MLB Player News

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.

Guerrero will make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday against the Orioles. He'll serve as the Blue Jays' designated hitter and bat sixth.

After decimating pitching at Low-A Lansing and High-A Dunedin last season to burnish his standing as one of baseball's top prospects at any level of the minors, Guerrero earned an invite to his first big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee. Since he's not under serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot with Toronto, Guerrero has been limited to taking batting practice and playing in simulated games this spring, but he'll be thrust into Grapefruit League action Thursday with manager John Gibbons opting to give several key regulars the day off. In addition to Guerrero, Bo Bichette, another premier prospect in the Blue Jays' farm system, will also make his spring debut.

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.

Stassi (back) went 2-for-2 against the Phillies on Monday.

Stassi was sidelined with back spasms in late February, but he was able to return to action and picked up right where he left off. He's now 4-for-7 (.571) on the spring. Regardless of what he does in Grapefruit League games, Stassi is expected to spend 2018 as organizational depth at Triple-A Rochester.

Gurriel (hand) is back in camp Monday and took part in a light workout, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season after undergoing surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left hand Wednesday. He reportedly went through his workout with no pain. Marwin Gonzalez is the most likely candidate to fill in at first base until Gurriel returns.

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.

Gurriel (hand) will rejoin the team Sunday after undergoing surgery earlier in the week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel had the hook of the hamate bone removed from his left hand and will miss 5-6 weeks, putting him on a mid-to-late-April return. The Astros have plenty of candidates to take his spot at first base, though we expect to see Marwin Gonzalez get the most at-bats.

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.