MLB Player News

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley returned to Cactus League action on Sunday against the Rangers after missing time due to a lacerated left arm. Serving as DH, he went 0 for 2 in the 7-6 loss. Brantley has gone 5 for 8 (.625) with two RBI through four spring games. "He's fine," manager Terry Francona told MLB.com. "He's been doing stuff. He'll be just fine. He might've lost his timing a little bit, but he's got plenty of time to get it back."

Marlins outfield prospect Marcell Ozuna hit the first spring homer of his career Sunday against the Braves. Ozuna parked a two-out, three-run homer off Braves veteran Tim Hudson in the first inning. Ozuna finished 2 for 4 with two runs and one double, which was also the first spring double of his career. Ozuna is batting .364 (4 for 11) with four RBI in seven spring games.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf had to leave Sunday's spring game against the Astros in top of the sixth inning after getting hit by a pitch. Ruf said he was hit on the left triceps, but he said he feels fine after icing down the area, according to MLB.com. Ruf was 0 for 2 before leaving the game, lowering his batting average to .188 (6 for 32) in 11 spring games.

In the ultimate vote of confidence heading into the regular season, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Saturday he can now label Matt Carpenter a second baseman. Carpenter, normally a corner infielder, has transitioned to second base this spring to help get his bat in the lineup. He has yet to commit an error at the new position while boasting a .417 batting average at the plate. "We watched him early on and we were very confident that this was something he was going to be able to do. He keeps doing it," Matheny told reporters. "He looks good. He’s making the tough plays. He seems to be working well with the other middle infielders. That’s all we can ask of him."

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter -- playing mainly second base this spring as the team considers him at the position -- went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and an RBI on Friday against the Nationals. He is now batting .417 over 24 spring at-bats, and, perhaps even more importantly, has yet to make an error at his new position.

Darin Ruf, who has struggled most of the spring, led the Phillies at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort Thursday against the Twins. His double in the second inning plated two, and his single an inning later scored another run. Coming into the contest, Ruf, who is battling for a starting outfield job, was 3 for 28. "Hopefully that gets him going," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "Ruf is a good hitter. I don't worry about him going 3 for 30 or something. He might be trying a little hard. At the same time, he's all right."

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley is ready to take part in full team workouts Thursday, and could return to Cactus League play by Sunday, according to manager Terry Francona. Brantley is recovering from a lacerated left arm that required 15 stitches nearly two weeks ago. Brantley has been doing lower body conditioning drills in recent days as well.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday that Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been dealing with a right knee infection since Friday. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a few more days. Blackmon has gone 4 for 7 (.571) with two RBI and two stolen bases through four Cactus League games.

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera looked to be in mid-season form Tuesday night. Cabrera homered among his three hits and had four RBI, but Venezuela, playing hours after the death of President Hugo Chavez, lost to the Miami Marlins 6-5 in a tune-up for the World Baseball Classic. "It was hard to concentrate," Cabrera said. "We had to win. This was our promise to the country." Cabrera's two-out, two-run homer down the left-field line off Jordan Smith in the seventh gave Venezuela a 5-3 lead. The reigning AL MVP and Triple Crown winner also had two doubles, including one that scored two runs in a three-run first. "He's the best player in baseball right now. It's very good we have him on this side," manager Luis Sojo said.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt went deep again for his second home run of the spring Saturday afternoon against the Royals in Cactus League play. Belt, who was the only Giants player in the lineup who started for the 2012 World Series team, took Louis Coleman deep in the ninth inning for a solo shot. He finished 4 for 5 with a home run in a 9-5 victory. His batting average went up to .526 in Cactus League play.