MLB Player News

The Houston Chronicle reports Astros manager Bo Porter continues to hint left field will be Chris Carter's spot to lose. Porter said he's willing to sacrifice defense in order for offense. “If you don’t score early, you’re not defending the lead,” Porter said. “He’s a huge part of our offense. And from a balance standpoint, it will give us more options if he’s able to play left field and that’s why we’re going to take a long look at it this spring.”

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Houston first baseman Chris Carter is expected to be a mainstay in the middle of the Astros lineup this season, reports MLB.com. "[Carter] will be a run producer in our lineup, one way or another," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "And a guy that we really needed, who we didn't really have last year -- a dangerous part of our lineup. We had some good hitters at times, but you never would face two or three guys that would really potentially scare you."

The Star-Ledger reports scouts and Mets official tout infield prospect Wilmer Flores is a surefire major leaguer because of his offensive skills. "When his bat’s ready, he’ll play in the big leagues," Mets manager Terry Collins said Friday. "I don’t know what position yet, but he will play in the big leagues." Flores began his pro career as a shortstop, but he was moved to third base because of his lack of lateral quickness. However, Flores now projects as a major league second baseman after New York signed third baseman David Wright to a long-term deal. "It’s not bad. I feel comfortable there," Flores said of playing second base. "It’s good to learn all the positions, to learn how to play second, learn how to turn double plays and to work at third base because you never know where you’re going to end up."

Reds first baseman Joey Votto went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored during Cincinnati's 11-10 loss to Cleveland in the Cactus League opener for both teams on Friday. Votto, who slotted in his usual third spot in the batting order, laced two singles and continues to show no lingering issues with his knee after being limited to just 111 games last year. "Joey looked great, actually," Reds manager Dusty Baker told MLB.com. "He was running the bases well. You didn’t see any signs of anything. He swung the bat well."

Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano said he's more confident heading into spring training this season knowing he has a starting job rather than fighting for a spot on the roster. "I have in my mind -- not more relaxed, but that [I know] I can do it," he said, per the Sun-Sentinel. "I feel confident. There's not too much pressure."

Indians manager Terry Francona told MLB.com on Monday that Asdrubal Cabrera could bat second behind Michael Bourn this season. Cabrera hit in the two-hole 89 times last season and batted .258 with 11 homers and 36 RBI. "Cabrera is certainly a candidate for something like that," Francona said. "Just because we want to split it up and balance the lineup."

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman jammed his left index finger while sliding into second base last June, an injury that prevented him from making a fist during the Braves' stretch run. He had vision problems starting in May, bothered by a burning sensation that lingered throughout the season. Still, he managed to set career bests with 23 home runs and 94 RBI last year, just a season after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. "Last year was just a weird one," Freeman said Saturday, wearing a pair of glasses. "I didn't see well the rest of the season and I had my finger injury, so it never felt right. I feel great right now." He said he considered laser eye surgery but for now plans to stick with contacts.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo showed up early to camp this spring and told ESPN.com he has a lot to work towards after an impressive call-up last season. Rizzo batted .285 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 337 at-bats in the majors in 2012. "I have all the confidence in the world in him to double what he did last year," manager Dale Sveum said Friday. "He came up, did well, had a little hiccup but other than that he was really good. There will be some bumps along the road but you give Rizzo 600 plate appearances there's going to be some damage done."

Reds first baseman Joey Votto understands he has plenty to prove in his return from surgery on his left knee. On Friday, the first day of workouts for position players, he passed the eye test of his recovery and completed his physical without any reported issues. He said the knee still doesn't feel the same prior the surgery, but is not providing him any discomfort. "No, I just had surgery five months ago," Votto told reporters. "It doesn’t feel the same but it’s done nothing but improve. The doc says if he saw me at random, he would have said he couldn’t tell I had some sort of injury. The test will be on the field. I’ll hit that first home run and everyone will relax."