MLB Player News

Manager Paul Molitor said he won't consider moving Buxton out of the third spot in the lineup yet, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Buxton is 1-for-14 in the first three games with seven strikeouts. It's a jarringly negative recurrence of his whiff issues from last year, but a small enough sample size that more patience is required. Still, hitting third may not be the best use of his high-upside skills and athleticism, including his game-breaking speed that could make him an elite source of stolen bases. Expect this setup to continue for at least another week, but if his struggles continue, Buxton may find himself on the move within the lineup.

Martinez (foot) is progressing well in his rehab and is scheduled to be examined Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. "They like the progress he's made. There are no negatives on J.D.," said manager Brad Ausmus on Thursday.

Martinez is working his way back from a mid-foot sprain he suffered making a catch during a spring training game on March 18. Thursday's doctor's appointment should shed further light on Martinez's progress, but provided that everything is going according to schedule, he should be on track to return by late April or early May. Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will platoon in right field until Martinez is ready to return.

Brantley is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers.

After an injury-plagued 2016 season, a healthy Brantley has gotten off to a decent start to open the new campaign, going 3-for-9 with two RBI in the team's first two games. Given that he's in the midst of his age-30 season and carries some durability concerns, Brantley figures to be rested more frequently in 2017 than in seasons past, and manager Terry Francona will take advantage of Thursday's off day to give the veteran outfielder an extended breather. Brandon Guyer will fill in for Brantley in left field.

Cabrera won't play Wednesday after the scheduled Tigers-White Sox game was postponed due to rain, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports.

With rain descending on Chicago again Wednesday, the Tigers and White Sox will have a game postponed for the second time in the series. Wednesday's game will be made up as part of a straight doubleheader May 26. The two teams are on track to play Thursday at 2:10 p.m ET in the series finale.

Brantley went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts in Tuesday's contest against the Rangers.

After spending a majority of the past year rehabbing from shoulder surgery, Brantley has looked good through the team's first two games of 2017. He's 3-for-9 with a pair of RBI, although he's also gone down on strikes in three at-bats. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see the outfielder left off the lineup card in one of the team's upcoming games as skipper Terry Francona carefully manages his star left fielder's return.

Martinez had the cast on his right foot removed Monday and has started physical therapy, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez was finally able to start physical therapy after having his right foot constrained to a cast for the past couple weeks, marking a milestone in his rehab. The 29-year-old is hoping to return to the Tigers in late April or early May, though there still isn't a firm timetable. "He said he'd let me know how he feels [Tuesday]," said manager Brad Ausmus. Until Martinez is able to return, Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will likely split time in right field.

Buxton went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts while hitting third in the Opening Day lineup against the Royals on Monday.

Buxton's combination of power and speed is intriguing enough for manager Paul Molitor to run with him in the third spot, at least to begin the year. This was a rough start, but it's just one game, and Buxton's 10 homers last September (and big spring this year) offer some hope that the post-hype prospect could finally break out in 2017.

Buxton will bat third against the Royals on Monday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lefty Danny Duffy is starting for Kansas City. Things had been trending this way for Buxton, with manager Paul Molitor saying late in the spring that the 23-year-old was "too valuable" to bat leadoff. The skipper continued his praise of Buxton on Monday. "The fun has returned," Molitor said. "There's a looseness about it. He's letting it fly." Buxton went 13-for-46 with nine doubles, one homer, two stolen bases and a 5:11 BB:K during the exhibition slate.

Martinez (foot) will have his cast removed Monday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

A timeframe for his return is expected to be available following Monday's examination, so owners should monitor his status in the coming days. Until Martinez returns, Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will likely share time in right field.

Vargas (foot) was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press reports.

The Twins elected to go with Robbie Grossman as their Opening Day designated hitter as Vargas deals with a bruised foot. The 26-year-old hit .230 and knocked 10 home runs in 47 games played for the big-league club in 2016 and is a good bet to rejoin the big-league club once healthy.