Mark Reynolds Launches Three-run Homer in Cards' Win over O's; Paolo Orlando, Salvador Perez Pace 9-1 Royals

Players of the Day for Thursday, March 12, 2015

Mark Reynolds

Grapefruit League

Mark Reynolds clubbed a third-inning three-run homer off Orioles' starter Bud Norris, leading to the Cardinals' fifth win against three losses this Spring, an 8-2 home win over 3-8 Baltimore.

Reynolds adds some pop to the St. Louis lineup, but will likely be a backup to Matt Adams at first base and used as a pinch-hitter.

After eight years in the majors, Reynolds is a known quantity, a player who can provide power, but also one which does not hit well for average and strikes out often.

Perez: 3-3

Reynolds spent two years in Baltimore (2011-12), where he tallied 60 homers and 155 RBI. He played in 130 games with the Brewers last season, belting 22 homers but also fanning 122 times.

Orlando: 3 RBI

The shot was Reynolds' first of the training season and was his only at-bat of the game.

Cactus League

Kansas City has been absolutely tearing it up in Arizona, improving to 9-1 after doubling up the Indians, 10-5, on Thursday.

Salvador Perez went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a solo homer. Outfielder Paulo Orlando singled, tripled and drove in three runs as the Royals erased an early 3-0 deficit en route to the win.

While Perez will be the starting catcher for the Royals this season, Orlando has spent nine years in the minors but may get a few call-ups, as he is a reliable replacement. Last year at Omaha (AAA), Orlando batted .301 and drove in 63 runs.

An anchor for the pitching staff, Perez played in 138 games in 2013 and 150 last season.