MLB Player News

Swanson (wrist) hopes to begin swinging Sunday and could possibly get into a minor-league game Thursday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

He felt soreness in the area of his hand where he tore a ligament in September, which is why he did not play Friday. The Braves don't have a big-league game scheduled for Thursday, so he is apparently targeting a back-fields game that day.

Seager served as the designated hitter in a minor-league camp game Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. "It was a good day for him," manager Dave Roberts said.

Seager took four at-bats and ran the bases in what was his first game action since undergoing operations on his hip and elbow. While he didn't play defense, the shortstop extended his throwing program out to 150 feet; Roberts said he "really let it go" during the session. Seager remains on track for Opening Day.

Swanson was scratched from Friday's lineup against Toronto with left wrist soreness, source reports.

Swanson's spring debut had already been delayed as he recovers from offseason wrist surgery, but Friday's game had been his target for several days. He'll fall at least one day behind schedule after feeling soreness during batting practice. It remains to be seen whether this setback is significant enough to put his status for Opening Day in any doubt.

Turner is expected to be the Nationals' leadoff hitter this season, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Turner hit second more than anywhere else last season, though he also spent 63 games in the leadoff spot. A leadoff role would be a slight bump to his fantasy value, as it would come with a few more opportunities to run and a few more at-bats overall.

Seager (elbow) took his first swings against live pitching Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Seager had been limited to tracking pitches prior to Tuesday's live batting practice session, after which he reported feeling fine. If the shortstop continues to progress on schedule, manager Dave Roberts said he could be cleared to play in minor-league games as early as next week. At this point, Seager is still on track to be ready for the start of the season.

Swanson will make his spring debut Friday against Toronto, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson underwent wrist surgery in November and has started spring training slowly, though the Friday return date is reportedly ahead of his original schedule. Barring setbacks, the shortstop should have time to be up to speed by Opening Day.

Story (elbow) will return to the lineup Monday against the Royals, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Story was hit by a pitch Saturday and skipped Sunday's game, but the injury wasn't a serious one. The single missed day should have no bearing on the shortstop's readiness for Opening Day.

Story (elbow) is fine after getting hit by a pitch Saturday and expects to return to the lineup within a day or two, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Story exited Saturday's game with an elbow contusion and isn't in the lineup Sunday, but starters don't necessarily play every day early in camp, so that's not particularly a sign of concern. Barring setbacks, he'll have more than enough time to be ready by Opening Day.

Story left Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks with a right elbow contusion after being hit by a pitch.

Story's elbow has been through a lot recently, as elbow issues in mid-September appeared to threaten Tommy John surgery at one point. Saturday's injury is unlikely to linger and won't affect his readiness for Opening Day unless tests reveal an issue worse than a bruise.

Seager (elbow) completed throws across the diamond and to second base during his workout Saturday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Seager wasn't included in the lineup for the Dodgers' first Cactus League game Saturday versus the White Sox, there doesn't seem to be any concern about the shortstop's health outlook for Opening Day. He had already received clearance for most baseball activities upon reporting to camp this week and has now cleared one of the final obstacles in his recovery program by making throws from his defensive position. Seager might be ready for game action at some point during the upcoming week, though the Dodgers would likely use him at designated hitter before returning him to his normal role in the field.