MLB Player News

Choi was reassigned to minor league camp Friday, Brendan Kuty of The Star-Ledger reports.

The former Angel signed with the Yankees hoping to catch on with the big-league club out of camp, but he fell short. Choi could work his way into at-bats later this season as a reserve or an emergency starter, though he sits behind Greg Bird, Chris Carter, Tyler Austin and Rob Refsnyder, at minimum, in the first base hierarchy.

Brantley is not in the Indians' Cactus League lineup Friday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

No reason for concern was reported, so Cleveland likely is taking it easy with Brantley, who's 3-for-9 through his first three spring games following his debut earlier in the week. Getting him a bit more rest late in spring training and possibly early in the regular season is prudent management as he returns from his shoulder injury. It may limit his value early in 2017, but his potential for returning to MVP-candidate form is increasing his fantasy draft stock.

Vogelbach was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Vogelbach and Danny Valencia were expected to split time at first base to open the season. The 24-year-old struggled this spring, however, slashing just .228/.313/.333 with 19 strikeouts in 57 at-bats. He also went just 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in his major league debut last season, so it appears the Mariners believe he could use some work before making the full-time jump.

Carpenter went 2-for-3 with four RBI from a sacrifice fly, RBI single and two-run triple in Wednesday's 6-1 Grapefruit League win over the Nationals.

Carpenter looks fully recovered from the back woes that plagued him last week, and is enjoying his spot in the middle of the order after hitting leadoff in the past. The Cardinals' starting first baseman is now hitting .333 (5-for-15) with a triple, home run, seven RBI, two walks and a run over nine spring games.

Cabrera (back) said he won't play until Friday at the earliest, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera apparently felt a pop in his back during the first WBC game and has been receiving daily treatment ever since, though he also noted that it's feeling better. Friday may seem slightly optimistic for his return, as the Tigers don't have any plans to rush their star back. Detroit isn't worried about his status at this point, but that may change if he doesn't return to action relatively soon.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Wednesday during Team USA's victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Cutch poked clutch RBI singles in the fifth and eighth innings as the United States went on to win 8-0, and the veteran went 5-for-21 with five RBI during the WBC. His fantasy stock may remain a bit undervalued in many circles, presenting a potentially profitable buying opportunity in mixed leagues.

Vargas is scheduled to start Friday's Grapefruit League game, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Vargas, Minnesota's likely majority DH, mainly rode the bench during Puerto Rico's deep run to the World Baseball Classic finals, so manager Paul Molitor looks poised to get him as many reps as possible before the start of the season. Byungho Park has scorched opposing pitching during Vargas' WBC absence, but Park isn't on the 40-man roster and may have to clear some hurdles to join it. Vargas nonetheless remains an interesting deep-league power source for fantasy speculators.

Cabrera (back) is back with the Tigers but will be held out of the lineup at least until Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera was removed from Thursday's World Baseball Classic contest and then missed Venezuela's final game Saturday. His back tightness isn't believed to be a concern for the Tigers, but that could change if Cabrera doesn't get back in the spring training lineup this weekend.

Martinez indicated that he's encouraged that he's been able to put weight on his sprained right foot, but fears he may not be ready for Opening Day, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Martinez suffered the injury after making a catch in Saturday's Grapefruit League game, but the Tigers have remained tight-lipped on the severity of the setback. An official timetable for Martinez's return should be available Friday, when he's set to undergo a weight-bearing stress CT scan in Charlotte. If the Tigers determine that Martinez will require a DL stint to begin the season, Steven Moya could be tasked with serving as his primary replacement in right field.

Ozuna went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, his fourth long ball of the spring, and came around to score on a walk in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves.

He continues to enjoy a solid spring, hitting .316/.357/.684 through 38 at-bats. Ozuna primarily hit fourth or fifth last season for the Marlins, and the 26-year-old should once again slot into the heart of a young and improving batting order in Miami, giving him a shot at matching or topping his career high of 85 RBI.