MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went for further evaluation Wednesday after being hit in the head by a fastball from prospect Jose Fernandez during a simulated game. Stanton said the pitch hit him at the base of the head and top of the neck before glancing off his helmet. He remained on his feet and walked off the field under his own power. He even signed a few autographs before being escorted to the locker room via golf cart for further evaluation. “I wasn’t dizzy. I saw a little grayness, fuzziness on the outside of my eyes, but it is subsiding now,” Stanton said less than an hour after the incident, per the Sun-Sentinel.

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez said he is working on a new batting grip that has alleviated tension on his left hand and should keep him healthy during spring training. Martinez started choking up slightly above the barrel of the bat after having surgery last season to remove the hamate bone in his left hand, an injury that was caused by the bat digging into his palm. "At the beginning, it was weird," he told MLB.com on Monday. "I was kind of resistant to it. I felt a relief when I did it, though. The next day wasn't as sore. That's probably it. I started doing it and once you start swinging, you get used to it."

Oakland left fielder Yoenis Cespedes doesn't really care too much for being the designated hitter, reports the Contra Costa Times Sunday. With the arrival of Chris Young, A's manager Bob Melvin has talked about using a four-man outfield -- Coco Crips and Josh Reddick -- in a sort of rotation with the odd man out serving as the DH. Cespedes does not want to DH unless it is due to rest or injury. “As a player, to be the DH, I don’t like it too much,’’ Cespedes said through interpreter Ariel Prieto Sunday morning before the club’s first full workout. “If I’m hurt, that’s the only way I like it, to pick up some days as the DH."

Since there's no Quadruple Crown in baseball, it will be awfully tough for Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera to top his performance from 2012. The Tigers slugger puts plenty of pressure on himself to help his team win, but when it comes to individual achievements, his approach is pretty low key. "I always believe you can be consistent," he said Friday. "I don't know if you're going to get better, but my goal is always to be consistent." Cabrera hit .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBI last season to win the Triple Crown and the AL MVP award.

Cubs prospect Jorge Soler has impressed since signing a nine-year deal last June and showed off his power on his first day of spring training. While Soler hopes to be in the majors as early as next season, manager Dale Sveum reiterated to the Chicago Tribune on Friday that the club will not rush the 20-year-old. "Guys like him, they haven't played that much baseball," Sveum said. "They've done a lot of things obviously and we all know about the tools. But fast track? There's no reason to do that. He still has to play and learn so much and face better pitchers on a consistent basis, older pitchers who can do things. That experience factor comes in handy."

In addition to playing his normal outfield spot, Philadelphia prospect Darin Ruf is scheduled to spend some time at first base -- his natural position -- in spring training. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said the 26-year-old will earn ample playing time at each position, but is expected to compete for a starting job in the outfield. "We'll see what we've got," Manuel said. "He's going to get to play a lot." The 26-year-old belted three homers in his 12-game cameo with Philadelphia at the end of last season.

After an offseason filled with verbal jabs at the organization and some unexpected trade speculation, Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton said Friday he will not be a distraction and is ready for the start of the season. Stanton chastised the Marlins for their latest roster purge, which included the departure of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, among others. "You’re not going to linger on something and cry about it all day," he told MLB.com. "You let it be known how you feel, and push forward. ... I’m not really going to dwell on it too much. I got what little words were out there to let it be known, and that was that. We’re here now, and turn the page."

Cardinals would-be second baseman Matt Carpenter has been drawing praise from his coaches for the work he's done at second base in the offseason. "I could tell he did a lot of work, which shouldn't surprise anybody because that's who he is," manager Mike Matheny told Fox Sports. "He looks smooth, he doesn't look uncomfortable and that's just the result of hard work. … A lot of things yet to be seen but so far he looks great."

MASNsports.com reports Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper showed up to camp Thursday noticeably heavier. Harper added muscle mass in the offseason and reported to camp 230 pounds, but it was planned since Harper expects to play this season at 220 pounds. "It's a long stressful season, of course. I think a lot of mental stress and things like that," Harper said. "I think mentally, wear and tear on your body, on your mind and whatnot. Going into the offseason, you try to put all the weight back on and work hard. I take a lot of pride in my workouts. I try to work hard every single day. I lift as hard as I can, get as big as I can in spring training because I know I'm going to lose a lot of weight because I'm a guy who comes in a loses a lot of weight quick."

CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Indians are not "looking to move" outfielders Drew Stubbs or Michael Brantley in the wake of signing Michael Bourn. MLB.com reports Indians manager Terry Francona said Brantley will play in left field and Stubbs in right field.