MLB Player News

Stanton went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, four RBI and three runs during Thursday's 6-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Both of Stanton's homers were no-doubt shots, and after leaving the yard 59 times last season, 2018 is off to a promising start. The elephant in the room continues to be his health, but serving primarily as the designated hitter should help, and many of his past injuries were unlucky. Buckle up; Stanton has the potential to post a league-winning stat line.

Goins earned a spot on the Royals' Opening Day roster, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.

Goins inked a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training back in late January, and did just enough to break camp with the club. He will serve as a reserve infielder behind Whit Merrifield and Alcides Escobar moving forward, but he may be in danger of getting removed from the roster once Adalberto Mondesi (shoulder) is healthy.

Ohtani is in Thursday's Opening Day lineup against Oakland. He will bat eighth and serve as the designated hitter, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

With Ian Kinsler still working his way back from a minor groin injury, Luis Valbuena will man the hot corner and Ohtani draws the start at DH for the first game of the 2018 season. Ohtani is set to make his first start on the mound during Sunday's series finale with the A's.

Canha did not earn a spot on Oakland's Opening Day roster and was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

Canha barely missed the cut after turning in an impressive spring. Jake Smolinski wound up earning the role of reserve outfielder heading into the start of the season. The 29-year-old Canha will serve as organizational depth and will likely be moved up to the majors if one of the regular outfielders sustains an injury.

Ohtani has made the Angels' 25-man roster and will make his first start as a pitcher Sunday against the Athletics, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Although Ohtani had a rough spring training with a 27.00 ERA and a 3-for-28 showing at the plate, he'll begin the season in the majors. He threw more than 80 pitches in an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday and apparently made enough of an impression to earn his spot in the rotation. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Ohtani "should be able to get over 90 [pitches]" Sunday, but the rookie's poor spring may prompt fantasy owners to take a wait-and-see approach before activating him. It's not clear when Ohtani will make his first start as designated hitter, but Luis Valbuena will likely see the bulk of the reps at that spot early on in the season.

Canha, who's battling for a reserve outfield and designated hitter role, pushed his spring average to .362 by going 4-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and a run-scoring single in Monday's Cactus League win over the Giants.

He also crossed the plate twice overall in a performance that eradicated a 2-for-12 slump in spectacular fashion. It was a particularly timely effort, considering Canha is locked into a heated competition with Jake Smolinski for a spot as a right-handed reserve option in the outfield, although Canha also offers the added benefit of being first base-capable. His perfect night at the plate certainly caught the eye of the most important member of his audience, Jerry McDonald of The Mercury News reports. "He had a great game," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's versatile, playing first base and the outfield. We've seen when he gets lots of at-bats he's productive."

Vargas was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

After bouncing back and forth between the Reds and Twins, Vargas will indeed open the season back at Rochester after passing through waivers untouched. He will serve as organizational depth. While the 27-year-old possesses some serious pop, he's failed to get things going in brief major-league stints over the previous four seasons, hitting a combined .252/.311/.437 with 35 homers in 236 games.

Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk in Sunday's Grapefruit League win over the Braves.

Cabrera now has three home runs this spring, and he's slashing a robust .352/.383/.593 in 54 at-bats. The 34-year-old posted the worst statistical output of his storied career last season, but if he's able to carry his spring training success forward, he could be in line for a bounceback campaign in 2018.

Vogelbach was informed Sunday that he will be included on the Mariners' Opening Day roster, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The writing was on the wall for Vogelbach to break camp with the Mariners after the team returned Rule 5 pick Mike Ford to the Yankees on Saturday, thinning the competition at first base and designated hitter. With Ryon Healy and Nelson Cruz both ready to go for the start of the season after being limited by injuries for large portions of spring training, Vogelbach may only receive a couple starts per week to go along with occasional pinch-hitting opportunities.

Indians manager Terry Francona said Sunday that Brantley (ankle) will open the season on the 10-day disabled list, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Francona stressed that Brantley hasn't suffered any setbacks with his surgically repaired right ankle during spring training, but the club isn't confident that the outfielder is ready to handle a "full load" just yet. Brantley will likely remain at extended spring training to pick up extended at-bats in simulated games while the Tribe prepares for the start of the season. With Brantley out of the mix for Opening Day, Tyler Naquin has secured a spot on the 25-man roster.