MLB Player News

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (forearm) has resumed lower body conditioning drills and is expected to begin gripping a bat over the weekend, the team announced Friday. Brantley was expected to be out of commission for 10 days after receiving 15 stitches for a lacerated left forearm last Tuesday. He is also expected to resume limited baseball-related activities next week, but there is no timetable for his return to Cactus League play.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf was back in the lineup Thursday against the Braves after getting a few days off because of arm soreness. Unfortunately, it wasn't a memorable return. Ruf had another defensive blunder as he continues to learn to play in left field. "Darin is going to make some mistakes," manager Charlie Manuel said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Hopefully he can just keep working and see how much he can improve before the end of the spring." On a positive note, Ruf ended a 0-for-10 slump to begin the spring and finished 2 for 3 with one double and one RBI. "That's good," Manuel said, "0 for 10 doesn't faze me."

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said outfield Darin Ruf is dealing with arm soreness as a result of switching positions from first base to left field. "My arm just wasn't used to that yet," Ruf said. "It was a little sore in the bicep area. It's normal. It was feeling great today." Ruf is expected to play Thursday and hopefully snap out of his 0-for-9 slump to begin the spring. "He needs to get a hit and he'll be all right," Manuel said. "He's trying a little too hard."

MLB.com reports Astros manager Bo Porter said Wednesday he intends to play outfielder J.D. Martinez in right field this spring. Martinez doesn't have much experience in the majors playing right field, but he saw enough time in the minors playing the position. "He played a lot of right field coming up and he has a strong arm," Porter said. The Astros need Martinez to increase his versatility with Chris Carter getting every chance to win the starting left field job. "It's something we're going to look at early on in camp and make sure that it's comfortable," Porter said of Martinez. "It gives us other options as far as lineup construction when you face that tough lefty and run three guys out there who can change the game in one swing."

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate during Tuesday's spring game against the Braves. Harper doubled twice, including one off Mike Minor in the first inning, and scored twice. Harper is batting .750 (6 for 8) through his first three spring games.

Indians manager Terry Francona said Tuesday outfielder Michael Brantley received 15 stitches for a lacerated left forearm. Brantley sustained the injury after being spiked during a spring game Monday. Francona said Brantley will be shut down for three days and out at least 10 days. "This isn't going to be anything that alters anything," Francona said.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley received stitches in his left forearm after being spiked in Monday's Cactus League game against during the A's. He was spiked by third baseman Josh Donaldson in a play that ended the third inning. Brantley, who went 1 for 2 with an RBI before the early exit, was taken to a hospital and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. "I don't know how many stitches and you never like any injury, but in this case there was some relief on my part," manager Terry Francona said.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been a huge letdown in his first two seasons in the majors, but he's not ready to give up. "I want to reach my potential," he told The Oakland Tribune. The Giants also feel Belt can eventually meet and hopefully surpass expectations. "He continues to learn as a hitter, and the better hitter he becomes, the more power you're going to see," general manager Brian Sabean said. "And he's very much on the path to being a Gold Glove first baseman. The sky's the limit for him."

Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon is focusing on one objective during spring training this year: staying healthy. Last season, Blackmon battled a nagging turf toe injury that prevented him from competing for a spot on the opening day roster and he began the season in Triple-A. "Last year, I was in a good position and then I got hurt -- but that's part of the game, staying healthy," Blackmon told MLB.com on Sunday. "I'm not going to tell you that's anybody's fault. That's something I've got to overcome."

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez finished 1 for 2 with a single and a run scored during Houston's 8-3 victory over Philadelphia in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Martinez served as the starting left fielder and slotted fifth in the batting order as he prepares for his third major-league season. After being limited to just 113 games last year because of a hand injury, he is competing for a starting job to begin the regular season.