MLB Player News

The Indians announced Monday that Brantley is on track in his recovery from shoulder surgery and is not facing an absence longer than originally expected.

A report came out Monday that suggested Brantley could be out until June, but the Indians reiterated that they expect Brantley to need 5-to-6 months to recover from the early November procedure. There is still a chance Brantley will not be ready for Opening Day, but as long as his recovery continues going as planned, he should be back at 100 percent sometime in April or May.

Brantley (shoulder) may be held out of games until June, but the Indians have disputed that report, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The report of the longer timetable is from a source close to the situation. Nevertheless, Brantley is coming back from a major shoulder procedure (on his front shoulder) and it's reasonable to err on the side of caution in early drafts at least until there are signs of significant progress in his rehab work.

Choi signed a minor league contract with the Orioles on Tuesday, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

The 24-year-old first base prospect washed out of the Mariners system, but the Orioles thought enough of him to extend an invite to spring training. He has always shown a good approach in the minor leagues, but he probably doesn't have quite enough bat to make it as a big league regular at first base.

Brantley (shoulder) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Monday. He's expected to remain out for 5-to-6 months.

Brantley initially injured the shoulder while diving for a ball back on Sept. 22 against the Twins. Initially, he attempted to rehab without surgery, but after seeking a second opinion, it was recommended that he undergo the procedure. Given the 5-to-6-month timetable, Brantley's Opening Day status is in jeopardy, and he's likely to miss at least a small portion of time at the start of the 2016 season.

Miller was traded to Tampa Bay on Thursday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Miller played in 144 games in 2015, compiling a .258/.329/.402 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 doubles. He showed his versatility as a defender by making double-digit appearances as a shortstop, outfielder, and second baseman, although the majority of his time was spent at short. He could prove to be a reliable option at shortstop for the Rays that provides respectable production at the dish.

Reed has been shut down for the rest of the Arizona Fall League season, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This move seems primarily rest related as the Astros would like to have the 22-year-old fully healthy come spring training. In 205 at-bats in Double-A Corpus Christi, Reed posted a stellar .332/.405/.571 slash line to go along with 11 home runs and 46 RBI. He will have to earn the opportunity to displace the incumbent first baseman Chris Carter on the depth chart, but if he winds up staying with the club during the regular season Reed could bring some value for fantasy owners.

Martinez is considering by the Tigers a candidate for an extension, Chris Lott of MLive.com reports.

Tigers general manager Al Avila expressed some interest in an possible contract extension for Martinez, who still has two years of arbitration remaining. While the 28-year-old outfielder stumbled a bit in terms of batting average (his .315 batting average in 2014 fell to .282 in 2015) he improved dramatically in the slugging department, crushing nearly as many home runs in 2015 (38) as he had in his entire career previously (47). It's safe to say his play these last two seasons has certainly dictated a raise, however it remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to spend with a rebuild seemingly on the horizon.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera wrapped up his fourth batting title in five years with a 3 for 4 outing Saturday against the White Sox. He hit a home run and drove in two.

He sits at .338 while Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts is hitting .320 with one game remaining. The homer was significant -- it ended a career-long streak of 29 games without one. It was his 18th home run of the season, but his first since Aug. 26 and just his third since the middle of June. His home run total was down last season, too, so at 32, he could be changing his game as he ages. It bears watching, although he'll still go off the table early in 2016 drafts

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller went 3 for 3 with a solo home run in a 4-2 loss to the A's on Friday. With 11 homers, 22 doubles and 13 steals this season, Miller is finding his way in the lineup nearly every day.

The lefty is a breakout candidate next year, as a 20-20 season seems very possible with the profile he provides. The next big step will be to move up higher in the order and that'll only increase his value.

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez went 3 for 4 with a double Wednesday night in a loss to the Rangers.

It's his 32nd double (155 games) which is a surprisingly low tally considering he cracked 30 in 123 games in 2014. But he has converted some of those doubles into a remarkable 38 home runs this year. This is the second season where Martinez has delivered great numbers for fantasy owners, so the production is real. And at just 28, he should be able to deliver a few more seasons of strength before a slight taper is noticed.