As Spring Training continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world headed into the weekend:
1. Steer to undergo testing:
Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer has been dealing with shoulder discomfort this spring, and Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the club’s plan is to have him re-examined by a team doctor before determining a course of action. That seemingly scuttles plans for him to return to playing catch on Monday, though Wittenmyer adds that the team is “confident” there’s no structural damage in his shoulder and that Steer’s swing is not impacted by the issue.
Steer has been serving as the club’s DH in spring games when he’s played due to the soreness he feels when throwing, but when healthy he’s one of the club’s more versatile players with experience at first, second, and third base as well as in left field. According to Wittenmyer, manager Terry Francona suggested that Steer could see more rest or perhaps receive a cortisone shot in his shoulder to speed up the healing process depending on the outcome of this weekend’s exam.
2. Ohtani to make spring debut:
Shohei Ohtani is set to make his spring debut today at DH, as Dave Roberts told reporters (including the Associated Press) earlier this week. It’s a notable step forward for Ohtani as he’s spent the offseason and early part of the spring not only rehabbing his right elbow ahead of his return to pitching during the first half of the 2025 campaign, but he’s also been rehabbing his left shoulder after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a labrum tear suffered during the World Series. With the Dodgers slated to get an early start to the season in the Tokyo Series in just over two weeks, Ohtani getting into spring lineups is a crucial step to ensuring that he’ll be ready for the two-game set against the Cubs.
3. Alvarez exits:
Atlanta infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. departed yesterday evening’s game due to left wrist discomfort, as the club themselves announced. Alvarez, 22 in April, was not projected to make the club’s Opening Day roster with Orlando Arcia slated to serve as the club’s shortstop, Ozzie Albies entrenched at second, and Austin Riley back at third base after last year’s hand surgery. Even so, an absence from Alvarez that extends into the season would certainly be worrisome for the team given their relative lack of infield depth behind those three starters. Nick Allen projects to be their backup infield on the bench at present, with utility men Luke Williams and Christian Cairo also on the 40-man roster.
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