Cleveland's Reyes still smashing baseballs in Cactus League

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland's Franmil Reyes strikes out quite a bit and isn't a particularly good defensive outfielder.

But the Indians slugger is showing once again that he can smash baseballs a long, long way.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Reyes has flashed prodigious power during his short big-league career and is doing it again this spring in the Cactus League. He's 9-for-18 through Wednesday's games with three homers and four doubles.

Reyes is coming off a 37-homer season, splitting time between the Padres and Indians after getting traded midseason. The 24-year-old is trying to improve as an outfielder, but the move to the American League means he can provide value as a designated hitter, too.

The Indians hope to improve on last year's 93-win season that left them just short of the playoffs. If Reyes can be an anchor in the middle of the lineup, it certainly would help the cause.

Here are a few other players who are playing well in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues (through Wednesday's games):

BALTIMORE ORIOLES, 1B CHRIS DAVIS

Davis was once one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. Two brutal seasons in a row make those days feel like a long time ago.

But a Grapefruit League mini-renaissance has Davis hopeful better days are ahead.

Davis has five hits in his first nine at-bats this spring, including three homers and seven RBIs. He hit just .179 last season with 12 homers in 105 games. His 2018 season was just as bad: He hit .168 with 16 homers.

So far, 2020 is trending up.

“It’s nice to see some results,” Davis said on Saturday. “I would like to get off to a good start just for peace of mind, especially after struggling the past couple years.”

A big reason the Orioles keep giving Davis the opportunity to break his multi-year slump is simple:...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Cleveland-s-Reyes-still-smashing-baseballs-in-15108335.php