MLB Player News

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.

Voit, who went 1-for-4 with a run in Thursday's 3-3 Grapefruit League tie with the Twins, is hitting .412 (7-for-17) with two doubles, four RBI, two walks and three runs in six spring training games.

It's an excellent start to a pivotal exhibition season for Voit, who proactively undertook a number of initiatives this offseason designed to up his chances of sticking on the 25-man roster. The 27-year-old put in work at learning both corner infield spots, implemented a dietary regimen that led to a 15-pound weight loss and is currently working on a swing adjustment in spring training that's intended to increase his overall contact rate. Voit was serviceable in his first regular-season exposure to major-league pitching in 2017, slashing .246/.306/.430 with nine doubles, four home runs and 18 RBI across 124 plate appearances. However, a bloated 25.0 percent strikeout rate and a corresponding mediocre 73.0 percent contact rate conspired to cap his overall success with the bat, something Voit is hoping his new approach will go a long way towards correcting. If early returns are any indication, the revised swing is already paying dividends.

Smith was able to jog for the first time since suffering a strained right quadriceps last weekend, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Following his jog, Smith said that he was doing well and that there was no setback to his initial injury. He was also able to hit and participate in a few drills. The Mets released a typical medical update Thursday which stated a "gradual return to baseball activity" for Smith. He will remain sidelined for the time being as Adrian Gonzalez figures to continue starting at first base.

Joseph is swapping between left field and right field in Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The ploy could be an attempt to test out Joseph's versatility at multiple outfield positions, though it could also be an attempt to hide his glove in the spots least likely for a ball to be hit to. Either way, the fact that the Phillies are experimenting with Joseph indicates that they want to give him a fair shot at making the team this spring. He's currently not a favorite to win a bench role, but if he hits and takes reasonably well to the outfield, it would help his chances of sticking around.

Joseph is in the lineup as the left fielder Tuesday against the Tigers, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.

Joseph has never played in the outfield at any point in his professional career. The breakout of Rhys Hoskins and the signing of Carlos Santana mean that Joseph is unlikely to make the roster as a first baseman this year. His outfield tryout seems like an effort to give him one last chance to stick on the roster, as there could be a role for him as a fifth outfielder and pinch hitter. Even in that role, however, his at-bats are likely to be limited, leaving him with little fantasy value barring an injury to a Phillies starter.