MLB Player News

Cabrera left Sunday's game against the Indians after experiencing tightness in his lower back, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Cabrera had reached second base before the Tigers' trainer was brought on the field to examine the 33-year-old. After Cabrera was pulled, JaCoby Jones entered the game to play center field while Andrew Romine shifted to first base. Cabrera also dealt with back tightness in spring training and the WBC.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Soler (oblique) could begin a rehab assignment later this week, Josh Vernier of 610 AM Sports Radio reports.

There was some thought that Soler might be cleared to play in minor league games as soon as Monday after he was able to take part in batting practice Saturday. However, since the outfielder was still experiencing some tightness with his oblique, the Royals want to give him a couple extra days off. It's not considered a major setback for Soler, who could head to the minors by the weekend if the soreness dissipates. Once he eventually rejoins the Royals, Soler will compete with Paulo Orlando for starting duties in right field.

Martinez (foot) will join the Tigers in Tampa for their upcoming series with the Rays and is scheduled to take batting practice Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The Tigers have no plans to activate Martinez from the disabled list during the Rays series, as he still hasn't been cleared to take part in outfield drills. Before the Tigers allow him to do so, Martinez will need to run with at least 80 percent of his body weight on an Alter-G treadmill, but it's unclear when that might happen. Look for manager Brad Ausmus to continue to go with a platoon of Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook in right field until Martinez is activated.

Brantley will be used judiciously throughout April and possibly longer, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Brantley, who played just 11 games last season due to shoulder problems, is being carefully deployed by manager Terry Francona in the early portion of 2017 in hopes of conserving the outfielder for later in the season. The Indians have been resting Brantley against selected lefties since the start of the year, and Francona says the practice will continue at least through April. Through 33 at-bats, the 29-year-old is slashing .242/.324/.394 with three extra-base hits and 10 strikeouts.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 in Saturday's loss to the Indians, his second two-hit effort in as many days. He also drove in one and scored a run.

Cabrera didn't record a hit through the first four games of the season, but he's hitting .320 since then. He seems back to his old self.

Miller is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Daniel Robertson will take over at second base in place of Miller with the Rays facing the left-handed Chris Sale. Miller has struggled against both righties and lefties on the season, slashing .205/.326/.359 with 17 strikeouts in 39 at-bats, although he did produce a 3-for-4 effort Friday that included a triple and his first home run of the season. He could be out of the lineup again Sunday with southpaw Drew Pomeranz taking the hill for Boston.

Canha was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

Jaff Decker was called up to take Canha's roster spot after Canha's tough start to the season. Though Canha possesses valuable defensive versatility, his .105/.150/.158 slash line made it increasingly difficult to warrant fitting him into the lineup. He'll head down to Triple-A for more regular playing time in hopes that he can regain his form at the plate.

Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer, his second of the season, and walked twice in Friday's triumph over Cleveland.

Cleveland's starter, Trevor Bauer, was evading damage through four innings before Cabrera opened the flood gates. His three-run blast in the fifth frame gave the slugger homers on back-to-back nights. The deep fly also earned Cabrera his 1,557 career RBI, pushing him past Willie McCovey and into 44th in MLB history.

Brantley is not in the lineup Friday against the Tigers.

Brantley has been a staple in the three-hole this season, but with left-hander Daniel Norris taking the mound for Detroit, manager Terry Francona decided it was a good time for the outfielder's second night off of the season. Brandon Guyer will take over in left field and bat third in his stead.

Collins, 22, is 8-for-24 (.333) with one home run and two RBI through seven games for High-A Winston-Salem.

Collins has shown superb plate discipline to begin the 2017 campaign, racking up just as many walks as strikeouts (six). While scouts question his ability to stay at catcher, there is little question about his hitting prowess, most notably his power potential and advanced approach at the dish.