MLB Player News

Belt went 2-for-5 with a triple, a solo homer and two runs in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

it's nice to see Belt go yard early, but we'll need to see more before raising expectations; after all, this is a first baseman who's topped out at 18 homers to this point in his career. Belt's plate discipline is impressive, and it could ultimately result in some borderline-elite batting averages; that seems more likely than a sudden power spike in his late 20s, although such a thing can't be ruled out.

Brantley is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers.

After an injury-plagued 2016 season, a healthy Brantley has gotten off to a decent start to open the new campaign, going 3-for-9 with two RBI in the team's first two games. Given that he's in the midst of his age-30 season and carries some durability concerns, Brantley figures to be rested more frequently in 2017 than in seasons past, and manager Terry Francona will take advantage of Thursday's off day to give the veteran outfielder an extended breather. Brandon Guyer will fill in for Brantley in left field.

Jimenez (shoulder) isn't expected to come off the minor-league DL for another two-to-three weeks, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Jimenez, the Cubs' top prospect, was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right shoulder during spring training and is still recuperating. While he hasn't experienced any notable setbacks in his recovery since succumbing to the injury three weeks ago, it may take a little time before Jimenez is cleared to ramp up his activity and play in games. Once he's formally given the green light to return, Jimenez is expected to report to High-A Myrtle Beach after he tore up the Midwest League in 2016 as a 19-year-old.

Cabrera won't play Wednesday after the scheduled Tigers-White Sox game was postponed due to rain, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports.

With rain descending on Chicago again Wednesday, the Tigers and White Sox will have a game postponed for the second time in the series. Wednesday's game will be made up as part of a straight doubleheader May 26. The two teams are on track to play Thursday at 2:10 p.m ET in the series finale.

Brantley went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts in Tuesday's contest against the Rangers.

After spending a majority of the past year rehabbing from shoulder surgery, Brantley has looked good through the team's first two games of 2017. He's 3-for-9 with a pair of RBI, although he's also gone down on strikes in three at-bats. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see the outfielder left off the lineup card in one of the team's upcoming games as skipper Terry Francona carefully manages his star left fielder's return.

Manager Dave Roberts noted Tuesday that Pederson will see more playing time against left-handed pitchers in 2017 than he did during the 2016 season, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This is very positive news for Pederson and his fantasy owners, as the center fielder's strict platoon really diminished his overall fantasy impact in 2016. Though he'll still likely sit a fair amount against lefties, the vote of confidence from his manager is an encouraging sign. Enrique Hernandez is starting over Pederson on Tuesday against left-hander Clayton Richard.

Pederson is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Padres.

With lefty Clayton Richard toeing the rubber for San Diego, Pederson will give way to Enrique Hernandez in center field. Pederson launched a grand slam on Opening Day, but he hit just .125/.250/.219 against left-handed pitching last season. It seems the 24-year-old will remain stuck in a rather strict platoon for the time being.

Martinez had the cast on his right foot removed Monday and has started physical therapy, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez was finally able to start physical therapy after having his right foot constrained to a cast for the past couple weeks, marking a milestone in his rehab. The 29-year-old is hoping to return to the Tigers in late April or early May, though there still isn't a firm timetable. "He said he'd let me know how he feels [Tuesday]," said manager Brad Ausmus. Until Martinez is able to return, Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will likely split time in right field.

Turner went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 14-3 win over the Padres.

Turner picked up right where he left off after posting career-high counting stats across the board last season. The 32-year-old batted third for manager Dave Roberts on Monday, sandwiched favorably between Corey Seager and Adrian Gonzalez. If that lineup configuration holds all season, the third baseman should be in a great position to meet last year's marks of 79 runs and 90 RBI while providing a solid batting average.

McCutchen went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the season opener Monday in Boston.

The outfielder, who batted third after trying out the two-hole last season, stranded four baserunners. In addition, he misplayed a pair of balls in his new position, right field. It's only one game, but the former NL MVP isn't off to a promising start.