MLB Player News

Brantley went 2-for-5 with a a two-run home run and two runs during Saturday's win over the White Sox.

After a lost 2016 campaign, Brantley is proving the shoulder injury is a thing of the past with a .310/.385/.517 slash line, nine runs, three home runs, 11 RBI and three stolen bases. His cross-category contributions make him a valuable asset and hitting in the heart of a potent lineup helps his fantasy floor.

Vargas was recalled Sunday from Triple-A Rochester, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

The Twins won't need a fifth starter until May 6, so the team optioned Adalberto Mejia to Triple-A to open up a spot on the active roster for Vargas. Look for the slugger to serve as a power bat off the bench, as Robbie Grossman has performed well enough to hold on to an everyday gig at designated hitter.

McCutchen went 1-for-2 with a home run, a stolen base, two walks and two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Yankees.

McCutchen got the Pirates on the board with his first-inning homer. He's hitting just .262 this month, and so far he's looking like the same hitter he was during his disappointing 2016 campaign. Until he shows signs of a breakout, he'll be difficult to count on as a top-line fantasy starter.

Cespedes (hamstring) isn't expected to play Sunday against the Nationals, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

If Cespedes sits out Sunday, it will mark the third consecutive day that he's been absent from the lineup. Although the club had said that Cespedes would sit out two or three games to rest his hamstring, owners will want to continue monitoring his status. Until Cespedes returns, Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto will likely split time in left field.

Cabrera (groin) is expected to return from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Prior to being diagnosed with a Grade 1 or Grade 2 groin strain, Cabrera had been battling a back injury through the early stage of the season. However, despite Cabrera's rough start, the Tigers are optimistic that 10 days of rest will be enough for him to recover. Until Cabrera is ready to come off the DL, John Hicks should see the bulk of the time at first base.

Belt went 2-for-4 with a walk and his fourth home run of the season in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Rockies.

The veteran first baseman extended his hitting streak to six games with the effort. He's batting just .238 through the first few weeks of the season, but his .351 on-base percentage is right where owners would expect it to be. Belt's ability to get on base coupled with his new spot batting second in the order has led to an early influx of runs (10) to complement his modest power.

Carpenter is one of the players manager Mike Matheny is considering for occasional starts at third base in the wake of Jhonny Peralta (upper respiratory illness) heading to the disabled list, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "We're not ruling that out as an option," said Matheny.

The former third baseman has been taking grounders at third in the last few days in anticipation, although he continues to draw starts at first base. Occasional deployment of Carpenter at the hot corner would presumably shift Jedd Gyorko to first or give fellow left-handed bat Matt Adams a chance for extra playing time.

Cespedes (hamstring) is not in the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.

This doesn't come as a major surprise. Manager Terry Collins has said that Cespedes would likely be taking a few days off as a precaution, so he may not return until after the Mets' off day Monday. Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto will continue receiving the bulk of outfield playing time in his absence.

Cabrera was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right groin strain Saturday.

This is yet another blow to a Tigers lineup that is already missing J.D. Martinez and Jose Iglesias. Cabrera was sent in for an MRI after leaving Friday's game and it had already been announced that he'd miss the remainder of the Tigers' weekend series against the Twins. However, now it has been confirmed that he'll be sidelined until at least early May. John Hicks, who was recalled in a corresponding move Saturday, will likely see most of the time at first base while Cabrera is sidelined.

Cabrera (groin) will not play for at least the remainder of the Tigers' weekend series against the Twins, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports.

The veteran slugger was sent in for an MRI early Saturday, and though the results have yet to be released, manager Brad Ausmus did tell reporters that Cabrera would miss at least the next two games. John Hicks is up with the team and could fill in at first base, but an official roster move has not been made at this point. Cabrera's next chance to return will come Tuesday against the Mariners, but the results of Saturday's MRI should give a clearer picture on his timeline.