MLB Player News

Manager Brad Ausmus said Sunday that the Tigers are hopeful Martinez (foot) will return from the 10-day disabled list later in April or in early May, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez is gradually increasing the intensity of his workouts, most recently running at about 40-to-60 percent strength Friday. He's scheduled to run again Monday, and if his sprained right foot checks out fine, the 29-year-old could soon be sent out for a rehab assignment. With the Tigers recently placing Miguel Cabrera (groin) on the DL, the team could certainly benefit from Martinez's return sooner rather than later.

Brantley is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Brantley has started seven of the last eight games, and with the White Sox bringing left-hander Derek Holland to the hill Sunday, manager Terry Francona decided it was an opportune time to give the veteran outfielder a day off. Brandon Guyer will fill in for Brantley in left field and bat third in the order.

Buxton is not in the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton has shown some improvement the last three games with two hits in eight at-bats, but he still struck out four times. The young outfielder's season-long struggles (6-for-58 with 27 strikeouts) have resulted in him getting more frequent days off, but the Twins have said they aren't yet ready to send him back to the minors for further refinement.

Brantley went 2-for-5 with a a two-run home run and two runs during Saturday's win over the White Sox.

After a lost 2016 campaign, Brantley is proving the shoulder injury is a thing of the past with a .310/.385/.517 slash line, nine runs, three home runs, 11 RBI and three stolen bases. His cross-category contributions make him a valuable asset and hitting in the heart of a potent lineup helps his fantasy floor.

Vargas was recalled Sunday from Triple-A Rochester, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

The Twins won't need a fifth starter until May 6, so the team optioned Adalberto Mejia to Triple-A to open up a spot on the active roster for Vargas. Look for the slugger to serve as a power bat off the bench, as Robbie Grossman has performed well enough to hold on to an everyday gig at designated hitter.

McCutchen went 1-for-2 with a home run, a stolen base, two walks and two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Yankees.

McCutchen got the Pirates on the board with his first-inning homer. He's hitting just .262 this month, and so far he's looking like the same hitter he was during his disappointing 2016 campaign. Until he shows signs of a breakout, he'll be difficult to count on as a top-line fantasy starter.

Cespedes (hamstring) isn't expected to play Sunday against the Nationals, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

If Cespedes sits out Sunday, it will mark the third consecutive day that he's been absent from the lineup. Although the club had said that Cespedes would sit out two or three games to rest his hamstring, owners will want to continue monitoring his status. Until Cespedes returns, Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto will likely split time in left field.

Cabrera (groin) is expected to return from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Prior to being diagnosed with a Grade 1 or Grade 2 groin strain, Cabrera had been battling a back injury through the early stage of the season. However, despite Cabrera's rough start, the Tigers are optimistic that 10 days of rest will be enough for him to recover. Until Cabrera is ready to come off the DL, John Hicks should see the bulk of the time at first base.

Belt went 2-for-4 with a walk and his fourth home run of the season in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Rockies.

The veteran first baseman extended his hitting streak to six games with the effort. He's batting just .238 through the first few weeks of the season, but his .351 on-base percentage is right where owners would expect it to be. Belt's ability to get on base coupled with his new spot batting second in the order has led to an early influx of runs (10) to complement his modest power.

Carpenter is one of the players manager Mike Matheny is considering for occasional starts at third base in the wake of Jhonny Peralta (upper respiratory illness) heading to the disabled list, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "We're not ruling that out as an option," said Matheny.

The former third baseman has been taking grounders at third in the last few days in anticipation, although he continues to draw starts at first base. Occasional deployment of Carpenter at the hot corner would presumably shift Jedd Gyorko to first or give fellow left-handed bat Matt Adams a chance for extra playing time.