MLB Player News

Pederson was named as one of several options manager Dave Roberts is considering batting leadoff, according to SB Nation.

Logan Forsythe makes the most sense and has to be the early favorite to lead off most nights, but Pederson isn't a terrible option despite his power. His .246 batting average in 2016 doesn't scream "leadoff hitter," but he did get on base at a .352 clip, which is top-of-the-order material. That being said, it would be surprising if Roberts moved Pederson's .847 OPS out of the heart of the lineup.

Manager Andy Green says Dickerson (back) will not see game action this week, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

Green cautioned that the injury is a "little bit of a slow process," so there's still no definitive timetable for his return. However, the Padres likely won't rush the young slugger back into activities until he feels completely healthy. Dickerson emerged as a power threat for San Diego last season, finishing the year with a .455 slugging percentage and a .788 OPS.

Ozuna (shoulder) is expected to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins still have plenty of time to scratch Ozuna if his shoulder acts up over the next 24 hours, but it looks like the issue won't significantly delay the start of his Grapefruit League campaign.

Martinez was scratched from Saturday's Grapefruit League game with pectoral tightness, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The move is likely precautionary. Martinez is expected to once again be a big part of the offense, so the Tigers won't risk any health issues in spring training. Juan Perez will take over in right field. Consider Martinez day-to-day unless something changes.

Miller, who went 0-for-3 in Friday's 3-1 Grapefruit League victory over the Twins, handled back-to-back chances at second base cleanly, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The slugging infielder and the Rays were content with Miller's debut effort at second in live action this spring, which drew praise from manager Kevin Cash following the game. Assuming the 27-year-old locks down his new position as expected, the team will be able to deploy Matt Duffy in the shortstop role that he's comfortable in. Miller is expected to see plenty of reps at the keystone this spring in preparation for the regular season.

Canha, who missed the majority of last season due to hip surgery, has earned strong praise from manager Bob Melvin for his performance in early workouts, Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area reports. "He worked hard in the offseason. His swing looks good," Melvin said. "He looks like he's in great shape and I think he's out to prove a serious point this year - that he can be a very productive guy at the big league level, as we've seen before."

The 28-year-old saw only 44 plate appearances in 2016 before his injury, which prevented him from building on a solid rookie campaign the season prior. Canha, who's slated to platoon with newcomer Matt Joyce in right field this season, will draw the start in left field and hit cleanup in Saturday's Cactus League opener versus the Cubs.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Cabrera is not a candidate to hit second this year, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Tigers don't have a prototypical No. 2 hitter, and are considering sluggers Nick Castellanos and J.D. Martinez for the role. However, Ausmus said Cabrera will remain the No. 3 hitter. "Miggy has been pretty successful hitting third," Ausmus said. Cabrera should once again post elite fantasy numbers in a strong Detroit lineup.

Brantley (shoulder) is taking normal batting practice pitching at an indoor cage Friday after previously being restricted to a soft-toss program, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The outfielder's timetable remains up in the air, and a need to rehab into the season looks highly possible. Still, the fact he's taking cuts off live pitches offers a step in the right direction. In the waning rounds of a mixed fantasy draft, owners still can take a logical chance on at least a partial season from the 2014 AL MVP candidate.

Ozuna will not start in Saturday's Grapefruit League game due to mild shoulder discomfort, and manager Don Mattingly said he'll slowly work Ozuna into the lineup when he's ready, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Ozuna may be available sometime next week if he can heal quickly. The 26-year-old should deliver another 20-homer season in 2017 if he stays healthy, and perhaps a productive showing in RBI, but everything else about his game is up in the air, despite his youth and upside.

Sources say the Indians have no certainty for when Brantley (shoulder) will debut this season, despite the optimism offered by general manager Mike Chernoff and other officials, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

Heyman suggests 2017 is a lot like 2016, in that Cleveland is hoping Brantley can make significant progress. His complex surgeries and recovery should force fantasy owners to express similar caution, though as his price craters, it'll be hard to pass on the talented bat, for whatever portion of the season he plays.