Notes: Cabrera settles in; players spread out
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs made their signing of veteran infielder Asdrúbal Cabrera official Monday, and he went through drills and batting practice with his new teammates during the first full-squad workout of the spring.
Cabrera's one-year deal is worth $1.75 million and includes another $1.05 million in incentives.
"We liked his ability to move around and fill different spots, hit lefties, makeup, adding some veteran presence to the team that -- we’re going to have young players on our roster," D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said. "And we just felt like he was a good fit for what we’re trying to do."
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Cabrera, 35, spent last season with the Nationals. He posted a .242/.305/.447 slash line with an OPS+ of 98.
During his 14-year big league career, Cabrera has played first base, second base, shortstop and third base. Cabrera last played shortstop in 2018 and last played second in ’19. In ’20, he played first and third for the Nats.
Where he will play for the D-backs has yet to be determined, but manager Torey Lovullo said that while Cabrera might not necessarily be an everyday player, he's going to play regularly at the corner positions in the infield, as well as possibly second.
To make room for Cabrera on the 40-man roster, the D-backs placed right-hander Luis Frías on the 10-day injured list. According to Hazen and Lovullo, Frías tested positive for COVID-19 before the intake process and is in the protocol process right now.
Once Frías is cleared to report to Spring Training, the team will need to find a way to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
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Using the whole complex
In order to keep players socially distanced this spring, the D-backs are using every available clubhouse in their Salt River Fields facility instead of just the big league one.
There are four other clubhouses in the facility, which in previous years would have housed Minor League players. With the start of Minor League camp pushed back a bit, the Major Leaguers can spread out.