MLB Player News

Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and his first home run this spring Thursday.

Baez is one of the most interesting players to watch in Cubs camp, as he's fighting to make the team as a backup all over the diamond. While the home run is nice, he also has a 0:5 BB:K in 15 at-bats this spring.

Tejada, who entered the game when Asdrubal Cabrera was forced out with an injury, homered Thursday against the Cardinals. He could be in line for more time if Cabrera is sidelined due to the injury.

Cabrera is due for an MRI on his sore left knee. If the scan shows anything other than some soreness, he could miss some time. Tejada and Wilmer Flores would split time at the position. There has been some rumblings that Tejada could be in danger of getting waived or traded due to his $3 million salary, but any extended absence by Cabrera could keep Tejada in New York.

Cecchini made his first game appearance Wednesday after reportedly dealing with some back issues, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

It wasn't known that the young shortstop was dealing with an ailment, but it's good to see that he's good to go for game action. It's unlikely that Cecchini will make the major league roster out of camp, but the added experience against major league pitching that he's getting during spring training is definitely nice.

Diaz had a huge day Tuesday in his first start since news of Jhonny Peralta's injury broke, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored.

Diaz was signed out of Cuba in 2014. He missed nearly two full years of games in coming to the United States but hit well across Double-A and Triple-A last season, slashing .278/.339/.445. It's just spring training but the 25-year-old could play his way into a starting role by Opening Day with a good enough spring. Diaz has the ability to be a 15/15 guy if he can cut it as an MLB regular.

Crawford (shoulder) will make his first spring start at shortstop Wednesday, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports.

The Giants waned to limit Crawford's throwing earlier this spring, but his shoulder is healthy enough to be deployed at his natural position Wednesday. He may get more days off than the Giants' other regulars over the next couple weeks, but Crawford is expected to be a full go once the regular season commences.

Arcia is holding up well in major league camp, going 2-for-8 with a double and two strikeouts through four spring games.

General manager David Stearns said that Arcia will not make the major league club out of spring training this season, but it is promising to see that he can hold up against major league-caliber pitching. The Brewers' top prospect will likely start in Triple-A, but if he can continue to hit well, Arcia could crack the major league roster at some point in 2016.

Diaz is likely to see some starts at the shortstop position while Jhonny Peralta is out with a hand injury.

The Cardinals originally planned on having Jedd Gyorko face lefties in a platoon with Kolten Wong at second base. However, with Peralta now out 2-to-3 months, Gyorko will take over as the everyday shortstop and Diaz will receive most of the starts against left-handed pitching. The 25-year-old will hit near the bottom of the lineup when he starts and has no major league experience, making it questionable how valuable he can be for fantasy owners.

Baez is 1-for-4 with one run and one stolen base through two games this spring.

Baez has been getting starts at both center field and first base in an attempt to increase his versatility in order to get him more playing time and improve the Cubs' depth. If Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, or Ben Zobrist were to suffer an injury, Baez would likely be the next man up and receive plenty of starts. The 23-year-old remains a high-upside player who will be a key reserve for the Cubs in 2016.

Baez played first base Friday and handled all of his chances without making an error.

Baez, who singled and stole a base, was making his spring debut at first base after struggling in center field Thursday. If he makes the team, he'll be a backup at every position except catcher and pitcher.

Baez struggled in his start in center field in the Cubs' spring opener Thursday, the team's official site reports.

The Brewers' first three hitters went to Baez, starting with a triple off the wall that Baez had trouble tracking and ending with a dropped fly ball in which he called off the right fielder. It was quite an adventure, but he's still learning the position. He's not going to win the job in camp, but if he can prove he can play center he should make the team.