MLB 2023 | Vargas fractured a finger, Robert is healthy, Yordan continues to have soreness, and more

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources

Luis Robert (Photo: Chicago White Sox)

The White Sox's Luis Robert declares himself healthy for spring

According to James Fegan of The Athletic, Robert is fully healthy for spring training and is already in game-ready shape for the World Baseball Classic. "I didn't alter my workload in the offseason because of what happened last year," Robert said. "I did what I did during this offseason for myself. I did it because I wanted to feel better coming into spring training, instead of what it used to be, that I came to a spring game feeling a little cold, not completely ready." Even though Robert played 98 games and played 401 plate appearances in 2022, he struggled with health issues for a second straight season. COVID-19, blurred vision, a groin injury, and a jammed left wrist kept him out for the final two weeks of the season. As a result of the time he missed, the 25-year-old took part in more on-field, baseball-specific activities this offseason, as opposed to previous winters when he mainly lifted weights and hit in the cage. It will be vital for Robert to stay healthy in order to achieve his immense potential, but he's already demonstrated a five-tool skill set multiple times throughout his young career. Despite Robert's medical history, the upside could be immense if he has a season of over 600 plate appearances.

Astros' Yordan Alvarez: Nursing another case of hand soreness

As reported by Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, Alvarez is unable to swing a bat due to soreness in his left hand. Last season, Alvarez dealt with lingering soreness in both hands off and on, even being placed on the injured list in the late part of the season (right hand inflammation). Despite expecting to resume swinging a bat within a couple days, it's disappointing to hear that his hand is already bothering him again.

Miguel Vargas, reporting to Spring Training. (Photo: LA Dodgers)

Dodgers' Miguel Vargas: Suffers hairline fracture to pinky

Vargas suffered a hairline fracture to his right pinky finger, and he won't be swinging the bat for a few days, according to Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided more clarity on Vargas' pinky injury when he met with the media following the Dodgers' workout on Monday. Vargas suffered the injury while fielding a grounder earlier on Monday. Even though Vargas' injury isn't ideal, he can still participate in fielding drills over the next few days. This should help him get a job at second base before Opening Day. Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports the Dodgers don't know when Vargas will resume swinging, but Roberts suggested Vargas' pain tolerance may play a role.

The Rays' Yandy Díaz is committing to first base as his primary position

Rays manager Kevin Cash told Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network on Monday that Diaz will play a lot of first base this season. Despite playing a lot more third base (102 games) last season than first base (17 games), Díaz has plenty of experience at the position. Due to Ji-Man Choi's departure, Díaz is now expected to play a greater number of first-base games. At third base, there will be competition between Isaac Paredes and Jonathan Aranda.