MLB Player News

Belt (knee) took live batting practice Friday in Blue Jays camp, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Belt has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game this spring as he completes his recovery from September knee surgery, but the restraints could come off as soon as this weekend. The 34-year-old joined the Jays on a one-year, $9.3 million contract in January and is expected to be a regular option at DH while occasionally spelling Vladimir Guerrero at first base.

Blackmon departed Friday's Cactus League contest versus the Giants with mid-back stiffness, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon played the top of the first inning on defense but was removed before he could take an at-bat. It's not clear at this point whether it's a day-to-day injury or possibly something more severe.

Brantley (shoulder/personal) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley has been brought along slowly this spring as he works his way back from shoulder surgery, and he's been away from the team for a week or so while dealing with a family matter. It's not clear when he might return and at this point he's simply running out of time. Brantley still has some fantasy appeal as the projected No. 2 hitter in a strong Astros lineup, but his injury history and mediocre power make him both a risky option, and one with a limited ceiling.

Alvarez (hand) took swings in a batting cage Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's a big step for the slugger as he works his way back from nagging left hand soreness. A clear timetable for Alvarez hasn't been provided to this point, but there's been no indication he could be in jeopardy of missing Opening Day. Alvarez dealt with soreness in both hands off and on last season.

Ruf (wrist) is starting at first base and batting cleanup for the Mets on Friday in their Grapefruit League contest versus the Cardinals, Michael Mayer of Metzmerized reports.

Ruf made his spring debut Tuesday after recovering from a right wrist issue which plagued him early on in camp. The 36-year-old will see action against left-handed pitching for the Mets this season, primarily at DH.

Buxton's absence from Grapefruit League games to this point has been by design and not related to injury, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Per Gleeman, the Twins don't see spring training games as more useful for veterans than back-field work. Buxton entered camp with no health restrictions and will play in some Grapefruit League games eventually, although it's unclear when that might happen.

Ohtani pitched four scoreless innings for Japan against China in the World Baseball Classic on Thursday, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out five batters. He also went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and two RBI as a hitter.

Ohtani unsurprisingly starred for Team Japan in the squad's 8-1 victory, as he once again demonstrated his immense talent both on the mound and at the plate. This was the second time he's started a game as a pitcher this spring, with the other being in a Cactus League contest March 1 during which he hurled 2.1 scoreless frames. Where Ohtani is being drafted in fantasy is partly dependent on how he's able to be utilized, but he's unlikely to fall out of the first round in any format.

Harper (elbow) hit off a tee for the first time Thursday in Phillies camp, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The workout came right after a followup physical, which apparently showed an encouraging degree of healing in Harper's surgically-repaired right elbow. The 30-year-old slugger had been limited to dry swings so far in his rehab progression before taking this meaningful step forward. Throwing, and thus playing the outfield, could remain an issue throughout all of 2023, but Harper is on track to return offensively from Tommy John surgery around the middle of the upcoming season.

Harper (elbow) said Thursday that he has no idea whether he'll be ready to play right field at some point this season, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports.

Harper has reported to the Phillies' spring training complex and is set to undergo a physical. Based on those results, he expects to have a better idea on a timeline for his return to the Phillies' lineup. Harper underwent Tommy John surgery in November and the initial rough timetable projected him to be back as a designated hitter shortly before the All-Star break. That same timetable had him hopefully playing the outfield at some point in the second half, but it sounds as if that's not a slam dunk. For fantasy purposes, Harper will not have outfield eligibility initially in 2023 and it appears there's a chance that could carry over into 2024. A clearer picture will be available following the slugger's physical.

Turner (face) visited the Red Sox' spring training complex Thursday and the team is hopeful he'll have time to get ready for Opening Day, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Turner will not resume on-field workouts until his stitches are removed, which is expected to happen in about two weeks. That gives him a pretty tight window to knock some rust off before the opener, but it seems doable since he already has six games under his belt and, as a veteran, probably doesn't need a ton of at-bats.