MLB Player News

McBride (back) says he will be making throws to second base Saturday and is close to catching in a live game, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

McBride has been sidelined with a lat strain over the past few weeks, but current signs are pointing to a return in the near future. Regardless of how he performs in Cactus League play, he'll likely begin the season serving as organizational depth in the minors.

Diaz has missed the last two games dealing with a sore groin, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

It doesn't appear to be overly serious, but the prospect has already missed two games with the ailment and will likely be held out a couple more as a precaution. Diaz is set to start 2017 at Triple-A Columbus, but the 25-year-old is close to reaching the big league club and could earn himself a midseason call-up.

Cron, who is battling for an everyday role, kept his hot spring going Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a double, a steal and a run scored in a win over Cincinnati.

Cron is slashing .364/.417/.591 in 22 at-bats, putting a strong foot forward in the battle for the Angels' everyday role at first base. His competition, Luis Valbuena, is also playing well (.308/.357/.539), but he has done it in nine fewer at-bats after being eased into action following offseason surgery. It's tough to say that either player has taken a lead in the position battle, and manager Mike Scioscia likely won't tip his hand until we get closer to the regular season. It is worth noting that both of Cron's stolen bags this spring have come on double-steals where he was the delayed steal from third to home, so we are not seeing him turn into a speedster all of a sudden.

Kirilloff (elbow) underwent successful Tommy John surgery Thursday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

The 15th overall pick in last summer's draft first sustained the injury in August during Appalachian League action. The procedure typically doesn't keep position players sidelined as long as pitchers, though Kirilloff will still need about nine months to recover. That may eat into his winter ball schedule and the early stages of his advancement through the Twins' farm system. Dynasty leaguers will need to wait until 2018 to see if he can build on his impressive rookie ball showing (.306/.341/.454, seven home runs and 33 RBI during 232 plate appearances for Elizabethton).

Gurriel went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Gurriel is in the midst of his transition to first base after playing left field and third base in Cuba. The Astros admit there are some challenges defensively, but they feel his bat will be sufficient for the position. Through six spring games, he's 6-for-16 with four RBI.

Calhoun went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's spring training loss to the Reds.

It's good news for Angels fans and fantasy owners that Calhoun is playing regularly and producing after undergoing offseason core-muscle surgery. He'd been a model of good health prior to the surgery, and it looks like that ailment won't linger into this season.

Manager Terry Francona says Santana will be the primary first baseman this season, but should see time as the designated hitter as well, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The move means recently acquisition Edwin Encarnacion will serve as the main DH. Francona notes the two sluggers will flip positions every few days and expects both bats to be in the lineup on a consistent basis. Santana hit as many home runs (17) as a first baseman last season as he did as the designated hitter, despite playing 30 more games as the DH. In addition, it's reported that the switch hitter has spoken with Francona about seeing playing time in the outfield as well. Regardless, it's safe to expect solid production from Santana no matter the position.

Abreu has returned to spring camp and is in the lineup for Friday night's Cactus League game, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The slugger missed the last three days testifying in a smuggling case in Miami. Abreu will get back to preparing for 2017 after slashing .293/.353/.468 last season and recording at least 100 RBI for the third straight year. Expect him to see plenty of opportunities in a weak White Sox lineup this season as he aims to continue his major league success.

Abreu (personal) is expected to return to the spring training lineup Friday after completing his testimony in a trial of two men accused of smuggling Cuban ballplayers illegally, according to manager Rick Renteria, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The first baseman should continue his preparation for the 2017 season. Perhaps he'll convince fantasy players to buy him with a strong showing: Abreu holds a 61.97 NFBC average draft position as of Thursday afternoon, which is a relative discount to other high-priced first basemen. Reminder: Abreu has matched or eclipsed 25 home runs, 100 RBI, a .290 batting average and a .347 OBP in each of his first three big league seasons.

Hague went 1-for-2 in Wednesday's spring training loss to Pittsburgh. He's hitting .444 (4-for-9) this spring.

Hague spent 2016 in Japan but had just a .685 OPS with the Hanshin Tigers. He's a long shot to make Minnesota 25-man roster, but a strong spring could put him in consideration for a call-up if injuries strike early in the season.