MLB Player News

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller blasted two home runs in Monday's 4-3 win over the Indians. So far this spring, Miller is 4 for 6 and gaining confidence at the plate, reports SeattlePI.com.

"I'll take them in singles, doubles, pairs, whatever," said Miller. "It was awesome, especially early. We know we're probably going to get a couple of at-bats, and you just want to make the most of them."

Miller is battling with Chris Taylor to become the team's shortstop when the regular season begins and was given the start Monday. Taylor also played, but at second base, with Robinson Cano away from the team after a death in the family.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has been cleared to take ground balls, MLive.com reports.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Sunday that Cabrera, who is working his way back from an ankle injury, "looked good" taking grounders Saturday. The first baseman has yet to be cleared for lateral movement.

Cabrera hit .313/.371/.524 with 25 home runs and 109 RBI in 611 at-bats in 2014.

Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who was  scratched from the lineup Thursday against Atlanta due to lower back tightness, returned to the lineup Saturday, starting in left field and hitting cleanup against the Braves, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (back) went 0 for 3 in his spring debut Thursday against the Reds.

Manager Terry Francona said Monday that Brantley was expected to make his debut Thursday, and the outfielder was able to play after dealing with a sore lower back earlier this spring. He hit .327/.385/.506 with 20 home runs, 97 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 611 at-bats last season.

Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes was scratched from the lineup Thursday against Atlanta due to lower back tightness, according to the team's official website. Cespedes was acquired in an offseason trade with the Red Sox. He hit a grand slam in his first spring training at-bat in a Tigers uniform.

Cespedes will not be in the Tigers will face the Mets on Friday in Port St. Lucie. He's likely to return Saturday against Atlanta, per the Detroit Free Press.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (ankle) has run at 72 percent body weight on the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday. Once Cabrera can run at 80 percent body weight, he will be cleared to run on flat ground and have grounders hit directly at him.

"He should be really close," Ausmus said, per the Detroit Free Press.

Cabrera participated in batting practice on the field Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"He was hitting balls 425 feet out to left-center," Ausmus said.

Yoenis Cespedes made quite the impression in his first game in a Tigers uniform Tuesday. Cespedes, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Red Sox, clubbed a grand slam in his spring debut, helping Detroit to a 15-2 win over Baltimore.

In his first at-bat, Cespedes popped out to first baseman Christian Walker in the first inning and then flied out to right field in his second at-bat. However, in his third at-bat he connected for a grand slam down the left-field line off Oliver Drake to put Detroit ahead 11-0.

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera was able to take batting practice on the field on Monday, according to mlive.com.

It was the first time this spring Cabrera was able to take BP on the field. He also ran on the AlterG treadmill the club recently ordered and received. Manager Brad Ausmus said the team has been constantly checking in with Cabrera, and knew he would be able to get back on the field a couple of days ago. When asked about Cabrera's performance, Ausmus said, "he looked good."

Cabrera came into camp limited with an ankle injury. He's working his way back and hopes to be ready for opening day. The 31-year-old hit .313/.371/.524 over 611 at-bats last year. 

Indians manager Terry Francona said Monday outfielder Michael Brantley (back) will likely make his spring debut Thursday against the Reds, per MLB.com. He added second baseman Jason Kipnis (hand) might not be far behind.

Francona also said Brandon Moss (hip) might be slightly ahead of a mid-March estimate to make his spring debut. However, the mid-March timetable for Nick Swisher (knees) hasn't changed.

Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes said he feels comfortable in Detroit and wants to remain a Tiger for a long time, reports the Detroit Free Press.

"I would like to be in a Tigers uniform for a lot of years," he said. "This is a good team now and will be for a lot of years to come."