Pirates head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said that Bell (knee) is making good progress toward being cleared to participate in baseball activities, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The top prospect had knee surgery at the beginning of February, but it seems like he's progressing at a pace that the trainers are happy with. That being said, Bell's status for Opening Day is still up in the air, although things should become clearer once he resumes baseball activities again.

Bell (knee) intends to be completely ready in time for Opening Day, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The top prospect underwent a minor knee procedure at the beginning of February that put some question into his status for the start of the regular season, but he seems to be fairly optimistic in his status moving forward. He began throwing Monday and plans to start hitting within the coming days, which hopefully should help him progress into spring game action relatively early. Should he be ready for Opening Day, Bell seems to be in line to start at first base for the Pirates.

Bell's status for Opening Day is up in the air after he underwent a minor knee procedure Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to the team, it typically takes 2-to-4 weeks to return to baseball activities following a procedure to remove loose body from the knee. This means Bell may not be able to get into spring training games until mid-March, and it's possible the recovery is a bit slower than expected, which could result in Bell starting the year on the DL. He dealt with knee injuries in 2012 and 2014, so that also makes this latest flare up somewhat concerning. His draft day value should be downgraded slightly as a result of this news.

Bell had surgery Wednesday to remove loose body from his left knee. He should return to baseball activities in 2-to-4 weeks.

EDGE Analysis

These types of routine cleanups typically take place earlier in the offseason, so the loose body was likely just recently discovered. It sounds like he may not be ready for the team's first spring training game, but he should have enough time to get ready for the regular season. Bell can use all the reps he can get defensively at first base and at the plate against left-handed pitching, so this is untimely, but his fantasy value should not take much of a hit as a result.

Bell reported to minicamp at 225 pounds, down from 248 at the beginning of spring training last season, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bell credited yoga for his weight loss. The 24-year-old hit .273 in 152 plate appearances last season, splitting time between first base and the outfield, though the focus seems to be on using him at first this season. Defense has always been one thing that has been a knock on Bell, but the Pirates will hope his participation in yoga and weight loss will increase his ability in the field, which could result in more consistent playing time.

General manager Neal Huntington said he's focused on deploying Bell at first base in 2017, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

After starting 2016 in Triple-A, Bell finished the season in the majors, slashing .273/.368/.406 over 128 at-bats while splitting time between right field and first base for the Pirates. Although he struggled on defense at times last season, the 24-year-old only began playing first base in 2014 due to Pittsburgh's outfield depth with Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Gregory Polanco. In anticipation of Bell grabbing hold of the starting job at first base, the Pirates have kicked around the idea of moving John Jaso to third base. The move to first should only help Bell's fantasy value, as it now seems he could serve as an everyday player for the Pirates in 2017. Without having to worry about position changes, the switch-hitter could be poised for a breakout year at the plate.

Bell, who isn't in Sunday's lineup, is batting just .167 (7-for-42) in his last 13 games.

EDGE Analysis

He has 128 at-bats and will maintain rookie status if he doesn't exceed 130 at-bats. The Pirates are generally pleased with Bell's first couple months in the big leagues and will work with him to improve his throwing mechanics in the offseason.

Bell is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bell cemented himself as a regular in the Pirates' lineup from late August and onward, finishing out the second half of the season with a .351 on-base percentage to go with two homers in 126 at-bats. He'll give way to John Jaso at first base in the season finale.

Bell is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

He had started 10 of the last 11 games, hitting just .238/.316/.357 over that stretch. John Jaso will start at first base and lead off Tuesday.

Bell is not in the lineup Thursday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Bell has received significant playing time since being called up in mid-August, but he'll get a regular day off with Starling Marte returning to the lineup. It's unclear what will happen to Bell's playing time with the All-Star coming back, but the situation should become clearer in the coming days.