MLB Player News

Reed went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI during Sunday's Grapefruit League win over Pittsburgh.

The 22-year-old hit sixth in the lineup and played nine innings at first base during the game, while Tyler White was the DH and Matt Duffy played third base. Reed is hitting .400 (4-for-10) through four spring appearances as the competition for Houston's starting first base job heats up. It's important to note, however, that the Astros under general manager Jeff Luhnow have yet to call up a position player who lacks experience at the Triple-A level.

Belt (illness) hopes to resume playing in games Wednesday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt sat out the last few days with an illness and is still is not 100 percent healthy, but he should return to action later this week. Don't expect the illness to be an issue any longer once is back on the field.

Brantley (shoulder) had his shoulder examined Sunday in an effort to give the Indians a better idea on the next step in his rehab program, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

It's important to note that the examination wasn't triggered by any sort of setback or discomfort but likely to give the Indians medical staff some clarity as they look to progress Brantley's rehab forward.

Canha (back) is progressing and his back felt fine with swinging a bat Saturday, reports Joe Stiglich of CSN California.

Canha has missed the first few games of the spring and will hit off a tee on Sunday. After a surprising breakout in 2015 with 16 homers and 70 RBI, he is in a battle for playing time and a possibly even a spot on the roster coming into the spring. Any extended time missed could be a detriment to his chances to break camp with the team considering he still has options available.

Turner (knee) received six at-bats in a minor league game Saturday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Turner has been working to return to the field all winter since receiving microfracture surgery in November. This is another step in his comeback, which should include major league spring training games sometime this week. Barring setbacks, the 31-year-old remains on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Brantley (shoulder) tracked live pitching in a batting practice session, but has not progressed to taking any swings, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

All signs continue to point toward an earlier-than-expected return for Brantley, but it's important to note that he hasn't taken any swings against live pitching to date. A return for Opening Day still seems out of the picture, but a mid-April return may be in the cards.

Belt was scratched from Saturday's game with a sinus infection, MLB.com's Chris Haft reports.

The ailment sounds quite minor, so it should not affect his status for Opening Day. Look for him to get back into Cactus League action next week.

Turner (knee) expects to make his spring debut early next week, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Everything seems to be going according to plan for Turner, who is working his way back from microfracture knee surgery. He entered camp having not experienced any setbacks since the October procedure, and has successfully ramped up his activity in the past couple weeks. Manager Dave Roberts has said Turner is on track for Opening Day.

Harper went 1-for-2 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over the Mets.

The Nationals went five for five on stolen base attempts in the game, and even this early in the exhibition schedule it looks like new manager Dusty Baker and first base coach Davey Lopes are putting a lot of emphasis of staying active on the base paths. Harper stole 18 bases on 24 attempts as a rookie, but he's gone just 19-for-29 in the three seasons since in an effort to avoid sliding injuries. With Baker and Lopes giving him more green lights, however, Harper is still capable of threatening 20 steals in 2016. Don't count on him to contribute in that category, but he could very well surprise.

Vogelbach will bat eighth in the Cubs' spring opener Thursday, the team's official site reports.

Vogelbach will be the designated hitter Thursday, a position he might need to get used to. While no one doubts his bat, he really doesn't have a position to play. When the time comes for the Cubs to trade prospects for pitching, Vogelbach may be the first one to go.