MLB Player News

Rizzo (back) says he expects to play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past few days, but says that it is nothing serious. His return to action will be a welcome sight for the Cubs.

Manager Terry Francona says Santana will be the primary first baseman this season, but should see time as the designated hitter as well, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The move means recently acquisition Edwin Encarnacion will serve as the main DH. Francona notes the two sluggers will flip positions every few days and expects both bats to be in the lineup on a consistent basis. Santana hit as many home runs (17) as a first baseman last season as he did as the designated hitter, despite playing 30 more games as the DH. In addition, it's reported that the switch hitter has spoken with Francona about seeing playing time in the outfield as well. Regardless, it's safe to expect solid production from Santana no matter the position.

Rizzo (back) is expected to play in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Italy, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.

Rizzo has been battling tightness in his lower back for the past several days, but it appears to be nothing of serious concern. That said, Rizzo's condition should still be monitored throughout the WBC, which runs through March 22.

Abreu has returned to spring camp and is in the lineup for Friday night's Cactus League game, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The slugger missed the last three days testifying in a smuggling case in Miami. Abreu will get back to preparing for 2017 after slashing .293/.353/.468 last season and recording at least 100 RBI for the third straight year. Expect him to see plenty of opportunities in a weak White Sox lineup this season as he aims to continue his major league success.

Rizzo (back) remains out of the Cubs' Cactus League lineup Friday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Chicago remains conservative with the Cubs' masher after scratching him from the starting order Thursday. Fantasy drafters shouldn't panic, though, as Rizzo has plenty of time to get healthy before Opening Day.

Stassi started in left field Thursday for the first time this spring and went 3-for-5 at the plate.

Stassi is off to an excellent start in his quest to win a bench job. He is hitting .636 with a 1.940 OPS in 12 plate appearances this spring.

Abreu (personal) is expected to return to the spring training lineup Friday after completing his testimony in a trial of two men accused of smuggling Cuban ballplayers illegally, according to manager Rick Renteria, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The first baseman should continue his preparation for the 2017 season. Perhaps he'll convince fantasy players to buy him with a strong showing: Abreu holds a 61.97 NFBC average draft position as of Thursday afternoon, which is a relative discount to other high-priced first basemen. Reminder: Abreu has matched or eclipsed 25 home runs, 100 RBI, a .290 batting average and a .347 OBP in each of his first three big league seasons.

Hague went 1-for-2 in Wednesday's spring training loss to Pittsburgh. He's hitting .444 (4-for-9) this spring.

Hague spent 2016 in Japan but had just a .685 OPS with the Hanshin Tigers. He's a long shot to make Minnesota 25-man roster, but a strong spring could put him in consideration for a call-up if injuries strike early in the season.

Rizzo is experiencing lower back tightness and has been scratched from the Cubs' Cactus League lineup Thursday, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports.

It appears to be a safety measure, but Chris Dominguez will replace him at first base. Rizzo's status is worth watching, but unless the injury worsens in the coming days or weeks, the 27-year-old should remain a steady first-round mixed fantasy pick.

Abreu (personal) won't return to White Sox camp until Friday, CSN Chicago's Dan Hayes reports.

He is currently testifying in court regarding a Cuban ballplayer smuggling operation, but is a witness, not a suspect, and will be back with his team this weekend. Abreu is currently going at a discount in drafts (NFBC ADP: 62), considering he has logged three straight seasons with 25-plus home runs, 100-plus RBI and a batting average north of .290.