MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Sunday that Alvarez (hand) could play in a Grapefruit League game next week, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Baker said that Alvarez is currently ahead of Michael Brantley (shoulder) in terms of getting into a game. The Astros have a day off Monday before playing six games in the Grapefruit League, and Baker believes that the slugger could get into action in the middle of that stretch. There are still some obstacles to climb, but there's a very good chance that Alvarez will be ready for the start of the regular season.

Buxton went 3-for-3 with a double and a walk in a minor-league game Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Buxton underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in late September, and the Twins are being very careful about easing him into action this spring. Twins management has said Buxton hasn't had any issues, but it's still encouraging to see him play in two games, even if they're just minor-league contests, in the past week. He'll likely play in a few major-league spring games before Opening Day.

Morel went 0-for-2 with a walk while striking out twice Saturday in a Cactus League game against the Giants.

Morel has gotten off to a rough start in Arizona, as the hitless game now has him slashing .216/.293/.418. The 23-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign with 16 home runs and a .741 OPS over 379 at-bats, but he is likely to serve in a utility role for the 2023 campaign and isn't expected to provide fantasy significance to begin the year.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters that Jimenez will start Sunday in right field, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez is expected to primarily play as the designated hitter for the White Sox, but Grifol will give the slugger a chance to play in the outfield on occasion. The 26-year-old has gotten some reps in the field this spring even while away from the team, as he was able to play right field for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic before they were eliminated.

Pederson went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's Cactus League loss to the Athletics.

Pederson struggled at the World Baseball Classic, going 1-for-9 with a double over three games with Israel. He's now back in Giants camp, and he's continuing with learning first base after starting there Friday. The 30-year-old is also likely to start primarily against right-handers while seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter this season. Pederson is hitting .278 (5-for-18) across seven Cactus League games.

Turner (face) is set to return to the lineup as the designated hitter Monday against the Pirates, Mike Monaco of ESPN reports.

He will take batting practice on the field Saturday in advance of his return to Grapefruit League play. It will end up being exactly two weeks in between when Turner first suffered the hit-by-pitch to his face and when he makes his return. As a veteran and Boston's presumptive designated hitter, Turner won't need much spring action to get tuned up before Opening Day.

Lewis went 2-for-2 with two doubles and three RBI in Friday's spring game against the Rockies.

Lewis leads the Diamondbacks with nine RBI in the Cactus League after getting a late start due to leg issues. He's looking to nail down a fifth outfield spot with Pavin Smith also in the mix. Each have posted results worthy of making the roster, but the decision likely comes down to which one manager Torey Lovullo thinks he'll use the most. From that perspective, Lewis' right-handed bat might give him an edge in an outfield that has three lefty-batters at the top of the depth chart.

Vogelbach has gone 6-for-23 in Grapefruit League play with zero home runs and a 0:10 BB:K through eight appearances.

The 30-year-old posted a solid .829 OPS in 183 plate appearances with the Mets last season after being acquired from the Pirates, and Vogelbach heads into 2023 expected to fill the strong side of a platoon at DH. His spring numbers aren't encouraging, but his career .238/.364/.458 slash line against right-handed pitching with 61 homers in roughly two full seasons worth of plate appearances offers a better glimpse at his likely production.

Blackmon (back) will not return to the Rockies' lineup before the end of the weekend, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Blackmon has already missed a week of action with back soreness and won't return for at least a few more days. There's been no indication that his readiness for Opening Day could be in doubt, so a return at some point next week seems likely.

Alvarez (hand) will take batting practice on the field Friday for the first time this spring, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been hitting in the batting cage without issue for several days and is ready to test his sore hand out on the field. Assuming things go well, he should be ready to play in games soon. There's been no indication from the Astros yet that Alvarez could be in danger of not being ready for Opening Day, but the window for the slugger to get ready is closing.