MLB Player News

Through March 10, Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is tied with five other players for the spring training lead in home runs with four. Belt is having a pretty strong spring season, batting .467 with one triple, two doubles, eight runs and nine RBI in 10 games. His .467 average is fifth best among all spring hitters.

The Miami Marlins made their second wave of roster cuts this spring and announced the following moves: pitchers Alex Sanabia and Brad Hand -- who were both in the mix for the fifth spot in the rotation -- were optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Outfielder Kyle Jensen and pitcher Evan Reed were also sent to New Orleans. The team optioned pitchers Sam Dyson and Edgar Olmos and outfielder Marcell Ozuna to Double-A Jacksonville. Pitcher Jordan Smith and catcher Wilfredo Gimenez were re-assigned to the minor-league camp.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley returned to Cactus League action on Sunday against the Rangers after missing time due to a lacerated left arm. Serving as DH, he went 0 for 2 in the 7-6 loss. Brantley has gone 5 for 8 (.625) with two RBI through four spring games. "He's fine," manager Terry Francona told MLB.com. "He's been doing stuff. He'll be just fine. He might've lost his timing a little bit, but he's got plenty of time to get it back."

Marlins outfield prospect Marcell Ozuna hit the first spring homer of his career Sunday against the Braves. Ozuna parked a two-out, three-run homer off Braves veteran Tim Hudson in the first inning. Ozuna finished 2 for 4 with two runs and one double, which was also the first spring double of his career. Ozuna is batting .364 (4 for 11) with four RBI in seven spring games.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf had to leave Sunday's spring game against the Astros in top of the sixth inning after getting hit by a pitch. Ruf said he was hit on the left triceps, but he said he feels fine after icing down the area, according to MLB.com. Ruf was 0 for 2 before leaving the game, lowering his batting average to .188 (6 for 32) in 11 spring games.

In the ultimate vote of confidence heading into the regular season, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Saturday he can now label Matt Carpenter a second baseman. Carpenter, normally a corner infielder, has transitioned to second base this spring to help get his bat in the lineup. He has yet to commit an error at the new position while boasting a .417 batting average at the plate. "We watched him early on and we were very confident that this was something he was going to be able to do. He keeps doing it," Matheny told reporters. "He looks good. He’s making the tough plays. He seems to be working well with the other middle infielders. That’s all we can ask of him."

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter -- playing mainly second base this spring as the team considers him at the position -- went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and an RBI on Friday against the Nationals. He is now batting .417 over 24 spring at-bats, and, perhaps even more importantly, has yet to make an error at his new position.

Darin Ruf, who has struggled most of the spring, led the Phillies at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort Thursday against the Twins. His double in the second inning plated two, and his single an inning later scored another run. Coming into the contest, Ruf, who is battling for a starting outfield job, was 3 for 28. "Hopefully that gets him going," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "Ruf is a good hitter. I don't worry about him going 3 for 30 or something. He might be trying a little hard. At the same time, he's all right."

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley is ready to take part in full team workouts Thursday, and could return to Cactus League play by Sunday, according to manager Terry Francona. Brantley is recovering from a lacerated left arm that required 15 stitches nearly two weeks ago. Brantley has been doing lower body conditioning drills in recent days as well.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday that Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been dealing with a right knee infection since Friday. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a few more days. Blackmon has gone 4 for 7 (.571) with two RBI and two stolen bases through four Cactus League games.