MLB Player News

Ohtani is set to start Opening Day against the Athletics on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Although many of his fellow World Baseball Classic participants are taking their time ramping up their activities ahead of the regular season, Ohtani will toe the rubber in the season opener fresh off a WBC championship win with Japan. The uber-talented 28-year-old produced a impressive 2.33 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 219 strikeouts over 166 innings in 28 starts with the Angels last season, in addition to his exploits as a hitter.

Blackmon (back) will get at-bats in a minor-league game Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has dealt with a back issue for the last two weeks but it doesn't seem to be a major concern. The veteran figures to try to get into another Cactus League game or two before camp breaks and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Alvarez went 0-for-3 in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Alvarez took his first official at-bats of the exhibition season after dealing with a hand injury for much of camp, which was similar to the hand issues he played through last year. While he was hitless, he managed to make loud contact on a few balls that traveled deep to center field. Most importantly, Alvarez made it out of the game healthy and will turn his focus toward Opening Day.

Alvarez (hand) is in left field and batting leadoff for the Astros in Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Nationals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It will be the spring debut for Alvarez, who has been slowed by nagging soreness in his left hand. He's in the leadoff spot presumably in hopes that he can get in an extra plate appearance before calling it a day. Alvarez is working with a tight window to knock the rust off, but the expectation is that he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Morel hit his second home run in as many days and fourth of the spring in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

Morel is batting only .244 in Cactus League action, though the power display has been impressive in 41 at-bats. The 23-year-old hit 16 home runs across 379 at-bats as a rookie last season, but he again struggled to make consistent contact with a .235 batting average. Morel could be a utility option for the Cubs this year, and while the playing time might not always be there, his combination of power and speed could make him interesting at some point.

Ramirez said he's fine after taking a pitch off his left pinkie in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Ramirez was pulled from the contest, but he managed to avoid any sort of significant injury. The 28-year-old is set to once again fill a semi-everyday role for the Rays in 2023 between designated hitter, first base and the corner outfield. He slashed .300/.343/.404 over 435 plate appearances in 2022 but finished with only six homers and three steals.

Ramirez was removed in the bottom of the fourth inning of Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies after being hit by a pitch in the left hand, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's possible the Rays simply removed Ramirez for precautionary purposes, but he'll presumably be checked out in the locker room by the training staff before the team provides an update on the severity of his injury. Ramirez rejoined the Rays over the past weekend following a recent stint with Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.

Ohtani's next start start will come Friday in a minor-league game, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani will pitch in a game on the backfields in Arizona where the Angels will be able to control the environment. The two-way star is returning to spring camp after winning MVP honors for both his pitching and hitting work in the just-concluded World Baseball Classic that his native Japan won for the third time. Ohtani likely won't pitch in any more Cactus League games with the season just a week away, but he looks ready to roll for a big 2023 campaign.

Jimenez (calf) will serve as the White Sox's designated hitter and cleanup batter in Wednesday's split-squad Cactus League game against the Royals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jimenez exited early in Monday's game against the Diamondbacks due to what the White Sox labeled as right calf camping, and fortunately for the 26-year-old, the issue wasn't anything more severe than that. After getting Tuesday off to rest and rehydrate, Jimenez is good to go one day later. In an effort to keep Jimenez healthy following consecutive injury-riddled campaigns, the White Sox could have him see an even larger share of his work out of the DH spot rather than the corner outfield in 2023. Jimenez made 50 starts as a DH and 30 as a left fielder last season.

Ruf (wrist) is starting at first base and batting sixth in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Ruf has battled through wrist issues during spring training and is 3-for-23 in seven contests. A move to the injured list to begin the season has been mentioned for the 36-year-old, who also struggled after being acquired by the Mets at last year's trade deadline with a .413 OPS. Even if he sticks on the Opening Day roster, Ruf's opportunities are likely to be limited as a right-handed platoon and bench option.