MLB Player News

Cespedes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk in Thursday's win over the Nationals.

Cespedes' hot start to the season continues. The slugger has now connected on three homers and driven in seven through the first six games of the campaign. He should continue to produce while hitting in the middle of the Mets' lineup so long as he stays healthy.

Cabrera was removed from Thursday's game with hip flexor tightness, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Cabrera appeared to have suffered the injury when he slipped rounding first base on a single in the first inning. The slugger wound up falling to the ground and was checked out by team trainers before remaining in the game, but he wasn't able to take the field for the bottom of the second. Consider him day-to-day for the time being, though there will likely be a further update on his status following the conclusion of Thursday's game after he's been evaluated in the clubhouse. Fortunately, a scheduled off day comes at the right time, as the Tigers will not play Friday.

Jimenez (pectoral) has resumed hitting off a tee, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Jimenez suffered a mild strain of his left pectoral muscle in late March while lifting weights, but he should be able to participate in extended spring training games next week, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. The 21-year-old will report to Double-A Birmingham once he's fully operational.

Carpenter went 0-for-2 with an RBI groundout and two walks in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Brewers.

His grounder to first in the third inning brought home Dexter Fowler and moved Tommy Pham over to third, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead at the time and setting up a two-run homer by Marcell Ozuna in the very next at-bat. Carpenter has gone hitless over the last two games, but his patience at the plate often allows him to make an offensive impact even when the ball isn't dropping in. Carpenter has now drawn five free passes over the last three contests entering play Thursday.

Vientos will remain behind in extended spring training to begin the season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

There's been no word of an injury for the Mets' No. 1 fantasy prospect, but after playing in 51 games at rookie ball last year as a 17-year-old, Vientos won't be rushed. He hit only four homers in 2017, but the power should come as he matures, marking him as a potential impact bat at third base.

Cespedes will bat third and start in left field Thursday against the Nationals, Tim Britton of The Athletic New York reports.

Cespedes has hit second in four of his other five starts this season, but it looks like the three hole could be his permanent home with Michael Conforto (shoulder) returning from the disabled list Thursday and set to handle the leadoff role on an everyday basis. Whether he's hitting second or third for the Mets on a given day, Cespedes should benefit from a bounty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities due to the talent in front of him and behind him in the order.

Ohtani homered for the second consecutive game, part of a 2-for-5 effort with a run scored and two RBI Wednesday against Cleveland.

Ohtani continues to rake, as he now owns a crispy .857 slugging percentage in his first 14 plate appearances. Expect the Angels to continue giving him off days before his scheduled starts, but with the power display against Cleveland -- including today's blast off ace Corey Kluber -- Ohtani is looking like a mighty tempting start as a DH, particularly whenever the Angels are facing a right-handed pitcher.

Belt went 3-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Wednesday's 10-1 win over the Mariners.

The homer and RBI were his first of the year, and Belt is now 6-for-17 (.353) through five games. The first baseman has never hit more than 18 home runs in a season, but if he can stay healthy in 2018 this could be the season he finally breaks through for 20 or more.

Vogelbach went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Wednesday's 10-1 loss to the Giants.

He got the start at first base against Johnny Cueto, and was one of the few Mariners hitters to have much success against the right-hander, collecting his first hits and first RBI of 2018. Vogelbach was expected to see most of his playing time this season at DH, but with Ryon Healy in a rut to begin the year, he could see more action in the short term at first base.

Blackmon agreed to a six-year, $108 million extension with the Rockies, which includes two player options and could keep him in Colorado through the 2023 season. The deal can be worth up to $116 million based on incentives, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

He would have been a free agent after this season, which would have left his keeper and dynasty league value a little up in the air. However, his owners in long-term formats can now breathe a huge sigh of relief, as he should get to continue to benefit from Coors Field throughout the rest of his prime and into his declining years. Blackmon turns 32 in July, so this contract has the potential to look pretty rough in a few years, especially since there is no designated hitter in the National League. He is off to an excellent start to the season, hitting .316 with four home runs and a 3:3 K:BB in 22 plate appearances, and he hasn't even played a home game yet.