MLB Player News

Walker was able to take dry swings and play catch Friday as he continues to work his way back from his fluke injury in the outfield. The 22-year-old is hopeful for Opening Day, but there’s still work to be done for him to be ready for the start of the season.

Rice hit just .242 this spring, but that came with five home runs and an .835 OPS. His batted ball quality has been exceptional, and he could be in for a breakout if the Yankees give him regular at-bats. The rest of the Yankees’ lineup is: C Austin Wells, RF Aaron Judge, CF Cody Bellinger, 1B Paul Goldschmidt, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., LF Jasson Dominguez, SS Anthony Volpe, DH Ben Rice, and 3B Oswaldo Cabrera.

The Guardians sent Rodriguez down a week ago, but he’s back now to join Jhonkensy Noel as a second right-handed corner outfield/DH option. Somewhat surprisingly, he is sitting in favor of Kyle Manzardo against a tough lefty in Cole Ragans today.

The Yankees are starting left-hander Carlos Rodon, so the Brewers will counter with the right-handed Capra instead of presumed starter Oliver Dunn. Capra had a good spring training, hitting .292/.358/.729 with six home runs and 14 RBI in 55 plate appearances. He doesn’t figure to get enough at-bats to be on the fantasy radar for now. The full Brewers lineup is: Jackson Chourio LF, Christian Yelich DH, William Contreras C, Rhys Hoskins 1B, Sal Frelick RF, Joey Ortiz SS, Garrett Mitchell CF, Vinny Capra 3B, Brice Turang 2B.

Stephan is 12 months removed from his surgery, and it sounds like he might be back to help the Guardians pen in May or June.

Means underwent surgery in June, so he won’t be a candidate to help the Guardians before August. He’ll likely wind up on the 60-day IL before then.

Vierling has been working his way back from a rotator cuff injury for a few weeks now, but has not yet begun swinging a bat. Once he can cross that off the list, he should head out on a rehab assignment and could be back in the Tigers’ lineup by the end of April.

Alexander, who was to vie for a utility role, missed essentially the entire spring, so he’ll be due a few weeks in Triple-A before he’s a candidate for the Diamondbacks roster. He might be optioned out once healthy.

Graveman, who missed last season following shoulder surgery, hasn’t pitched in two weeks after a back flareup. He’ll contend for a setup role once healthy.

Pérez is slated to get a cortisone injection on Friday and will miss at least a month. Manuel Margot will man center field in the meantime since Parker Meadows is also battling an injury; however, Pérez could push for playing time when he comes back if Meadows is still out.

Yoshida has been hitting in spring training, going .286/.286/.400 and one home run in 35 plate appearances; however, he is still not able to throw from the outfield. With Rafael Devers set to be the everyday designated hitter for Boston this season, the team needs Yoshida to play the outfield in order to be in the lineup. The most likely outcome is that the Red Sox will want to show Yoshida can play the outfield before trying to trade him so that they can keep giving at-bats to Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony.