy McKinney entered the starting nine at designated hitter in McCutchen's place.