MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty baker told reporters Sunday that Alvarez (hand) still hasn't resumed swinging, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is dealing with discomfort in his left hand, and while it's been widely reported that the slugger is expected to be ready for Opening Day, it's obviously a bit concerning that he hasn't resumed swinging at this point. After a dominant 2022 campaign, the 25-year-old is deserving of a high selection in all eligible formats, but the injury concern is something managers have to be cognizant of before making the pick.

Vientos went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Getting the start at third base and hitting second in the order, Vientos launched a two-run shot off minor-league reliever Justin Evans in the fourth inning before taking potential Miami closer Dylan Floro deep in the fifth for a three-run blast, with both homers being no-doubters to straightaway center field. Vientos doesn't appear to have much of a chance at winning the starting job at the hot corner for Opening Day with both Eduardo Escobar and Brett Baty ahead of him in the pecking order, but he's doing what he can to win a spot on the big-league bench. The 23-year-old prospect has gone 7-for-21 to begin his spring, with four of the hits (two doubles plus Saturday's home runs) going for extra bases.

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The home run was the first of the spring for the veteran, who likely will see his Grapefruit League playing time managed carefully the rest of the way as he ramps up for his 19th MLB season. Cabrera said during the offseason that 2023 will be his last season before he retires. The 39-year-old has managed to hit .250 or better each of the last five seasons, though his power has mostly evaporated, which has drastically cut into his fantasy appeal.

Lewis (leg) will make his spring training debut Sunday against Cleveland, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

The 27-year-old will serve as the D-backs' designated hitter for his first few appearances before eventually working his way back into the outfield mix. Lewis slashed just .143/.226/.304 over 64 major-league plate appearances last season while battling injuries for most of the year, and his 2020 AL Rookie of the Year campaign is getting further in the rearview mirror.

Brantley (shoulder) is away from Astros camp while dealing with a family matter, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley has yet to play in any Grapefruit League games as he takes things slowly following last August's shoulder surgery. This personal matter will halt his rehab, presumably briefly. The hope is that the 35-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day.

Soler hit second in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, going 2-for-3 with his first home run of the spring, and Marlins manager Skip Schumaker indicated he likes having a hitter with some power in that spot in the batting order, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The 31-year-old mostly hit third last year for ex-manager Don Mattingly when he was healthy, but Soler could move even higher on Schumaker's lineup card. His 10.9 percent walk rate over the last two seasons is certainly acceptable for the top of the order, but Soler will likely need to improve his .218 batting average to fully take advantage of the assignment. Hitting second would add a bit more fantasy intrigue to a player who's only suited up for 221 games since 2021, but slugged 40 homers in them.

Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Belt (knee) is about a week away from making his Grapefruit League debut, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Belt is considered fully recovered from last September's knee surgery but is still being eased into things this spring. The Blue Jays don't believe he needs many Grapefruit League at-bats to prepare for the season, so he remains on track for Opening Day.

Choi (elbow) will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against the Yankees on Thursday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The 31-year-old will be making his first start of the spring and his Pirates debut after undergoing surgery in November to remove a bone fragment from his right elbow. Choi was traded in the offseason after slashing .233/.341/.388 with 11 homers in 113 games with the Rays last season. Health permitting, he should start against most right-handed pitchers to begin 2023.

Ohtani is in Japan to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, Ben Verlander of Fox Sports reports.

Ohtani made his spring pitching debut for the Angels on Tuesday, hurling 2.1 scoreless innings against Oakland and allowing no hits and two walks while striking out two batters. He made his way back to his native country soon thereafter, and he'll now shift his focus to helping Japan vie for the WBC title. The tournament will take place from March 8 to March 21, so Ohtani will likely be away from the Angels for the next several weeks.

Alvarez (hand) "should definitely be back for Opening Day," Astros general manager Dana Brown told the ESPN broadcast Tuesday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

"We feel totally confident that he'll be in games sometimes midway through (spring training)," Brown added. Alvarez is currently shut down from swinging a bat due to renewed soreness in his left hand similar to what he dealt with in both hands last season. While it sounds like he won't get into any Grapefruit League games for a couple weeks, it does not appear the nagging injury will prevent him from being available come Opening Day.