MLB Player News

Soler is 0-for-5 with three strikeouts through two games this spring.

Although it is a small sample size, the three strikeouts in five at-bats is troubling, especially after posting a 30 percent strikeout rate in 2015. The 24-year-old will look to find his stroke this week and is preparing to be part of a left field platoon with Kyle Schwarber to start the season.

Brantley (shoulder) was cleared to continue his hitting program after a follow-up examination Sunday, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.

The exam appears to be a planned follow-up, and all signs this spring regarding Brantley's chances of a mid-April return have been encouraging. The Indians' are woefully thin in the outfield, putting added importance on Brantley's return to full health in the coming weeks.

Turner (knee) will see additional at-bats against minor league pitching Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of the OC Register reports.

Turner appears to be nearing full strength after undergoing microfracture surgery back in November, but manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Turner is not quite ready for major league spring games. He figures to take that next step soon, however, and the expectation remains that he'll be ready in time for Opening Day.

Stanton (knee) will not play in Monday's spring game due to a sore right knee, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

Details regarding Stanton's setback are slim, but it appears the Marlins simply want to prevent him from traveling for Monday's exhibition contest. Stanton should be considered day-to-day until he returns to the field, but at this point it does not seem this injury will threaten his status for Opening Day.

Reed went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI during Sunday's Grapefruit League win over Pittsburgh.

The 22-year-old hit sixth in the lineup and played nine innings at first base during the game, while Tyler White was the DH and Matt Duffy played third base. Reed is hitting .400 (4-for-10) through four spring appearances as the competition for Houston's starting first base job heats up. It's important to note, however, that the Astros under general manager Jeff Luhnow have yet to call up a position player who lacks experience at the Triple-A level.

Belt (illness) hopes to resume playing in games Wednesday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt sat out the last few days with an illness and is still is not 100 percent healthy, but he should return to action later this week. Don't expect the illness to be an issue any longer once is back on the field.

Brantley (shoulder) had his shoulder examined Sunday in an effort to give the Indians a better idea on the next step in his rehab program, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

It's important to note that the examination wasn't triggered by any sort of setback or discomfort but likely to give the Indians medical staff some clarity as they look to progress Brantley's rehab forward.

Canha (back) is progressing and his back felt fine with swinging a bat Saturday, reports Joe Stiglich of CSN California.

Canha has missed the first few games of the spring and will hit off a tee on Sunday. After a surprising breakout in 2015 with 16 homers and 70 RBI, he is in a battle for playing time and a possibly even a spot on the roster coming into the spring. Any extended time missed could be a detriment to his chances to break camp with the team considering he still has options available.

Turner (knee) received six at-bats in a minor league game Saturday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Turner has been working to return to the field all winter since receiving microfracture surgery in November. This is another step in his comeback, which should include major league spring training games sometime this week. Barring setbacks, the 31-year-old remains on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Brantley (shoulder) tracked live pitching in a batting practice session, but has not progressed to taking any swings, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

All signs continue to point toward an earlier-than-expected return for Brantley, but it's important to note that he hasn't taken any swings against live pitching to date. A return for Opening Day still seems out of the picture, but a mid-April return may be in the cards.