MLB Player News

Indians manager Terry Francona said Tuesday outfielder Michael Brantley received 15 stitches for a lacerated left forearm. Brantley sustained the injury after being spiked during a spring game Monday. Francona said Brantley will be shut down for three days and out at least 10 days. "This isn't going to be anything that alters anything," Francona said.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley received stitches in his left forearm after being spiked in Monday's Cactus League game against during the A's. He was spiked by third baseman Josh Donaldson in a play that ended the third inning. Brantley, who went 1 for 2 with an RBI before the early exit, was taken to a hospital and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. "I don't know how many stitches and you never like any injury, but in this case there was some relief on my part," manager Terry Francona said.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been a huge letdown in his first two seasons in the majors, but he's not ready to give up. "I want to reach my potential," he told The Oakland Tribune. The Giants also feel Belt can eventually meet and hopefully surpass expectations. "He continues to learn as a hitter, and the better hitter he becomes, the more power you're going to see," general manager Brian Sabean said. "And he's very much on the path to being a Gold Glove first baseman. The sky's the limit for him."

Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon is focusing on one objective during spring training this year: staying healthy. Last season, Blackmon battled a nagging turf toe injury that prevented him from competing for a spot on the opening day roster and he began the season in Triple-A. "Last year, I was in a good position and then I got hurt -- but that's part of the game, staying healthy," Blackmon told MLB.com on Sunday. "I'm not going to tell you that's anybody's fault. That's something I've got to overcome."

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez finished 1 for 2 with a single and a run scored during Houston's 8-3 victory over Philadelphia in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Martinez served as the starting left fielder and slotted fifth in the batting order as he prepares for his third major-league season. After being limited to just 113 games last year because of a hand injury, he is competing for a starting job to begin the regular season.

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez finished 1 for 2 with a single and a run scored during Houston's 8-3 victory over Philadelphia in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Martinez served as the starting left fielder and slotted fifth in the batting order as he prepares for his third major-league season. After being limited to just 113 games last year because of a hand injury, he is competing for a starting job to begin the regular season.

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez finished 1 for 2 with a single and a run scored during Houston's 8-3 victory over Philadelphia in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Martinez served as the starting left fielder and slotted fifth in the batting order as he prepares for his third major-league season. After being limited to just 113 games last year because of a hand injury, he is competing for a starting job to begin the regular season.

Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 1 for 3 with two RBI during the Marlins' Grapefruit League opener against St. Louis on Saturday. Stanton assumed the third spot in the batting order and patrolled right field as he showed no limitations after being plunked in the head by a fastball during a simulated game earlier this week. Precautionary X-rays returned negative and Stanton is expected to maintain his regular training schedule.

Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt is in Phillies' camp through March 20 as a special instructor. He spoke with MLB.com Thursday about a variety of topics, including Darin Ruf, who is in competition to be the team's everyday left fielder. “At this point I’m a big fan," Schmidt said. "I think he opened a lot of eyes when he came up. I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I would guess they want him to play. I just like him. He’s a great young kid. He has no fear as a hitter against tough right-handers. You see that sometimes. He can give you a hell of an at-bat against a nasty right-handed pitcher. He’s very mature for 26. I wouldn’t discount him being your opening day starter (in left field). Let’s wait and see. He has everything you need to win that job.”

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton told reporters Thursday X-rays were negative after he was hit in the head Wednesday during a simulated game. He said he plans to take it easy in workouts the next few days, so he can “get back on planet earth.’’ Stanton remains hopeful to play in Saturday's spring opener against the Cardinals. “I was pretty loopy, I must say, yesterday, but for the most part I feel fine,” Stanton said, per The Palm Beach Post. “We’re going to see how a bunch of activity in the weight room goes. I’d like to at least get some hitting in today, but it’s probably smarter not to do much.’’