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.

Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon is still expecting to make his Cactus League debut this week. 

"I'm going to try to get all facets of my game sharp in spring training," Blackmon said, per MLB.com. "I expect to run a little bit — open up the playbook a little."

Blackmon has been dealing with abdominal injury that has kept him from playing thus far. 

A year ago, Blackmon hit .288 with 19 home runs and 72 RBI.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said that Charlie Blackmon will be able to maek his spring debut within a couple days. 

The outfielder has been sidelined with abdominal tightness. 

Blackmon hit .288 with 19 home runs and 72 RBI last year. 

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.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is hoping for more consistency in 2015, according to the Denver Post. 

Blackmon had a breakout season in 2014, but admits it's hard to be on every single game. "Last year, I swung the bat really well at certain times," he said. "But you go through a lot of ups and downs over 162 games, and that was a learning experience. I think that's going to help me this year."

Blackmon said his strong start made him a target for other teams, and that may have contributed to a slight slump during the season. Blackmon added that he's hoping to hit the ball to all fields this season.

Manager Walt Weiss is hoping Blackmon can deliver more of the same. "I don't know if he necessarily has to have an encore. I'm thinking more of the same," Weiss said. "I think Charlie would say that he wants to be more consistent."

The 28-year-old Blackmon hit .288/.335/.440 over 593 at-bats last year. 

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.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hit third and started in right field for his spring debut Thursday against the Cardinals.

Stanton, who hasn't played in a game since getting hit in the face by a pitch in September, hit off coaches and participated in a few live batting practices before getting into a spring game Thursday.

“It’s been great to see him, he looks good, I know he’s in great shape and know it’s the start of the process to prepare yourself for the season,” manager Mike Redmond said, per The Palm Beach Post. “He’s on the same plan as everybody else.”