MLB Player News

Brantley went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Astros.

Brantley's fourth homer of the season, and second in as many contests, extended his hitting streak to nine games. Since April 13, the outfielder is slashing .368/.429/.737 with all four of his bombs, seven RBI and 10 runs. It's safe to say Brantley is back to being the elite player that he was before 2016's lost campaign.

Buxton went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Rangers.

Perhaps most importantly, he didn't strike out. Buxton's now 4-for-11 over his last four games with a 3:4 BB:K, but he'll need to keep working on his contact skills and plate discipline to significantly improve his dreadful .379 OPS.

Vargas went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Rangers.

The homer was his first in three games since being recalled from Triple-A. Vargas has another 10 days or so to prove he belongs in the majors until the Twins need to make a roster move to add a fifth starter, but so far the 26-year-old is doing exactly that, slashing .333/.455/.667.

Cabrera (groin) participated in workouts Tuesday, Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reports.

Cabrera's workout included riding an exercise bike. Manager Brad Ausmus said that Cabrera was feeling better, so it would appear that he could still be on track to return when he's eligible on May 2. Until Cabrera is back in action, Alex Avila and John Hicks will split time at first base.

Martinez (foot) ran again Monday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The slugger continues to work out without any issues, with this being his second running outing since Friday. If everything checks out in the next day or so, Martinez could head out on a rehab assignment before returning to Detroit.

Miller went 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI, a run and two walks during Sunday's loss to Houston.

After breaking out with a 30-home run campaign in 2016, Miller has just a single round tripper and an underwhelming .246/.358/.420 slash line this season. This was also just his fourth multi-hit game of the year. He'll probably continue to hit in the heart of the order against right-handed pitchers, which will help his counting stats, but his current 29.6 percent strikeout rate is a concern.

Goins will start at shortstop and bat ninth in the order Sunday against the Angels, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

It's the fourth start in a row for Goins, who looks poised to hold down a full-time role in the short term following Troy Tulowitzki's (hamstring) placement on the disabled list Saturday. Goins has shown some decent plate discipline in the past, but with little power or speed to speak of and a career .224 batting average, there's little fantasy upside to be mined here.

Vogelbach was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Vogelbach, who came over from the Cubs last July in the Mike Montgomery trade, boasts big-time pop, but didn't have a chance to showcase it much during an eight-game trial with the Mariners late last season. That could change now that Vogelbach is back with the big club after the Mariners opened up room on the active roster for him by designating Leonys Martin for assignment. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Vogelbach will start at first base and bat fifth in the order Sunday against the Athletics, and it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up occupying the larger side of a platoon at first base with veteran Danny Valencia, who has struggled to a .145/.217/.226 batting line to begin the season. Vogelbach should warrant an immediate add in AL-only formats, and those in deeper mixed leagues may want to keep an eye on him over the next few games, too.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Sunday that the Tigers are hopeful Martinez (foot) will return from the 10-day disabled list later in April or in early May, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez is gradually increasing the intensity of his workouts, most recently running at about 40-to-60 percent strength Friday. He's scheduled to run again Monday, and if his sprained right foot checks out fine, the 29-year-old could soon be sent out for a rehab assignment. With the Tigers recently placing Miguel Cabrera (groin) on the DL, the team could certainly benefit from Martinez's return sooner rather than later.

Brantley is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Brantley has started seven of the last eight games, and with the White Sox bringing left-hander Derek Holland to the hill Sunday, manager Terry Francona decided it was an opportune time to give the veteran outfielder a day off. Brandon Guyer will fill in for Brantley in left field and bat third in the order.