MLB Player News

Cabrera is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Even though his last 10 starts have come as a designated hitter, Cabrera will still be subject to a maintenance day every now and then while he continues to tend to a sore right knee. Manager Ron Gardenhire said a few days ago that Cabrera wouldn't play first base again this season, but the skipper rowed back those comments Sunday, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. While it sounds like Cabrera will see the overwhelming share of his duties at DH moving forward, Gardenhire said the Tigers have discussed playing the veteran at first base for the team's two-game interleague series in Pittsburgh during the upcoming week. The prospect of Cabrera seeing action for one or both of the contests in Pittsburgh may make him a more appealing fantasy lineup option than originally thought, though the Tigers will still only play five games in total for the week.

Cabrera went 3-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Cleveland.

Cabrera continues to hit well but not rack up great counting stats. The veteran is slashing .294/.357/.394, though he has just four home runs, 17 runs scored and 29 RBI through 64 games. Cabrera seems to be settling in more as a singles hitter than a power bat at age 36. He's also been hampered by a relatively weak lineup around him, which has limited his opportunities for runs and RBI. Cabrera still has some fantasy value, but he shouldn't be expected to produce like he did in his MVP-caliber years earlier this decade.

Martinez went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-2 win over Baltimore.

It was the third straight game with a homer for Martinez, who now has 16 through 62 games. He was rested for last weekend's four-game set against the Rays with recurring back spasms and has been on fire since getting back in the lineup. He's slashed .375/.464/.958 with four home runs, two doubles and six RBI in the last six games.

Blackmon went 4-for-6 with a double, three runs scored and two RBI in Saturday's 14-8 win over the Padres.

The 32-year-old led a 19-hit attack by the Rockies, Blackmon's third straight game with four hits. He's now slashing an absurd .581/.581/1.258 with five homers, 11 runs and 12 RBI through six games on the Rockies' current homestand, but all good things must come to an end -- after one more tilt against the Padres on Sunday, Colorado hits the road for nine games beginning Tuesday.

Belt went 1-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 8-7 win over the Brewers.

Belt was able to get on base twice, bringing his on-base streak up to 18 games. The 31-year-old is slashing .310/.474/.466 with two homers and 10 RBI over his impressive hot streak. Belt will have a favorable matchup against Chase Anderson (8.6 H/9 and 3.2 BB/9) in pursuit of No. 19 on Sunday.

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with an RBI, a run and a stolen base in a 4-3 victory over the Pirates on Saturday.

The three-hit performance snapped a streak where Ramirez was hitless in 10 straight at-bats. He doesn't hit for much power or take a lot of walks, but he's helping owners in batting average. Ramirez is hitting .319 with one home run, 13 RBI, 16 runs and two steals in 113 at-bats this season.

Alvarez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in a 7-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Saturday.

The 21-year-old couldn't have asked for a better start to his major-league career. He has four home runs in his first five games, and Alvarez has gone 3-for-4 in both of his last two contests. Alvarez is slashing .471/.609/1.176 with eight RBI and eight runs in 23 plate appearances in the bigs.

Reyes will sit for the second straight game Saturday against Colorado.

Reyes will sit in favor of Josh Naylor again. Naylor's .213/.213/.361 slash line can't compete with Reyes' .242/.292/.540, so it would be a surprise if that pattern continues unless Reyes is dealing with some sort of injury.

Buxton (wrist) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Buxton left Friday's contest after getting hit by a pitch in the wrist. He avoided serious injury but will get at least one day to rest. Max Kepler slides over to center field in his absence, with Marwin Gonzalez starting in right.

Winker is on the bench for the second straight game Saturday against the Rangers.

Winker will sit against lefty Mike Minor. The newly recalled Phillip Ervin will take over in left field.