MLB Player News

Brantley (shoulder) took batting practice Friday for the first time this spring, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports.

He continues to progress in his recovery without setbacks, and it remains to be seen what the next step will be. This upcoming week will be a big stretch for his Opening Day chances. It still seems unlikely that he will be ready for the start of the season, but if he can get into game action next week, all bets are off.

Canha is written in the Athletics' lineup for Friday's game as the starting left fielder, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Canha has not played in a Cactus League game yet due to a back injury, but it appears that manager Bob Melvin is confident enough in his health to get him into the lineup Friday. He may not play many innings, but getting back to game action is a good sign for the 27-year-old.

Canha (back) will face live pitching Thursday and could be back in the lineup as early as Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

While the A's are taking Canha's recovery slowly, he's progressing well and Thursday could mark the final phase in his rehab, assuming he doesn't suffer some sort of setback.

Brantley (shoulder) is expected to take live batting practice Friday or Saturday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "Friday or Saturday he should be on the field for BP," said manager Terry Francona. "That is kind of the target. He's been flying through everything so well; I'd be surprised if he doesn't."

Brantley's made remarkable progress but is still pegged to open the season on the DL. If he continues to press forward in his recovery he could begin to push his return date forward so being ready for Opening Day can't be completely ruled out given his progress thus far.

Canha (back) will run the bases Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.

This is the last major hurdle for Canha before he returns to action. The team hopes he can get into a game by this weekend, and he should be ready to occupy the short side of a first base platoon when the season begins.

Canha (back) will do all of his normal activities before Tuesday's spring game, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Canha won't play in Tuesday's game but should return by the end of the week. He's not a lock to make the Opening Day roster, as Oakland boasts impressive depth in the outfield.

Buxton went 1-for-3 in Monday's spring training win over Baltimore. He's 2-for-10 in four games this spring.

Buxton is the leading candidate to start in center field and will likely win the job unless he really struggles this spring. If Buxton begins the season in the minors, the Twins could begin the season with Danny Santana as a stopgap or move Eddie Rosario to center field. However, so far all the talk from management is of Buxton winning the role.

Brantley (shoulder) could be taking live batting practice swings by the weekend, MLB.com reports. "It was all according to plan, which is all good," manager Terry Francona said regarding Brantley's examination Sunday. "There's no red flags, nothing. He just got a really good report."

Brantley and the Indians still haven't formulated the plans around his Cactus League debut and he's still looking at a mid-April return at this point but it's been nothing but positive news thus far for Brantley in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.

Brantley (shoulder) was cleared to continue his hitting program after a follow-up examination Sunday, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.

The exam appears to be a planned follow-up, and all signs this spring regarding Brantley's chances of a mid-April return have been encouraging. The Indians' are woefully thin in the outfield, putting added importance on Brantley's return to full health in the coming weeks.

Reed went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI during Sunday's Grapefruit League win over Pittsburgh.

The 22-year-old hit sixth in the lineup and played nine innings at first base during the game, while Tyler White was the DH and Matt Duffy played third base. Reed is hitting .400 (4-for-10) through four spring appearances as the competition for Houston's starting first base job heats up. It's important to note, however, that the Astros under general manager Jeff Luhnow have yet to call up a position player who lacks experience at the Triple-A level.