MLB Player News

Manager Scott Servais said Torrens (finger) could receive a couple at-bats at designated hitter in Saturday's spring game against the A's, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

The 24-year-old has yet to make his spring debut due to a finger laceration, but it appears he'll be on the field Saturday. If all goes well at the plate, Torrens is then expected to be worked into the catching rotation.

Harper will make his spring debut in Friday's exhibition game against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Harper was in no rush to get into games, but he is apparently ready to step into the batter's box and face opposing pitchers for the first time. Harper will serve as the Phillies' designated hitter and hit third Friday.

Cabrera played first base Thursday in a Grapefruit League game, his first appearance there since 2019, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera spent three innings in the field, and manager A.J. Hinch said afterward, "Miggy's a good first baseman. ... He was pretty active." The 37-year-old will now likely get a few days off, but he could return to the lineup this weekend and will likely continue to play first base occasionally into the regular season -- though it remains to be seen how frequently he'll be used defensively. Cabrera played in 57 games in 2020, all as the Tigers' DH.

Belt (heel/illness) played catch and swung in the cage Thursday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt is recovering from a non-COVID illness and October heel surgery, but he's been able to participate in baseball activities in recent days. The Giants are still pushing him to be ready in time for Opening Day.

Winker (hip) will lead off and play left field Thursday against the Royals, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker was scratched Monday with a sore hip, but the Reds called that decision "very precautionary." That appears to be correct, as he's now back in the lineup just three days later. Opening Day is still four weeks away, so he'll have plenty of time to get up to speed by the start of the season.

Torrens has been dealing with a cut on his finger but will make his spring debut over the weekend, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Torrens is expected to back up Tom Murphy this season, but the Mariners have estimated that he'll receive up to 45 percent of the starts behind the plate with Murphy coming off a season missed to injury. The delayed start to Torrens' spring shouldn't hurt him too much in that pursuit, as he'll still have several weeks to prepare for Opening Day.

Pederson went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.

Pederson hit his first home run of the spring and his first in a Cubs uniform. The 28-year-old outfielder batted cleanup, and he should slot into a prominent lineup spot during the regular season. The Cubs also sound committed to letting Pederson play every day and face lefties, which could help his counting stats but possibly act as a drain on his batting average if he struggles against southpaws.

Ramirez has reported to Cleveland's big-league camp and cleared intake procedures.

He will be competing with a host of similarly talented outfielders for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Ramirez may lack the fantasy upside of players like Daniel Johnson and Bradley Zimmer, but he may be a steadier option early in the season.

Alvarez (knee) participated in on-field batting practice Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been increasing his workload over the past several days, and he participated in batting practice for the first time this spring. He could spend some time playing first base this spring if he's fully healthy, but the 23-year-old should serve as the primary designated hitter for the Astros during the regular season if he recovers from his knee injury.

Choi (knee) is starting at designated hitter and batting cleanup Wednesday against the Pirates, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

He has been eased into spring action after dealing with right knee soreness early in camp. Choi is starting at DH in this one, but appears to be on track to get starts at first base in the near future.