MLB Player News

Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano is targeting a return to the lineup later this week after an MRI on his sore back revealed only muscle tightness, the Palm Beach Post reports. Solano, projected as the team's starting second baseman, is hitting .409 with a .426 on-base percentage this spring.

"Trainers say he's doing much better," manager Mike Redmond said. "We’re hoping Wednesday, Thursday maybe to get him back in a game. ... We’re hopeful he’s on board for the start of the season. That’s the guy we need in the lineup and kind of helps make that whole lineup come together."

I'm loving the fact Fantasy owners are buying into Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The 25-year-old slugger is the 10th-highest drafted first baseman in Rotisserie formats and 12th-highest in Head-to-Head leagues.

First base is obviously a deep Fantasy position and there's great value to be had late in drafts at the position. But Goldschmidt is on the verge of a breakout season and apparently I'm not the only one sensing it. 

Goldschmidt got off to a slow start last season, but he hit .303 with a .379 on-base percentage, .528 slugging percentage and .907 OPS in his last 113 games. Those definitely are numbers we want to see from a first baseman, but here's one stat where Goldschmidt brings added value -- stolen bases. He had 18 last season and has two through 23 spring games. It's not a reason for Goldschmidt to rank up with the elite Fantasy first baseman, but it's definitely a nice bonus.

Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had a solid performance in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Royals. He went 3 for 3 with two doubles and a sacrifice fly as he drove in four runs in a 11-10 loss. Goldschmidt is hitting .412 with a home run and 10 RBI in 51 at-bats this spring.

"He's a professional," Willie Bloomquist said. "He works hard and does what he's supposed to do. Good things happen to those sort of players. He's pretty even keel whether he's hitting .150 or .450, you would never know it. He just goes about his business the right way every day."

Chris Carter put together a solid spring game for the Astros on Friday against St. Louis, as he went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Carter is now hitting .278 on the spring season with good power -- the double was his eighth extra-base hit of the spring in 54 at-bats. The Astros' likely opening day left fielder owns a sharp .574 slugging percentage this spring.

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun has been held out of action since Saturday due to tightness in his lower back, which was caused by lifting, according to MLB.com. Calhoun, who is competing for a back-up job this spring, has been taking part in baseball activities and is scheduled to return to the lineup Saturday.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman homered twice during an 18-9 rout of the Pirates on Wednesday. Freeman hit a two-run homer off Kyle McPherson in the second inning and followed with a two-run homer off Vin Mazzaro in the fifth inning.

Freeman finished the game 4 for 4 with one double, three runs and four RBI. Freeman is batting .373 (22 for 59) with one triple, one double, seven homers and 15 RBI in 20 spring games.

“Maybe the most naturally talented hitter we have in the lineup," manager Fredi Gonzalez told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

MLB.com reports Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano was unavailable Wednesday because of a tight back. The team is treating him as day to day.

Solano is batting .409 (18 for 44) with two doubles, seven runs and seven RBI in 15 spring games. He's expected to be the team's opening day second baseman, as CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported Wednesday.

CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Marlins' opening day roster is beginning to take shape. Heyman said the defensive alignment will be Rob Brantly at catcher, Casey Kotchman at first base, Donovan Solano at second base, Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, Placido Polanco at third base, Juan Pierre in left field, Justin Ruggiano in center field and Giancarlo Stanton in right field.

The rotation isn't settled yet, but Ricky Nolasco, Henderson Alvarez and Nate Eovaldi have secured spots. The final two spots remain up for grabs.

The Diamondbacks are talking to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt about a long-term extension, according to FoxSports.com. The 25-year-old hit .286/.359/.490 in 587 plate appearances with the club last season. Goldschmidt is under team control through the 2017 season, so a long-term deal would buy out his arbitration years and give the team cost certainty going forward. 

Houston left fielder Chris Carter has been working in the batting cages and it showed on Sunday in a Grapefruit League game against Toronto, reports MLB.com. Carter has been working on getting his stride foot down early and it definitely worked. 

Carter, acquired from the A's in last month's trade of Jed Lowrie, went 2 for 3 with a pair of two-run home runs against the Blue Jays Sunday. He drove in five runs in total in the game in the 11-2 win. 

Carter, who's four homers is tied for the Astros team lead with Jason Castro and Brandon Laird, continues to work to improve his hitting. 

"It's still a work in progress ... but it all came together today," Carter said. He also played well in left field in the game. 

"I feel better out there reading the ball off the bat," Carter said. "I got a couple of good jumps today, and the hard work is paying off."