MLB Player News

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun ran on the field before Wednesday's game "pretty close to full intensity," MLB.com reports. Calhoun will join the team in Arizona over the weekend, and he hopes to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday.

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun participated in live batting practice before Monday's game, MLB.com reports.

Calhoun is close to being able to jog on the field, according to manager Mike Scioscia. The outfielder is recovering from a sprained ankle, and he is hoping to begin a rehab assignment in about two weeks.

Judging by his pedigree and minor-league track record, C.J. Cron probably has a future in the majors, perhaps even as an everyday player. But I don't know that he's worth a roster spot in mixed leagues only two games into his career.

Yes, he's looked good so far, going 5 for 9, but power is more his game. His lack of plate discipline could make him a liability in batting average at the big-league level. Twice he got more than 500 at-bats in a minor-league season, but never did he get more than 23 walks.

Of course, he was hitting .319 for Triple-A Salt Lake at the time of his callup, but for comparison's sake, Mark Trumbo, another former Angel with poor plate discipline, hit .301 at the same level. And clearly, he hasn't offered much in the way of batting average.

Then again, Trumbo has had a place on mixed-league rosters, high batting average or not, since he first became an everyday player in 2010. But is Cron ready to deliver Trumbo-like power in his first stint in the big leagues? I'm skeptical, but I think that's his best bet for mixed league-caliber production.

I'm not saying Cron doesn't have his place in Fantasy, but when I look on the waiver wire in those formats, I see players I'd rather have, like Corey Hart, James Loney or even Lucas Duda.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu did it again. The Cuban slugger belted his 12th home run and third in seven games during a 4-3 win Sunday against the Indians.

Abreu wasted little time making an impact Sunday, as he hit a two-out solo home run off Corey Kluber in the top of the first inning, putting Chicago up 1-0. It was his only hit in four at-bats, as he struck out three times.

Abreu is batting .317 (20 for 63) with five doubles, eight home runs and 20 RBI in his last 15 games. He also has 14 runs, 19 strikeouts and two walks in that span.

Angels first baseman C.J. Cron celebrated a promotion to the majors Saturday by going 3 for 5 with a double and two RBI in his major-league debut as the Angels went on to defeat the Rangers, 5-3.

Cron began his career with an RBI single in the first inning and delivered another RBI single in the sixth to break a 3-3 tie. One of the top prospects in the Angels system, Cron hit .319/.369/.602 with six home runs and 26 RBI in 113 at-bats with Triple-A Salt Lake before his promotion.

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun told reporters he's hoping to start a minor-league rehab assignment in approximately two weeks, the Orange County Register reports. Calhoun has been sidelined since April 15 with a ligament sprain in his ankle.

Calhoun was given a four-to-six-week timetable and is no longer in a walking boot. He batted .250 with three home runs and six RBI in 60 at-bast before the injury.

The Angels announced several roster moves prior to Saturday's game against the Rangers, the Orange County Register reports. Outfielder J.B Shuck was optioned down to Triple-A Salt Lake City while first baseman C.J. Cron and third baseman Luis Jimenez were called up from Triple-A and inserted into the starting lineup.

Cron is considered as one of the team's top prospects. The 24-year-old .319 with six home runs and 26 RBI in the minors this season. Jimenez hit .304 with seven homers and 15 RBI at Triple-A.

Indians catcher Carlos Santana clubbed a home run Friday against the White Sox.

Santana got things going early, doubling in his first plate appearance. In the bottom of the second inning, he took a John Danks cutter, and sent it out to left for a solo shot. Santana would also walk later in the game. 

He finished 2 for 4, with three runs scored and two RBI. 

A hitless streak that has reached 13 at-bats and a matchup against Mariners stud Felix Hernandez has Astros first baseman Chris Carter benched Friday night.

Carter has one hit in seven career at-bats against King Felix. He is batting .153 on the season with 37 strikeouts in 85 at-bats.

Twins outfielder Chris Colabello is not in the team's starting lineup for Game 1 Thursday.

Colabello will be replaced by Sam Fuld in right field. He's hitting .295 through 95 at-bats to open the season. He should make an appearance for Game 2.