MLB Player News

Freeman is 6-for-20 (.300) with one RBI and three extra-base hits through eight spring training games.

Freeman seems locked in and ready to go after putting up impressive numbers through the first weeks of spring training. He looks to have yet another big season ahead after slashing .307/.403/.586 with 28 home runs and 71 RBI in just 117 games in 2017. The 28-year-old will begin the year as Atlanta's starting first baseman, barring injury.

Bour (back) is starting at first base and batting fourth in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Marc Carig of The Athletic New York reports.

Bour was scratched from Saturday's contest due to back spasms, but the first baseman is set to re-enter the action after a day off. He'll look to carry over his career-best performance from 2017 into the new season.

Smith (quad) is now expected to begin the season in the minors, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

The Mets brought in veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to push Smith and motivate him, but instead the 22-year-old prospect has effectively taken himself out of the running with his inability to get healthy this spring. "He hadn't been competing, so no, really not a competition right now," manager Mickey Callaway said Saturday. Smith still figures in the organization's long-term plans, but even if he's 100 percent by Opening Day, it looks like he'll need to regroup down at Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the season before getting another chance in the majors.

Bour was scratched from Saturday's spring game due to back spasms, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Bour should be considered day-to-day at this time. The Marlins didn't release any additional information regarding his status and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team hold him out for a couple days in order to make sure he's at full health before being inserted back into the lineup.

Flores went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

The 26-year-old appears set for a utility role once again in 2018 after the Mets brought in Todd Frazier to man third base, but Flores has slugged at least 16 homers in each of the last three seasons, proving he can still deliver some fantasy value in that role. There are also paths to regular playing time for him as well, particularly if Adrian Gonzalez needs a platoon partner at first base, and if an injury opens up a starting spot, Flores would immediately become a priority FAAB target in shallower mixed leagues.

Smith (quadriceps) will have a tough time getting up to speed by Opening Day, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Smith has been out with a strained right quadriceps since February 25th, but has been jogging and taking batting practice and appears ready to take the field again soon. Contrary to previous reports, he's still considered day-to-day and won't necessarily be ready to go by Sunday. If he's not fully healthy by Opening Day, Adrian Gonzalez will win the first base battle by default, though Smith could still become the primary starter at some point later in the season.

Smith (quadriceps) is scheduled to return to Grapefruit League action against the Astros on Sunday, Jon Morosi of the MLB Network reports.

Smith has been sidelined with a strained right quadriceps since Feb. 25, but he appears to be nearing full health after participating in batting drills over the past week. The first baseman has only been able to compete in one spring game thus far, registering just one at-bat, so these next couple weeks will be crucial in showing the organization that he deserves the starting gig at first base over Adrian Gonzalez.

Smith (quadriceps) has been swinging freely since Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The first base prospect got through a full batting practice session Tuesday without issue, so it seems like he's nearing a return to game action. No word has come forth as to exactly when he'll re-enter Grapefruit League action, but more information should emerge as he ramps up his activity even further.

Smith (quad) is scheduled to take batting practice Sunday, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Smith resumed jogging three days ago for the first time since the injury, and hitting the cages is a step in the right direction. Though he's expected to take a back seat to Adrian Gonzalez in the first base battle, Smith could certainly help his case for reps with an early return to game action.

Cabrera is a candidate to hit leadoff this season, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. "He keeps getting hits to start off the game, so that is good," new Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. "He is definitely going to be considered for [leadoff]."

The team doesn't have any obvious leadoff hitters in its projected Opening Day lineup, making Cabrera as likely an option as any from among a group that includes Brandon Nimmo, Todd Frazier and Jose Reyes. Cabrera's .331 career OBP isn't ideal, but he posted a .351 figure last season and his fantasy value would get a bump if the veteran infielder does claim a spot at the top of the batting order.