MLB Player News

Walker (hand) is now expected to return to action Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report estimated Tuesday for Walker's return, but manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday is the more likely target. The first baseman, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch last Thursday, has begun hitting.

Walker (hand) has begun hitting and could return to game action Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was hit by a pitch on his right hand Thursday and hasn't played since. If he returns Tuesday, Walker should have enough time to get ready for Opening Day.

Goldschmidt is 1-for-10 with five strikeouts and a walk over his first five Grapefruit League games.

Goldschmidt's strikeout rate ticked up to 23.5 percent last season -- it's been steadily going up since his career-low mark of 18.7 percent in 2020. By normal standards, Goldschmidt was fine with a .268/.363/.447 slash line over 154 games last season, but it was a vast drop compared to his MVP-level performance the year before. The 36-year-old first baseman isn't in danger over losing his spot in the lineup, but he may simply no longer be the ever-reliable hitter he once was. A better showing from the Cardinals' offense as a whole may be able to buoy Goldschmidt's numbers even if his best years are behind him.

Wade has gone 3-for-14 with a home run and three RBI over his first five Cactus League games.

Wade remains a strong-side platoon option at first base. The Giants' signing of Matt Chapman, who is likely for an everyday role at third base, has displaced J.D. Davis. Righty hitters like Davis and Wilmer Flores could fill in at first base against opposing southpaws. Wade partially got back to his 2021 form last season, hitting .256 with a .790 OPS, 17 home runs, 45 RBI and 64 runs scored across a career-high 135 games.

Smith (hand) is expected to see his first game action of the spring in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Smith joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal in mid-February to provide veteran depth. He's got plenty of competition at first base, with Michael Busch, Matt Mervis, Cody Bellinger, Garrett Cooper and Patrick Wisdom all on the roster. As a result, Smith seems unlikely to come close to the 527 at-bats he received last year in Washington, though he could force himself into a larger role with a strong spring.

Cooper is expected to see his first game action of the spring Monday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Cooper joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal at the end of February to give the team depth at first base. Fellow newcomer Michael Busch is expected to be the starter there, and Cody Bellinger can also play first when he's not in center field. However, Cooper could make the case for more regular playing time if he looks good in Cactus League action.

Gallo is currently limited to just hitting as he dealing with a sore quad, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez indicated that the club is being cautious and Gallo could be ready to play defense in games next week. The 30-year-old slugger is expected to handle most of the playing time in left field for the Nats this season, with some first base and designated hitter mixed in.

Montero started at first base and went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Montero has shown intriguing power throughout his minor-league career and has flashed potential across 492 big-league plate appearances. He's gotten off to a strong start this spring, ripping two home runs across 13 plate appearances while striking out only twice. Montero likely has an advantage in the competition for a bench spot on the roster because he is out of minor-league options, though he could also push for at-bats at either first base or designated hitter if he continues to show well this spring.

The Diamondbacks announced Thursday that Walker has a right hand contusion after X-rays came back negative, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Walker was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants after being hit in the hand by a pitch. The first baseman suffered the injury in the fourth inning, but his day may have been finished regardless of the injury. He should be able to make a relatively quick return since he avoided a fracture.

Walker was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants after being hit in the hand by a pitch, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Walker was struck by a 92-mph sinker in the fourth inning during his second trip to the plate. It's possible he was going to be done for the day after the plate appearance, anyway, but the Diamondbacks weren't going to take any chances. Walker could be sent for X-rays.