MLB Player News

Bour went 2-for-3 with a walk and a double in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

He's had a fairly quiet spring so far, posting a .243/.333/.432 line in 37 at-bats that's not too far off his production through the first 258 games of his big league career. The Marlins aren't exactly flush with hitting prospects, so Bour has plenty of job security at first base in Miami, but the 28-year-old will need to learn to start hitting left-handed pitching if he's going to establish himself as a long-term answer for the club.

Flores got the start at third base in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, going 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and six RBI, four of which came on a grand slam off Adam Wainwright.

The Mets crossed the plate 14 times in the first three innings against Wainwright and top Cards prospect Luke Weaver, and Flores took full advantage of their struggles. He's ticketed for a bench role this season, but the Mets will look to get the 25-year-old into the lineup as often as possible against left-handed pitching, and in fantasy leagues with more liberal rules for qualifying at different positions, Flores could again wind up with eligibility at all four infield spots.

Cabrera went 2-for-2 with a walk and three runs in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The Mets' offense exploded against Adam Wainwright and Luke Weaver in this one, putting up 14 runs in the first three innings, and Cabrera was able to circle the bases every time he came to the plate. He's enjoying the best spring training of his career, slashing .355/.412/.710 with three home runs in 31 at-bats.

Olson was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Olson made his Athletics debut last season after rosters expanded, but he has played just one season above Double-A ball and has shown significant strikeout issues in the minors, so he needs more seasoning before becoming a regular in Oakland. Olson mustered a .757 OPS despite just a .235 batting average last year, so if he can find a way to make more contact, he could become a staple in the Athletics outfield.

Joseph (hand) is not in the Phillies' Grapefruit League lineup Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The masher still hasn't seen any game action since his left hand was hit by a pitch Tuesday. The Phillies will not rush him back, especially since he has a couple weeks left to sneak in a few at-bats. The 25-year-old is batting .200 but has launched two home runs and driven in six runs over 35 spring at-bats, so Joseph may not need much more work to convince the club he's ready for Opening Day. Of course, prudent fantasy drafters should monitor his performance upon his return.

Carter went 0-for-3 with a walk and one RBI in Thursday's game.

The slugger was back in the lineup Thursday after missing a few games with an illness, but his struggles at the plate continued. He is just 4-for-28 (.143) with one home run and three RBI through 12 games this spring, which isn't helping his bid for playing time over Greg Bird and Matt Holiday.

Gillaspie went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 3-3 Grapefruit League tie with the Red Sox.

The 2014 first-round draft pick blasted his third round-tripper over the last four games when he took reliever Marcus Walden deep in the sixth. Gillaspie has had mixed results at the plate this spring (.241/.290/.552), but the power he's displayed in recent games has certainly been a highlight.

Joseph (hand) is not in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game.

Andrew Knapp replaces him at first base, batting sixth. Joseph was plunked on the left hand by a pitch Tuesday and sat out Wednesday. His rest will continue, though it doesn't seem as if he'll miss much time, considering X-rays did not reveal a fracture. The 25-year-old should return to action in the coming days, barring a setback.

Freeman returned to camp with the Braves on Wednesday after playing for Team Canada at the WBC, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

He was immediately plugged back into the lineup Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a run scored against the Tigers. Freeman is now hitting .474 through 19 spring at-bats and, with an improving lineup around him, should take a run at his second career 100-RBI campaign in 2017.

Diaz went 1-for-2 as a designated hitter in Tuesday's game against the Giants.

The 25-year-old has missed the last 10 days dealing with a groin injury he sustained while running the bases earlier in spring. He came in as a pinch-hitter, but slotted in as the DH and didn't play the field. With two starters -- Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley -- on the mend with shoulder injuries, Diaz has a real shot to make the Opening Day roster if he impresses the rest of spring,