MLB Player News

Buxton (hand) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

The official diagnosis for Buxton is a left hand contusion, the result of being hit by a Mat Latos pitch in the third inning of Thursday's game. X-rays on the hand were returned negative. Eddie Rosario will shift over to center field to replace Buxton on Friday, opening the door for Oswaldo Arcia in left. Injury aside, Buxton has had a rough go of it so far this season, recording four hits (two doubles) while striking out 13 times in 26 plate appearances.

Miller is out of the lineup Friday against the White Sox, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

Miller has struggled to begin the season, hitting a meager .077 through eight games. Tim Beckham will enter the lineup in Miller's place, which offers a more favorable righty-lefty matchup against White Sox ace Chris Sale.

Brantley (shoulder) said after Thursday's minor league game that he is "very happy" with how his shoulder has responded during his rehab assignment, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. He's slated to work out in Cleveland on Friday.

Brantley got the day off Wednesday but got back into game action Thursday, going 1-for-2 in a minor league game. He told reporters that he's not sure of the Indians' plan for him moving forward in terms of a timetable, but the fact that he'll be at team facilities Friday is an encouraging sign.

X-rays on Buxton's hand came back negative Thursday and he is considered day-to-day, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. He was officially diagnosed with a left hand contusion.

This news comes as a major relief as Buxton was removed from Thursday's game in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch on the hand. He was able to stay in initially and steal a base, but Max Kepler came in to replace him in center field the following inning. He's considered day-to-day, and his status going into Friday's game will likely hinge on the pain levels in his hand and his ability to grip a bat.

Buxton left Thursday's game after being hit by a pitch on the hand, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

Max Kepler came on to replace Buxton in the top of the fourth inning Thursday after the Twins were retired in the bottom of the third. Buxton was hit in the hand by a Mat Latos offering and was able to stay in and steal a base, but manager Paul Molitor opted to take him out of the game thereafter. There's no word yet on the severity of Buxton's injury, but Kepler would be a likely replacement for him in center if Buxton is to miss time.

Buxton could be on the hot seat, following Thursday's signing of David Murphy to a minor league deal.

He is striking out at a 52 percent clip in the early going, and it's possible the Twins will option him to Triple-A Rochester for a spell to help him get his confidence back and work on his approach. Those who own Buxton in season-long leagues are right to be a little worried, but the best thing for his development may be five-to-six week run with Rochester.

Goins collected three hits -- including two doubles -- and two RBI in Wednesday's 7-2 victory over the Yankees.

It's hard to ask for much more from someone who bats at the bottom of the order. Though he won't provide much power, Goins has hit the ball well this season, posting a line of .321/.345/.429. Wednesday was the second multi-hit performance in the last three games for the second baseman. His RBI opportunities could be limited due to his order in the lineup, but he's seeing the ball well and can provide fantasy value, especially in AL-only leagues.

Cabrera reached base three times in a 1-for-3 day at the plate, along with accruing a run and an RBI against the Pirates on Tuesday.

Cabrera was coming off two straight games without a hit, however the slugger has reached base at least once in each of Detroit's games this year. He has drawn four walks in his last three games as well, and appears to be seeing the ball very well early on this season. While only batting .273, Cabrera is managing a .407 OBP.

Choi is out of the lineup on Wednesday against the A's, Pedro Moura of the LA Times reports.

After getting the start at DH Tuesday, Choi will draw out of the lineup. He's made two starts in the team's first eight games, going 0-for-6 with two walks this season. He'll make way for Albert Pujols at DH while C.J. Cron slides over to first base.

Brantley (shoulder), who started his rehab at Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, will transition to Double-A Akron on Thursday and play every other day for about a week, MLB.com reports.

If that timetable holds for Brantley, he'll likely be looking at a return date around the end of April as the Indians will most certainly want him to appear in consecutive games before joining the major league team.