MLB Player News

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.

Cron has gone 5-for-29 with one home run, two doubles and nine strikeouts during Cactus League action.

Cron is locked into the first base job in Colorado and has established a fairly clear baseline of performance for the last several seasons. That makes it difficult to be overly concerned by his lack of production this spring, particularly so long as he maintains his health.

Santana was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Santana slipped on the infield grass while attempting to field a flyball and was removed from the game immediately. He's still undergoing testing on the injury, so it's unclear if he'll be forced to miss additional time. If Santana misses any regular-season contests, Connor Joe is a potential beneficiary.

Santana exited the Pirates' spring game against the Yankees on Thursday after slipping on the infield grass trying to catch a pop-up, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana appeared to be in quite a bit of pain as a trainer helped him off the field. The Pirates will take a look at him and should provide additional updates shortly.

Freeman (hamstring) is expected to serve as the designated hitter in a Cactus League game Saturday and then play first base Sunday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

That's tremendous news after Freeman tweaked his right hamstring Tuesday while representing Canada in the World Baseball Classic. It looks like that will turn out to be a minor blip for the star first baseman. He can remain penciled in for the Dodgers' starting lineup for Opening Day, which is exactly two weeks away.

Walker was scratched from the Diamondbacks' Cactus League lineup Thursday due to lingering left hip discomfort, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was struck by a pitch just above his left hip this past Monday and still has some bruising. It doesn't sound like anything that would threaten his readiness for Opening Day.