MLB Player News

Yoenis Cespedes made quite the impression in his first game in a Tigers uniform Tuesday. Cespedes, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Red Sox, clubbed a grand slam in his spring debut, helping Detroit to a 15-2 win over Baltimore.

In his first at-bat, Cespedes popped out to first baseman Christian Walker in the first inning and then flied out to right field in his second at-bat. However, in his third at-bat he connected for a grand slam down the left-field line off Oliver Drake to put Detroit ahead 11-0.

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera was able to take batting practice on the field on Monday, according to mlive.com.

It was the first time this spring Cabrera was able to take BP on the field. He also ran on the AlterG treadmill the club recently ordered and received. Manager Brad Ausmus said the team has been constantly checking in with Cabrera, and knew he would be able to get back on the field a couple of days ago. When asked about Cabrera's performance, Ausmus said, "he looked good."

Cabrera came into camp limited with an ankle injury. He's working his way back and hopes to be ready for opening day. The 31-year-old hit .313/.371/.524 over 611 at-bats last year. 

Indians manager Terry Francona said Monday outfielder Michael Brantley (back) will likely make his spring debut Thursday against the Reds, per MLB.com. He added second baseman Jason Kipnis (hand) might not be far behind.

Francona also said Brandon Moss (hip) might be slightly ahead of a mid-March estimate to make his spring debut. However, the mid-March timetable for Nick Swisher (knees) hasn't changed.

Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes said he feels comfortable in Detroit and wants to remain a Tiger for a long time, reports the Detroit Free Press.

"I would like to be in a Tigers uniform for a lot of years," he said. "This is a good team now and will be for a lot of years to come."

Royals infielder Christian Colon skipped playing winter ball in Puerto Rico to get ready for what he hopes will be a long season in the majors, MLB.com reports.

"I just worked out, worked on my body," Colon said Friday. "I just continued to hit and take ground balls. I've lost about 10 pounds and gained some good weight. I'm able to move around better, and that's all I was looking for."

Colon made his major-league debut in 2014 and went 15 for 45 with the Royals. He also hit .311/.366/.433 with eight home runs, 47 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 344 at-bats with Triple-A Omaha.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley was ranked 13th in FanGraphs' overall defensive rating out of 15 players who logged at least 800 innings in left field in 2014, a ranking manager Terry Francona "can't understand," Cleveland.com reports.

"For the life of me, I can't understand it," Francona said. "I really don't. That's something that perplexes me to no end. He is one of the better left fielders in the game. I don't get it. I don't know if I ever will."

Brantley was one of three finalists for the American League Golden Glove Award last year for his position despite finishing the season with a minus-6.3 UZR/150. His minus-10.4 overall defensive rating marked his second season with a mark worse than minus-10 in the category.

"I think the [advanced] stats are deceiving," Francona said. "We see him every time. We see Brantley for 162 games and he does it over and over and over and over and over. He's so consistent and his arm is such a factor. I don't know where they came up with that. I don't care."

Brantley committed just one error in 2014 while racking up a career-high 12 outfield assists. He also delivered his finest season at the plate, hitting .327/.385/.506 with 20 home runs, 97 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 611 at-bats.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin indicated that Mark Canha is ahead of Nate Freiman for the backup first baseman job, according to the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday. Melvin indicated a few days earlier that may see playing time in the outfield as well as at first base.

Canha was acquired after being selected by the Rockies in the Rule 5 draft this offseason. He spent most of his playing time in the minors at first base. He slashed 303/.384/.505 with 20 home runs and 82 RBI in 465 at-bats with Triple-A New Orleans in 2014.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon indicated Thursday it is going to be tough to keep Chris Taylor and Brad Miller on the roster. The duo are competing for the starting shortstop job this spring.

“They both saw significant time last year and only one of them can play short as this team shapes up,” McClendon said, per MLB.com. “I like both guys. They both bring a lot to the table. I think Chris is probably a little bit ahead of the game defensively and Brad is probably ahead of the game offensively. It’s a nice combination and let’s see what happens. … If we don’t have injuries, I doubt that we can take them both.”

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday star slugger Miguel Cabrera (ankle) is running at 65 percent body weight with a slight incline on the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, per MLive.com. 

Ausmus added once Cabrera gets to 80 percent body weight on the treadmill, he can start fielding grounders hit directly to him.

Cabrera already has the option to hit on the field against a batting practice pitcher. However, he has chosen to hit in the batting cages.

The Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill arrived at Tigers' camp on Tuesday, according to MLB.com.

Both Miguel Cabrera and Jose Iglesias will use the treadmill in order to rehab their injuries. The machine allows the players to run at a reduced weight, decreasing the stress they will put on their legs during workouts. 

Both Cabrera and Iglesias are hoping to be ready for the start of the season.