MLB Player News

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.

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.

Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 1 for 3 with two RBI during the Marlins' Grapefruit League opener against St. Louis on Saturday. Stanton assumed the third spot in the batting order and patrolled right field as he showed no limitations after being plunked in the head by a fastball during a simulated game earlier this week. Precautionary X-rays returned negative and Stanton is expected to maintain his regular training schedule.

Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt is in Phillies' camp through March 20 as a special instructor. He spoke with MLB.com Thursday about a variety of topics, including Darin Ruf, who is in competition to be the team's everyday left fielder. “At this point I’m a big fan," Schmidt said. "I think he opened a lot of eyes when he came up. I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I would guess they want him to play. I just like him. He’s a great young kid. He has no fear as a hitter against tough right-handers. You see that sometimes. He can give you a hell of an at-bat against a nasty right-handed pitcher. He’s very mature for 26. I wouldn’t discount him being your opening day starter (in left field). Let’s wait and see. He has everything you need to win that job.”

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton told reporters Thursday X-rays were negative after he was hit in the head Wednesday during a simulated game. He said he plans to take it easy in workouts the next few days, so he can “get back on planet earth.’’ Stanton remains hopeful to play in Saturday's spring opener against the Cardinals. “I was pretty loopy, I must say, yesterday, but for the most part I feel fine,” Stanton said, per The Palm Beach Post. “We’re going to see how a bunch of activity in the weight room goes. I’d like to at least get some hitting in today, but it’s probably smarter not to do much.’’

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went for further evaluation Wednesday after being hit in the head by a fastball from prospect Jose Fernandez during a simulated game. Stanton said the pitch hit him at the base of the head and top of the neck before glancing off his helmet. He remained on his feet and walked off the field under his own power. He even signed a few autographs before being escorted to the locker room via golf cart for further evaluation. “I wasn’t dizzy. I saw a little grayness, fuzziness on the outside of my eyes, but it is subsiding now,” Stanton said less than an hour after the incident, per the Sun-Sentinel.

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez said he is working on a new batting grip that has alleviated tension on his left hand and should keep him healthy during spring training. Martinez started choking up slightly above the barrel of the bat after having surgery last season to remove the hamate bone in his left hand, an injury that was caused by the bat digging into his palm. "At the beginning, it was weird," he told MLB.com on Monday. "I was kind of resistant to it. I felt a relief when I did it, though. The next day wasn't as sore. That's probably it. I started doing it and once you start swinging, you get used to it."

Oakland left fielder Yoenis Cespedes doesn't really care too much for being the designated hitter, reports the Contra Costa Times Sunday. With the arrival of Chris Young, A's manager Bob Melvin has talked about using a four-man outfield -- Coco Crips and Josh Reddick -- in a sort of rotation with the odd man out serving as the DH. Cespedes does not want to DH unless it is due to rest or injury. “As a player, to be the DH, I don’t like it too much,’’ Cespedes said through interpreter Ariel Prieto Sunday morning before the club’s first full workout. “If I’m hurt, that’s the only way I like it, to pick up some days as the DH."

Since there's no Quadruple Crown in baseball, it will be awfully tough for Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera to top his performance from 2012. The Tigers slugger puts plenty of pressure on himself to help his team win, but when it comes to individual achievements, his approach is pretty low key. "I always believe you can be consistent," he said Friday. "I don't know if you're going to get better, but my goal is always to be consistent." Cabrera hit .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBI last season to win the Triple Crown and the AL MVP award.

Cubs prospect Jorge Soler has impressed since signing a nine-year deal last June and showed off his power on his first day of spring training. While Soler hopes to be in the majors as early as next season, manager Dale Sveum reiterated to the Chicago Tribune on Friday that the club will not rush the 20-year-old. "Guys like him, they haven't played that much baseball," Sveum said. "They've done a lot of things obviously and we all know about the tools. But fast track? There's no reason to do that. He still has to play and learn so much and face better pitchers on a consistent basis, older pitchers who can do things. That experience factor comes in handy."