Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: D-backs' Tomas to start in outfield Monday

Published Mar. 16, 2015 6:09 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

The Diamondbacks are keeping their options open with Cuban free-agent signee Yasmany Tomas. Tomas has played third base so far this spring, but will get his first start in right field on Monday. Tomas' defense at the hot corner has "drawn mixed reviews" so far according to the D-backs' website, while manager Chip Hale says prospect Jake Lamb is showing that "he's a possible Gold Glove-caliber third baseman." If this setup carries into the season, Tomas would likely nudge OF David Peralta out of a lineup spot. Tomas currently carries 3B eligibility in FOXSports.com leagues.

In other news ...

Zack Wheeler reportedly has a torn UCL, and Tommy John surgery appears likely. This is further proof that God hates the Mets.

Cubs' prospect Kris Bryant, who homered twice on Saturday, got Sunday off to rest a fatigued throwing shoulder. Bryant will get a chance in the outfield soon, because manager Joe Maddon likes versatility from players, especially when they figure to hit home runs every single day.

Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen missed his third straight game on Sunday due to "lower body soreness," but he's expected to be back soon.

OF Leonys Martin will bat leadoff for the Rangers.

White Sox ace Chris Sale seems to be encouraged by his recovery from a foot injury. Sale is still expected to miss his Opening Day start, though.

Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera (ankle) and DH Victor Martinez (knee) might be ready to appear in games this week.

Blue Jays OF Kevin Pillar will be shut down for at least a week with a strained oblique muscle. The Jays also hope that 1B Edwin Encarnacion will return sometime this week from his back soreness issues.

Astros OF Evan Gattis was scratched Sunday due to a right wrist issue, but it doesn't sound serious.

It sounds like the Pirates are going to bat 3B Josh Harrison first, with OF Starling Marte in the middle of the lineup.

Here's an interesting story on Carlos Martinez's quest for the Cardinals' fifth-starter slot.

Rays SP Drew Smyly (shoulder) has been out for a week, and will probably miss his first regular-season start, which had been scheduled for April 8. The Rays don't sound alarmed about Smyly's injury, but stay tuned.

The Royals are planning to bat Alcides Escobar leadoff and Lorenzo Cain third. If I was a Royals fan, that would depress me.

D-backs' catching prospect Peter O'Brien is having issues throwing the ball back to the pitcher. Uh-oh.

The D-backs still have nine rotation candidates.

Mariners SS Chris Taylor will miss four-to-six weeks with a broken right wrist. That means Brad Miller wins the shortstop job, and hopefully hits a bit more than he did in 2014, when he was mostly terrible.

The Yankees have been impressed so far with SP Nathan Eovaldi.

Speedy Reds OF Jason Bourgeois, who hoped to break camp as the team's fourth outfielder, will miss 4-6 weeks due to a broken shoulder.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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