MLB Player News

Donovan Solano returned to the Marlins lineup Thursday after a week of dealing with back tightness. The second baseman went 0 for 3.

But the big news for Solano was his placement in the lineup -- second, directly in front of Giancarlo Stanton. If the Marlins use Thursday's lineup during the regular season -- a good chance, as these late-spring lineups usually reflect managers' preferences -- Solano looks a lot better as a second-base sleeper in deeper leagues because he should be scoring often if he can reach base in front of Stanton.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard went 1 for 3 in Thursday's Grapefruit League finale against Toronto. His final spring line is .338/.359/.675 in 77 at-bats, including seven home runs and five doubles.

Although it's inadvisable to take too much out of Howard's spring numbers, it's good to see him get through 77 at-bats without faltering physically, and he hit for excellent power even considering the favorable spring atmosphere and quality of pitching. We'll have to see if he can make consistent contact against major-league pitching -- he struck out in 33 percent of plate appearances last season, a mark he'll need to drastically improve if he's to make these spring results carry over to summer success.

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who has been sidelined with back tightness, said he will be ready for opening day.

"For sure, bro," Cabrera said to MLB.com.

Cabrera will partake in Thursday's workout and possibly DH in a minor-league game Friday. He's batting .281 (9 for 32) with one triple, one homer, three doubles and seven RBI in 13 spring games.

"He's definitely on pace for opening day," manager Terry Francona said.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been working regularly on his sliding drills this spring, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker said he isn't concerned about Votto sliding, despite Votto injuring his left knee sliding.

"He’ll probably be nervous," Baker said. "I won’t be. I saw him sliding about a month ago. I could tell he had be working on it. He wasn’t a very good slider before. He slow down to slide. He’d be safe and then make himself out. He’s working on it. He doesn’t want to have a weakness in his game. He’s accelerating to slide, which is what you should do."

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera will start hitting again Wednesday. Cabrera has been held out of action with a back injury, but appears to be improving. Provided he does not suffer a set-back, he should be ready for the start of the regular season.

With all the mid-to-late-round talent/sleepers at first base, I've been letting other Fantasy owners clamor over Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. I have no doubt Rizzo's left-handed bat will play big at Wrigley Field one day. I just don't feel he's going to provide Fantasy owners with the rewards they seek in 2013. I've been more than happy to pass on Rizzo and later target players like Ryan Howard, Justin Morneau, Ike Davis, Eric Hosmer, Yonder Alonso, Brandon Belt and my new favorite sleeper -- Kendrys Morales.

First baseman/outfielder Chris Carter is on the Astros' opening day roster.

The 26-year-old was acquired from the Athletics during the offseason. 

Last season, he hit .239/.350/.514 in 260 plate appearances. Carter is expected to play left field for the club this season. 

Joey Terdoslavich has been assigned to the Braves’ minor-league camp. He will likely begin the season at Triple-A.

Terdoslavich made a push to make the opening day roster, hitting .395. Terdoslavich made the transition to corner outfield this spring, after he struggled defensively at third last season. 

Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano was able to take batting practice Monday.

Solano has been sidelined with a sore back, which has caused him to miss about a week of action. If healthy, Solano is expected to open the season as the team’s starter at second.

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun made a pinch-hit appearance Sunday against the Giants. He went 0 for 1 with a strikeout in the ninth inning. Calhoun, who returned from a back injury on Saturday, has gone 1 for 4 in the last two Cactus League games.