MLB Player News

Hummel, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a solo home run in a Cactus League win over the Brewers on Monday, is projected to make the Opening Day roster by Daniel Kramer of MLB.com.

Kramer fleshed out his position-by-position Opening Day roster prognosis Friday, and Hummel, who can fill in at catcher and the corner outfield spots, added to this terrific spring Monday with a multi-hit effort that pushed his Cactus League average to .333 and his homer tally to four. The 28-year-old, who logged the first 201 plate appearances of his big-league career last season with the Diamondbacks after spending six-plus seasons in the minors, has been a constant presence on the basepaths all spring, and Kramer notes Hummel's defensive versatility would give the Mariners more flexibility with the workloads of the top backstop duo of Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy.

Ohtani could pitch in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic against Team USA if Team Japan advances to the final, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Team Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama said that it's a non-zero chance that the two-way star would be able to pitch if Japan was able to defeat Mexico in the semifinal. Angels manager Phil Nevin had told reporters that Ohtani was unlikely to pitch past the quarterfinals, but the right-hander hurler told reporters shortly after that a decison hasn't been made. If Ohtani does pitch, it likely would be a short outing; possibly as a relief option to close out the game.

Blackmon (back) will take part in batting practice before Monday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has been out of the lineup for the Rockies while dealing with stiffness in his back. The veteran outfielder told Harding the most important thing is that he doesn't take any backwards steps, and there's no reason for him to be rushed into the lineup during exhibition play. Most importantly, Blackmon believes he'll be ready for Opening Day, and there's a good chance that happens if there are no setbacks.

Jimenez is day-to-day after exiting Monday's Cactus League game versus the Diamondbacks with cramping in his right calf, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it isn't something more serious. Jimenez figures to rest for a few days just to be safe, but this doesn't sound like a long-term concern.

Jimenez was removed from Monday's Cactus League game versus the Diamondbacks with an apparent injury, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear what happened to Jimenez, but he was spotted walking back to the White Sox' complex with the trainer after the second inning. Injuries have hampered Jimenez throughout his major-league career to this point.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

He took Kenta Maeda deep in the third inning, giving Ozuna his first homer of the spring. The 32-year-old slugger is gaining momentum at the plate as Opening Day approaches, and he's now batting .270 (10-for-37) this spring, with half of his hits going for extra bases.

After Texas manager Bruce Bochy named Robbie Grossman's the team's primary left fielder, Miller appears destined for a platoon at designated hitter, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The lefty-hitting Miller, who had an .831 OPS against right-handed pitching from 2018-21, looks like an ideal complement to the right-handed hitting Grossman (career .698 OPS against righties), but that will not materialize early on. That leaves Miller to pick up any spare at-bats in left field when Grossman isn't in the lineup or sharing DH with catchers Mitch Garver and Jonah Heim. Miller battled a hip injury in 2022, posting a career-worst .590 OPS in 81 games. He could also get squeezed for playing time from Josh Smith, who offers similar positional versatility.

Lewis went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against Kansas City.

Lewis, who was delayed from playing Cactus League games while working to strengthen his legs, ran well while scoring from second base on a double to left field. "It was pretty much a full stride. He looked good. He looks like he's feeling good," manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Lewis is in the mix for a final bench spot with Pavin Smith considered his most likely competitor.

Turner (face) will serve as the Red Sox's designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Mac Cerullo of The North Andover Eagle-Tribune reports.

Turner is checking back into the Red Sox's starting nine for the first time since taking a pitch to the face in a March 6 game. Fortunately for Turner, he able to avoid any facial fractures, though he sustained a laceration that required several stitches and caused him to pause baseball activities for a few days. He was able to resume activity just over a week ago and made it through batting practice Friday without incident, so the Red Sox will be comfortable easing him back into the lineup in a non-defensive role. Turner is expected to see the majority of his starts out of the DH spot this season so long as Rafael Devers is healthy.

Beer was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Beer clubbed two home runs in 10 spring training games but hit just .231 and was unable to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 26-year-old played in 38 contests for Arizona last season and had a .189/.278/.243 slash line.