MLB Player News

Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano went 2-for-4 against the Yankees on Friday, upping his spring batting average to .526. He also has three RBI and five runs scored in seven games.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo played for Team Italy on Tuesday during an exhibition against the A's before the World Baseball Classic begins. Rizzo started at first base and hit third for the Italians. He homered in the fourth inning for a solo shot and went 1 for 3 in the game overall. Rizzo has gone 4 for 14 (.286) this spring for the Cubs with two RBI but this was his first spring HR.

Braves prospect Joey Terdoslavich has really been seeing the ball well during his last couple of spring training games. In fact, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Terdoslavich has gone 8 for 9 in his last four spring contests. Terdoslavich, who is being looked at in the outfield this spring after flaming out as a corner infielder, is 11 for 17 (.647) on the spring season overall.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hasn't received a breather at the outset of spring games, but the veteran first baseman doesn't mind. Howard found his name in the lineup for a sixth straight game Thursday against the Braves. "I'm out here doing what I have to do," Howard said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. "They put me in the lineup, and I go out there. That's it." Manager Charlie Manuel wants Howard to make up for the lost time he missed in 2012 while recovering from an Achilles injury and Howard agrees he needs his "game legs" back. "It's a lot different when you get a full offseason to train and build up the muscles," Howard said. "Obviously it's a lot stronger than where it was last year. The difference is it's a lot better."

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."