MLB Player News

Ramirez is off to a slow start at Double-A New Hampshire, hitting just .103 (3-for-29) through his first eight games.

The Jays' No. 4 outfield prospect impressed at Double-A for the Pirates organization last season before coming over to the Jays. One game into his time with the Fisher Cats, Ramirez suffered a knee injury that ended his year. The 22-year-old is expected to be MLB ready in the not too distant future, but Ramirez will certainly need to do well in 2017 if he plans to stay on track. His 34 percent strikeout rate (and three percent walk rate) offers an obvious indicator of what the Colombian native lacks -- plate discipline.

Martinez (foot) is scheduled to take batting practice Wednesday and is expected to begin running on the field Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez still looks to be a week or more away from being activated from the disabled list, but the on-field running marks an important step in the recovery process for the outfielder. Since suffering the mid-foot sprain in a March 18 Grapefruit League game, Martinez had been limited to running on a treadmill, so once he's able to show his mobility won't be an issue while covering the field, the Tigers might be able to flesh out a more defined return date. Because he's missed more than a month with the injury, Martinez will eventually require bulk at-bats during simulated games at extended spring training before his activation.

Cabrera went 1-for-4 with his third home run Tuesday, representing the entirety of the Detroit offense in a 5-1 loss at Tampa Bay.

After getting off to a 3-for-28 start without a single extra-base hit, Miggy has awoken with a five-game hitting streak that's seen him go 7-for-17 with three homers, a double and seven RBI. His stats still haven't caught up to their normal levels, but that's just a matter of time. Cabrera may be 34, but he's still one of the game's top hitters. It seems like the back pain that forced him out of Sunday's game is a non-issue, which is a relief.

Cabrera (back) is starting at first base and hitting third in Tuesday's game against the Rays, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Cabrera left Sunday's game with back pain and received treatment to help alleviate the soreness Monday, as the Tigers had the day off. Cabrera, who's slashing an uncharacteristic .220/.347/.390, will look to improve as the Tigers take on a Tampa Bay squad that's starting the right-handed Matt Andriese.

Brantley went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI in Monday's 3-1 win over the Twins.

It was Brantley's second home run of the season, and the outfielder is now slashing .268/.348/.463 with two steals, eight RBI and four runs in 46 plate appearances. The Tribe is keeping him rested by sitting him against select left-handed pitchers after he played in just 11 games in 2016 due to a shoulder injury. The good news is that the 29-year-old looks fully healthy and should provide solid numbers across the board for fantasy owners who took the plunge on him. After all, he's just three years removed from a .327-20-97 season.

Buxton is not in the lineup Monday against the Indians.

Buxton is off to a brutal start, slashing just .093/.152/.140 with 23 strikeouts through 43 at-bats, so he'll get the day off to clear his head as Max Kepler takes over in center field. He'll look to get things on track when he returns to the lineup, which should be Tuesday.

Miller went 1-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Red Sox.

The left-handed-hitting Miller is off to a slow start this year, hitting just .205 with two triples, a home run and six RBI in 13 games. He also has an unsightly 19:7 K:BB ratio in 44 at-bats. Miller certainly has power (30 homers in 2016), but he must cut down on his strikeouts in order to help fantasy owners in the average department. He is also a candidate to see days off against lefties, as he hit just .227 with three of his 30 bombs against southpaws in 2016.

Cabrera (back) will get treatment on the Tigers' off-day Monday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The veteran told reporters after Sunday's game that he has been dealing with some back tightness throughout the weekend, which attributed to his early exit against the Indians. He'll visit with the team training staff Monday in hopes that he'll be able to return to the lineup for Tuesday's series opener in Tampa Bay. If Cabrera has to sit out Tuesday, the Tigers could use Victor Martinez or Andrew Romine at first base.

Cabrera left Sunday's game against the Indians after experiencing tightness in his lower back, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Cabrera had reached second base before the Tigers' trainer was brought on the field to examine the 33-year-old. After Cabrera was pulled, JaCoby Jones entered the game to play center field while Andrew Romine shifted to first base. Cabrera also dealt with back tightness in spring training and the WBC.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Soler (oblique) could begin a rehab assignment later this week, Josh Vernier of 610 AM Sports Radio reports.

There was some thought that Soler might be cleared to play in minor league games as soon as Monday after he was able to take part in batting practice Saturday. However, since the outfielder was still experiencing some tightness with his oblique, the Royals want to give him a couple extra days off. It's not considered a major setback for Soler, who could head to the minors by the weekend if the soreness dissipates. Once he eventually rejoins the Royals, Soler will compete with Paulo Orlando for starting duties in right field.