MLB Player News

Freeman went 2-for-2 with a walk in Saturday's spring game against the White Sox.

Freeman was removed after three plate appearances, but that was to be expected. It was the first game back for the first baseman after he left Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game for Team Canada with tightness in his hamstring. There's no reason to think that Freeman won't be ready for the regular season, and his next step should be playing in the field sometime soon.

Mervis finished the World Baseball Classic 1-for-13 with a walk while playing for Team Israel.

Mervis faced some stiff MLB-level competition in a pool that featured the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, so the struggles aren't too surprising. The 24-year-old is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa, though he likely isn't that far away from his debut in the majors. Mervis had an OPS north of .900 at both Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and could make a fantasy impact if he sees regular playing time for the Cubs at any point.

Walker (hip) is starting at first base and batting cleanup Saturday against the Guardians.

He was removed from Monday's game after a hit-by-pitch and took a few days to get right, but the injury was apparently quite minor. Walker should be Arizona's everyday first baseman this season.

Voit's opt-out clause has been pushed to Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

There is apparently mutual interest in things working out with Voit in Milwaukee, which is why he did not exercise his opt-out clause this week. The Brewers will look to find a way to add him to the 40-man roster before next weekend, but even if Voit makes the team, he is unlikely to start against righties, with Rowdy Tellez at first base and Jesse Winker presumably getting most of his starts at designated hitter.

Freeman (hamstring) is starting at designated hitter and batting second Saturday against the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Freeman will make his return to the lineup after exiting Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game for Team Canada with hamstring tightness. It's good to see that this injury wasn't a strain. Freeman should be a full-go for the start of the regular season.

Olson went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Both blasts came off Tanner Houck -- Olson crushed a solo shot to left-center field in the first inning before pulling a massive blast out of the ballpark entirely in the fifth for a two-run shot. The first baseman appears more than ready for Opening Day, hitting .444 (12-for-27) this spring with five homers and two doubles. He has drawn only one walk, but given how well he's been seeing the ball, it's hard to blame him for swinging away.

Votto will play deeper into spring games as the Cactus League progresses, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto was able to make his spring debut Sunday, and the Reds have understandably monitored his reps as he is returning from a torn rotator cuff and left biceps injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely. The former MVP should be ready for Opening Day, and likely will see most of his playing time as the starting first baseman for the Reds.

Santana (knee) was able to go through a full workout Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana had to depart Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, but it sounds like he'll be fine. Expect the veteran first baseman/designated hitter to return to action within a few days.

Steer remains in line to be the Reds' Opening Day starter at third base and has been getting a number of pointers in spring training from Chad Pinder and Jonathan India, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

In 27 spring training at-bats, Steer is slashing .296/.387/.556 with one homer. There's a long-term concern whether Steer can hold the job once the Reds' next crop of highly touted prospects is ready for the majors, but for now he gets a head start on them to audition for the role.

Cron hasn't played since Tuesday and will be out at least a few more days due to back spasms, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

It appears to be a day-to-day situation at this point, although the Rockies aren't providing a timetable for Cron's return. Mike Moustakas and Harold Castro have handled first base the last two days and Michael Toglia would also be a candidate to see time there if Cron's absence drags on.