MLB Player News

Santana is the starting left fielder for the Indians on Friday in Game 3 of the World Series, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports.

There was wide speculation that Santana would play in the outfield in an effort to keep his bat in the lineup, and the Indians did just that. He'll slot into the lineup as the leadoff hitter as usual against Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks.

Santana will likely start in left field for Game 3 against the Cubs, Zack Meisel of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The designated hitter spot is eliminated with the series moving back to Chicago, so the team is attempting to find a creative way to keep him in the lineup. The official lineup will be released on gameday, but Santana should be in it somewhere around the diamond to keep their best offensive lineup.

Cron underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address a left thumb impingement Tuesday.

Cron was apparently experiencing some pain at the base of his thumb, although it's unclear how and when the injury presented itself. The first baseman is expected to be cleared for full activity in 6-to-8 weeks, which should keep him from missing any time during spring training.

The Indians are considering Santana as a potential option in left field for the World Series games at Wrigley Field, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.

He worked out at that position Monday, and if the Indians think he can be somewhat competent out there then it would allow their top offensive lineup to be deployed, even without the DH available in National League parks. Look for Santana to play DH or first base in the first two World Series games at home.

The Angels announced that Calhoun will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a bilateral core muscle injury.

The origin of Calhoun's setback is uncertain, as he was not held out of any late-season action -- other than for the birth of his child -- and actually had his best month of the season in September. No matter, he will need 6-to-8 weeks tor recover from Tuesday's procedure. The Angels expect him to resume his "normal offseason training regime" following his recovery period, and barring any setbacks, he is expected to be back at 100 percent when spring training begins next February.

Solano declined his assignment and elected free agency Monday.

Solano had been outrighted off the major league roster to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier in the day, but he'll elect to try his luck on the open market rather than head back to the minors. The 28-year-old hit .227 in nine major league games this year and just .189 in 2015, so he may end up back in the minors wherever he lands.

Cabrera (knee) will not need to undergo surgery to address a strained patellar tendon, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

Cabrera was slowed at the end of the year by the knee ailment -- though it didn't force him to miss any significant playing time -- and went for an evaluation Monday to determine how to proceed. The shortstop will apparently be able to avoid going under the knife and has elected to attempt to rehab over the offseason in an attempt to get back to full health in time for the start of spring training.

Solano was outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Solano spent the majority of the season in the minors, but did get a September call-up and saw somewhat regular at-bats down the stretch with injuries to players ahead of him on the depth chart. The 28-year-old has been up and down between the majors and minors over the past two years and has mostly been used as a utility-infield option, so he figures to assume a similar role in 2017.

Flores successfully underwent surgery Friday to remove part of the hamate bone in his right wrist, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Thankfully for Flores, he's expected to be ready to go far before the start of spring training, so unless his rehabilitation hits some roadblocks, he should be ready to go for 2017. The 25-year-old will likely continue his role as a super utility sub next season.

Cabrera will visit doctors in the offseason to discuss options for his injured left knee, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Cabrera played through the issue this season but will get a second look at it now that the Mets' season has come to a close. The veteran shortstop managed to improve his numbers from the past few seasons in 2016, posting a .280/.336/.474 batting line with 23 home runs (second-highest total), 62 RBI and five stolen bases. He remains under contract with New York through 2018 and will look to be healthy when spring training rolls around in March.