MLB Player News

Buxton will not be the Twins' leadoff hitter this season because his bat is "too valuable" according to manager Paul Molitor, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Buxton hit third in the spring game prior to Molitor's announcement, and that could be where he winds up come Opening Day. He has been showing solid power (.500 slugging percentage) this spring and his combination of speed and power would be a boon anywhere in the upper half of a lineup. Buxton hit 10 home runs in September alone last year, so it makes sense that the Twins would try and put him in a position to hit with more runners on base.

Vargas left Friday's game after fouling a ball off his foot and bruising it, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Luckily for Vargas it doesn't sound like this will be a long-term injury, as he needs to get at-bats in before spring training ends. Still, his recovery will be worth watching, because every day Vargas misses is another chance for Byungho Park to make his case for the Twins' starting designated hitter job.

Vargas limped off the field in obvious pain after a flyout during Friday's spring training game, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Vargas was slated to get as many at-bats as possible before the regular season starts as he didn't get much playing time during Puerto Rico's WBC run. This early exit wasn't about rust or a lack of conditioning -- Vargas fouled a ball off his shin -- but regardless, if he misses significant time, this injury might just open the door for Byungho Park to grab the Twins' DH job.

Martinez (foot) sprained his lisfranc ligament and will be out 3-4 weeks, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

This is a tough blow for Martinez, who injured his foot making a diving catch in a recent Grapefruit League game. The 29-year-old will now head to the DL to start the season, with his return likely falling somewhere in mid-April. With his absence looming, JaCoby Jones and Steven Moya could possibly be short-term replacements in right field to start the season.

Choi was reassigned to minor league camp Friday, Brendan Kuty of The Star-Ledger reports.

The former Angel signed with the Yankees hoping to catch on with the big-league club out of camp, but he fell short. Choi could work his way into at-bats later this season as a reserve or an emergency starter, though he sits behind Greg Bird, Chris Carter, Tyler Austin and Rob Refsnyder, at minimum, in the first base hierarchy.

Brantley is not in the Indians' Cactus League lineup Friday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

No reason for concern was reported, so Cleveland likely is taking it easy with Brantley, who's 3-for-9 through his first three spring games following his debut earlier in the week. Getting him a bit more rest late in spring training and possibly early in the regular season is prudent management as he returns from his shoulder injury. It may limit his value early in 2017, but his potential for returning to MVP-candidate form is increasing his fantasy draft stock.

Vogelbach was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Vogelbach and Danny Valencia were expected to split time at first base to open the season. The 24-year-old struggled this spring, however, slashing just .228/.313/.333 with 19 strikeouts in 57 at-bats. He also went just 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in his major league debut last season, so it appears the Mariners believe he could use some work before making the full-time jump.

Carpenter went 2-for-3 with four RBI from a sacrifice fly, RBI single and two-run triple in Wednesday's 6-1 Grapefruit League win over the Nationals.

Carpenter looks fully recovered from the back woes that plagued him last week, and is enjoying his spot in the middle of the order after hitting leadoff in the past. The Cardinals' starting first baseman is now hitting .333 (5-for-15) with a triple, home run, seven RBI, two walks and a run over nine spring games.

Cabrera (back) said he won't play until Friday at the earliest, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera apparently felt a pop in his back during the first WBC game and has been receiving daily treatment ever since, though he also noted that it's feeling better. Friday may seem slightly optimistic for his return, as the Tigers don't have any plans to rush their star back. Detroit isn't worried about his status at this point, but that may change if he doesn't return to action relatively soon.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Wednesday during Team USA's victory over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Cutch poked clutch RBI singles in the fifth and eighth innings as the United States went on to win 8-0, and the veteran went 5-for-21 with five RBI during the WBC. His fantasy stock may remain a bit undervalued in many circles, presenting a potentially profitable buying opportunity in mixed leagues.