MLB Player News

Bell went 1-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and one run scored Tuesday against the Phillies.

Bell's home run was his fourth of spring training and came against Jake Arrieta. His ability to hit for power in 2017, his first full season in the major leagues, was a nice surprise as his .211 ISO was his highest mark at any professional level. He did sacrifice plate discipline as a result, but he has struck out just six times in 51 at-bats this spring while still producing eight extra-base hits. That development is an encouraging sign that he can build off his 2017 season by maintaining his home run production while also improving his batting average and runs total. Bell is expected to bat cleanup for the Bucs.

Flores will not be in Thursday's Opening Day lineup against St. Louis, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

In an expected move with right-hander Carlos Martinez on the mound for the Cardinals, manager Mickey Callaway elected to start Adrian Gonzalez at first base. Earlier this week, Callaway confirmed that Flores will see time against righties, but Gonzalez will likely start a majority of those contests.

Goldschmidt was struck in the helmet by a pitch during a minor-league game Sunday against the Rockies, but he was uninjured and remained in the contest for two more plate appearances, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The hit by pitch may have caused some anxious moments for the Diamondbacks, but the fact Goldschmidt remained in the contest suggests that he'll be fine for Opening Day. Goldschmidt concluded spring training with a .275/.362/.787 slash line and homered twice in 40 at-bats during Cactus League action.

Smith (quad) will remain in extended spring training at the start of the season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith has been limited to just one game this spring while battling a quad strain. He'll spend some time in extended spring and then presumably at Triple-A Las Vegas before pushing for a return to the big leagues. It's a disappointing start to the year for the 22-year-old, who was expected to have a good chance to open as the Mets' starting first baseman. Wilmer Flores and Adrian Gonzalez appear in line to have a fairly even split on playing time at first base to start the season. Gonzalez won't be much of an obstacle for Smith later this season, but Flores has a chance to gain a larger share of that role, and he is probably a better overall player than Smith at this stage.

Cooper was informed Sunday that he's made the Marlins' Opening Day roster, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Cooper is in the midst of a productive first spring camp with the Marlins, going 15-for-52 with three home runs. He'll likely serve as a pinch-hitting option most of the time, but the 27-year-old can also take the field at first base and both corner-outfield spots.

Dixon was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

Dixon will unfortunately miss out on an Opening Day roster spot despite putting together a strong spring camp in which he went 14-for-43 with four home runs and four stolen bases. He'll begin the year at Triple-A Louisville with the hope of playing his way back to the majors.

Blandino was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Blandino -- who went 12-for-37 (.324) this spring -- did his best to work his way onto the Opening Day roster in a utility role, but the Reds ultimately decided it was best for the 25-year-old to begin the season in the minor leagues. His demotion to Triple-A likely means Phil Gosselin will crack the 25-man roster in a bench capacity. An inseason injury to one of the Reds' regulars could provide Blandino an opportunity to make his way back to the majors.

Cabrera (mouth) will start at second base and bat fifth in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera was unavailable for two days earlier last week following a dental procedure, but he's in fine condition now after logging nine at-bats in two games over the past three days. DiComo notes that the Mets' lineup for the Grapefruit League finale is a good approximation of what the club will roll with Opening Day against the Cardinals on March 29, so look for Cabrera to regularly slot in fifth in the order in the early part of the season.

Cooper went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

There may not be room on the 25-man roster for Cooper, but the 27-year-old hasn't hurt his chances with his performance at the plate this spring, slashing .294/.321/.510 with three homers in 22 games. If he does break camp with the big club, Cooper would primarily serve as a pinch hitter while seeing occasional action in the field at first base and at the outfield corners. He had a big 2017 at Triple-A Colorado Springs in the Rockies' system, but he has yet to prove he can produce either in the majors or at a lower altitude.

Voit was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Voit played in 62 games for the Cardinals during his first taste of the big leagues last season, hitting .246/.306/.430 with four home runs and 18 RBI. After a hot start to spring training, the first baseman cooled off over the past few weeks and gave the organization reason to believe that he could use a little more time in the minors. Instead, St. Louis will keep Jose Martinez on the Opening Day roster as a backup to Matt Carpenter at first base, as well as someone who can handle duties in the outfield.