MLB Player News

When asked if he'll need outfielder Bryce Harper to carry more of the load in 2015, Nationals manager Matt Williams told reporters "it's safe to say he'll most likely hit somewhere in the middle of our lineup," per Comcast SportsNet Washington on Wednesday.

Harper, 22, was primarily the No. 6 hitter last season for the Nationals. He has played
77 career games at the No. 3 spot, 20 at cleanup and 13 at the No. 5 spot. Last season, he hit .273/.344/.423 with 13 homers and 32 RBI over 352 at-bats. He has appeared in only 218 games over the past two seasons due to an assortment of injury issues.

The Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill arrived at Tigers' camp on Tuesday, according to MLB.com.

Both Miguel Cabrera and Jose Iglesias will use the treadmill in order to rehab their injuries. The machine allows the players to run at a reduced weight, decreasing the stress they will put on their legs during workouts. 

Both Cabrera and Iglesias are hoping to be ready for the start of the season. 

Athletics manager Bob Melvin indicated that Mark Canha may see playing time in the outfield as well as at first base, the Associated Press reports.

"Canha can go against lefties or righties and even play some outfield," Melvin said.

Acquired after being selected by the Rockies in the Rule 5 draft this offseason, Canha has spent most of his minor-league career at first base but has seen 83 appearances in left field and nine in right field, as well as 29 at third base and one behind the plate. He hit .303/.384/.505 with 20 home runs and 82 RBI in 465 at-bats with Triple-A New Orleans in 2014.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley was unable to take part in sprinting drills on Tuesday with a sore lower back, according to the Northeast Ohio Media Group. Brantley is coming off a breakout season where he slashed .327/.385/.506 with 20 homers and 97 RBI over 611 at-bats. At this point, it remains to be seen when the 27-year-old will resume sprinting drills.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday that in order to encourage Yoenis Cespedes to more of a well-rounded offensive threat, he'll have Cespedes paired up in the same hitting group as Miguel Cabrera this spring, reports MLive.com.

"I think the best way to do it is to put him in the same hitting group as Miggy," Ausmus said. "Miggy does that a lot. Honestly. I'm being dead serious. Put him in the same hitting group as Miggy and let him watch the best hitter in the game do it on a daily basis."

Cespedes, 29, was acquired in a December trade with Boston. He hit .260 with 100 RBI last season between Oakland and Boston. He owns a .263 average, .464 slugging percentage and .780 OPS in 416 games over three MLB seasons.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean said the club needs "a bust-out season from" first baseman Brandon Belt, according to the San Jose Mercury News. 

The 26-year-old came into 2014 poised to have a big season, but injuries got in the way. Belt was limited to just 61 games last season due to a thumb injury and complications with a concussion. He hit .243/.306/.449 over 214 at-bats.

Belt is expected to hit in the middle of the order this season, and that should lead to higher expectations. For what it's worth, Sabean thinks Belt can handle it. "He's capable of it, and he might be poised to do it," he said.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Monday he is "seriously considering" batting catcher Alex Avila second in the order against right-handed pitchers, per MLive.com. Anthony Gose appears to be the other main option, but Gose could also lead off, which would allow Ian Kinsler to bat second.

Ausmus added Jose Iglesias could also work into the mix, but he doesn't see Yoenis Cespedes, J.D. Martinez or Nick Castellanos as options to bat second.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Monday first baseman Miguel Cabrera arrived to camp in great shape, despite being limited in the offseason due to ankle surgery in October.

"He looks good," Ausmus said, per MLB.com. "He's walking around good. He's stayed in shape. ... He wasn't sitting on the couch eating Cheetos.

"He was very limited for the first six weeks. But he looks good. It's certainly good to have him here."

Cabrera was cleared to begin basic baseball activities last week. The Tigers remain hopeful Cabrera will be ready around the start of the season.

The Cubs will be cautious with outfielder Jorge Soler during camp, according to MLB.com.

Soler has dealt with injuries throughout his minor-league career, and the club wants to make sure he's 100 percent healthy heading into the season. The team is mainly concerned about Soler's legs, and will make sure he doesn't overwork himself.

The 22-year-old Soler hit .292/.330/.573 over 89 at-bats in the majors last year. 

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera was able to begin hitting Thursday and reported no pain to manager Brad Ausmus, reports the Detroit News.

Cabrera is recovering from offseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle. He is expected to report to camp later this week.