MLB Player News

Gillaspie, the Rays' 2014 first-round pick, went 1-for-3 with a two-RBI double in Monday's 7-2 Grapefruit League win over the Phillies.

Gillaspie's line-drive two-bagger to center in the third snapped a 1-1 tie and brought home Dayron Varona and Nick Franklin. The 24-year-old, who's enjoyed a fairly rapid ascension through the Rays organization, slashed an impressive .307/.389/.520 with 13 doubles, two triples, seven homers and 23 RBI over 203 plate appearances at Triple-A Durham in 2016. Gillaspie is currently the organization's seventh-ranked prospect and could certainly lay the groundwork for a call-up later in 2017 with a strong spring and continued improvement at the minor league level.

Abreu will head to Miami following Monday's game to tend to personal matters and expects to be back in camp on Wednesday, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Abreu's brief absence will in all likelihood not heavily factor into his preparation for the season. The 30-year-old first baseman went 2-for-3 on Monday against the Cubs, which included hitting a long, "no-doubter" home run. He'll look to stay hot when he returns from his absence, presumably on Wednesday.

Hoskins has made a positive impression on manager Pete Mackanin early in camp, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice reports. "I was told he's got a good idea at the plate and he sure looks like that, he sure looks like it," Mackanin said. "He's got a nice soft approach. It looks like he's really under control. That's good to see."

Hoskins has played in all three spring training games thus far and has gone 2-for-4 with a homer and two walks. He will open the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but could get a look in Philly later this year if Tommy Joseph fails to build on his 2016 season. Hoskins hit .281/.377/.566 with 38 home runs in 498 at-bats last season at Double-A Reading.

Calhoun (abdomen) will make his Cactus League debut Monday, according to the Orange County Register.

Calhoun underwent offseason surgery to repair a bilateral core muscle injury and the plan was for him to be ready by spring training. It appears that he has met that timetable and will make his debut -- with several other everyday players -- on Monday. Calhoun is one of the more dependable mid-tier outfielders in fantasy, seeing at least 672 plate appearances over the past two seasons while providing some pop and run production.

McBride (back) is unable to throw right now due to a mild lat strain, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

He has apparently been able to catch bullpen sessions, but hasn't been throwing back to the mound. It doesn't seem too serious, but McBride is likely locked in as organizational depth regardless.

Bour hit fifth in Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Cardinals, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run.

The blast came off St. Louis closer Seung Hwan Oh, making for an impressive start to Bour's spring campaign. Injuries limited the 28-year-old to 90 games last season, but his .264/.349/.475 slash line was a step up from his rookie performance in 2015 thanks to an improved walk rate, and if he continues hitting behind Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton during the regular season, he should be able to top his career high of 73 RBI.

Walker was claimed off waivers by the Braves on Saturday.

Atlanta evidently sees potential in Walker, a 2012 fourth-round draft pick who was DFA'd by Baltimore earlier this week. The 25-year-old has shown power potential at the plate, recording 18 home runs and 64 RBI for Triple-A Norfolk last season. Walker will report to camp to compete for a reserve spot on the major league roster, but could open 2017 serving as organizational depth.

Flores, who underwent minor minor wrist surgery in October, started at first base in the Mets' Grape League opener.

Flores appears to be fully recovered after having part of the hamate bone in his right wrist surgically removed this past October. In his first slate of action, the 25-year-old infielder went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. With a strong spring training, Flores could be in line a for a utility role off the bench for the Mets this season.

Santana and his manager Terry Francona have discussed getting the slugger some outfield reps later this spring, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Santana, who's expected to split time with Edwin Encarnacion between first base and designated hitter, reached out to Francona to express his willingness to play outfield. Under the current arrangement, Santana would be the odd-man out when the Tribe visits NL parks for interleague play. His at-bat total would get a slight boost if he can manage to play outfield during the team's four stops at NL venues in 2017.

Bell (knee) has been cleared for everything except running at full speed, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bell has been making gradual improvements throughout spring training after undergoing minor left knee surgery in February. He slashed .273/.368/.406 over 45 games in his rookie season and fully expects to be ready for Opening Day, where he'll form a platoon at first base with David Freese. After facing live pitching Tuesday, the road to recovery looks bright for the young switch-hitter.