MLB Player News

Brantley (ankle) was out running sprints prior to Cleveland's game against the Twins on Thursday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

The club is still planning on inserting Brantley into one of this weekend's games, but that could be a tad optimistic since he has only tested the ankle a few times in recent days, following a shutdown from all running activities Sept. 20. The fact that he was able to make cuts during his running session is obviously a good sign, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to take the field this weekend, for the first time since early August.

Buxton is not in the lineup Thursday against Cleveland, MLBpressbox.com reports.

Buxton will retreat to the bench for the first time since early September now that Minnesota has officially clinched a playoff spot, while Zack Granite picks up a start in center. Over the course of the month, Buxton is hitting .280/.343/.484 with three home runs and 13 RBI.

The Indians are aiming to get Brantley (ankle) into a game this weekend, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This is a bit surprising, as Brantley just resumed light jogging Wednesday following a prolonged shutdown period. Regardless, the team seems to think Brantley can progress enough in the coming days to get back onto the field and make his case for a spot on the ALDS roster. Brantley has battled ankle issues throughout the season after missing nearly all of last year due to shoulder troubles.

Cabrera (back) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Royals.

Having been eliminated from playoff contention, the Tigers have no need to take any chances with Cabrera, who's dealing with two herniated discs in his back. They've yet to indicate whether or not they plan on having Cabrera return before the season comes to an end, so consider him day-to-day until further notice. Efren Navarro will start at first base and hit sixth Wednesday.

Brantley (ankle) participated in jogging exercises Wednesday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

A week ago, Brantley was shut down from running. The expectation was that he'd be able to resume activity in 7-to-10 days, so his participation in jogging exercises Wednesday is in line with what his level of activity should be given his status. With a return during the regular season out of the question, Brantley's focus is on being able to return at some point during the postseason, so long as the Indians manage to advance far enough.

Cabrera will get a second opinion on his injured back, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

An MRI on Sunday revealed Cabrera has two herniated discs in his back, but the 34-year-old wants to be certain before determining his next step. The Tigers haven't ruled out a return over the weekend, but with the team already out of playoff contention, they figure to be cautious with the veteran. He has been bothered by back issues all season.

Cabrera (back) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals.

This should come as little surprise after it was announced Sunday that Cabrera is dealing with two herniated discs in his back. The Tigers haven't said he is done for the season, but with the team not in the hunt for the playoffs, they figure to be cautious with him and could ultimately decide to shut him down.

Miller is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays are sending out a righty-heavy lineup against left-hander Jordan Montgomery, so Miller will start on the bench. In his place, Daniel Robertson will start at the keystone and bat eighth.

Goins went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs during Monday's game against Boston.

This represents just his third game with more than two hits this season. Although his .235 batting average for the year is unattractive, the infielder is sporting a decent .268 mark in September while tallying three homers, nine RBI and nine runs during the month. Goins' volume of playing time makes him worth consideration in some formats.

An MRI on Cabrera's back revealed two herniated discs Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera exited Saturday's game with back tightness and has now been officially diagnosed with a pair of herniated discs. According to Beck's report, Cabrera could play again this season, but it would likely be as the team's designated hitter. With the Tigers clearly out of playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see them proceed cautiously with their 34-year-old first baseman.