MLB Player News

The Blue Jays scratched Belt (illness) from the lineup ahead of Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Toronto's initial lineup listed Belt as its starting first baseman and No. 3 batter, but he'll ultimately take a seat for the second day in a row while he aims to recover from a stomach bug. Provided his symptoms continue to steadily improve in the next few days, Belt should be included on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster. He's projected to serve as the Blue Jays' primary designated hitter and cleanup batter versus right-handed pitching to begin the season.

Lewis appears to have secured a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster after Pavin Smith was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Lewis put his best foot forward during spring training with three home runs and a .480/.581/.960 slash line in 31 appearances, which seems to have earned him a roster spot. The 27-year-old seems unlikely to have an everyday spot in the lineup but could see regular action against left-handed pitchers.

Miller went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's spring game against the Padres.

Miller swatted his third spring home run and second in the last three games. As spring training winds down, Miller is in the mix for a bench spot, likely as a designated hitter and a backup at multiple positions. Joining Miller in the competition are Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith (thumb), players that also have experience in the infield and outfield.

Belt (illness) will start at first base and bat third in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

A stomach bug kept Belt from playing in Saturday's game against the Tigers, but he's apparently feeling fine one day later. Though he'll be picking up a start at first base Sunday, Belt is expected to serve as Toronto's primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching once the regular season gets underway.

Brantley (shoulder) will begin the season in West Palm Beach to continue his rehab at the Astros' team facility, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

This report confirms the expectation that Brantley will begin the season on the injured list. There's no clear timeline for his return, though he underwent surgery on his shoulder over seven months ago. Brantley figures to occupy a key role in the Houston lineup when he's able to take the field, though the lingering injury isn't a positive way to begin the new campaign.

The Mets optioned Vientos to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Vientos appeared to have a good chance to win a bench spot with the Mets out of the Grapefruit League, but the 23-year-old will begin the season in the International League. He could be an option for New York if there's an injury or if the Mets are looking for offense in the summer months, particularly against left-handed pitching.

Blackmon (back) will bat second and serve as the designated hitter Saturday against the Guardians, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon sat for two weeks due to back stiffness, but he appeared in a minor-league game Friday and will play with the big-league club just one day later. It looks as though he'll be good to go for Opening Day, though the 36-year-old may require more off days than normal early on to ease him into the season.

Belt is dealing with a stomach illness and won't play Saturday's game against the Tigers, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Health concerns are a significant worry for Belt this year, but a minor illness is something the Blue Jays can definitely live with. The veteran appears set to be the primary designated hitter and cleanup man against righties this season for as long as he can stay on the field.

Belt went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The veteran first baseman filled his usual DH spot and hit fourth behind George Springer, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero. Belt has hit cleanup consistently during his spring appearances, going 5-for-18 (.278) with three doubles, and while he hasn't hit any home runs or even driven in any runs, that spot in a loaded Blue Jays batting order could provide a significant boost to the 34-year-old's fantasy value if he can keep it. The biggest obstacle to a strong campaign is his ability to stay healthy -- Belt has played more than 112 games only once in the last six seasons.

Canha went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Getting the start in left field and batting sixth, Canha collected his third double of the spring, although he has yet to go yard. The veteran outfielder has gone 12-for-48 (.250) in Grapefruit League action and is locked into a starting spot for the Mets.