MLB Player News

Votto went 1-for-5 with an RBI in Thursday's Opening Day loss to the Cardinals; in the process, he hit two infield pop-outs in one game for the first time since his rookie season in 2008, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto only returned to Cactus League game action Friday of last week after being on the COVID list, so it's not surprising that he's a little off his game. Not only did he have the highly unusual pop-ups, but he also had trouble scooping two balls in the dirt. This isn't necessarily a harbinger of things to come for Votto, but at 37 years old, he's certainly well past his peak hitting seasons.

Cabrera went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the season opener Thursday against the Padres.

Cabrera came through with an RBI single in the first inning, and he continued to produce from there, clubbing a two-run homer to right field to end Yu Darvish's outing in the fifth frame. With Ketel Marte starting in center field in the absence of Kole Calhoun (knee), Cabrera could continue to rack up plate appearances at third base with Eduardo Escobar occupying second.

Goldschmidt went 4-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs in Thursday's win over the Reds.

He powered St. Louis with four hits from the two hole (between Tommy Edman and Nolan Arenado) in a vintage performance. It's always nice to see a player locked in early. Goldschmidt will look to get on the board with his first long ball this weekend before the Cardinals leave the friendly confines of Great American Ball Park.

Rizzo went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's loss to the Pirates.

Chicago managed just two hits all day, with Rizzo and Eric Sogard both recording doubles. The veteran first baseman batted third, and when his talented teammates get going, he should be able to rack up plenty of runs and RBI from his prime lineup spot.

Solano is starting Thursday's game against the Mariners, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Solano should serve primarily as a backup to begin the year with Tommy La Stella and Brandon Belt available, but he'll start against left-hander Marco Gonzales on Opening Day. The veteran will play second base and bat third against the Mariners.

Calhoun (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Calhoun underwent knee surgery in March but has still been making good progress while participating in baseball activities. However, the 33-year-old will miss at least the first two series of the regular season while he recovers. Pavin Smith is starting in right field for Thursday's game against the Padres, but Tim Locastro could also see increased playing time in Calhoun's absence, especially against left-handed pitchers.

Bour did not make the Giants' Opening Day roster and will head to minor-league camp as expected, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

After spending 2020 in Japan, Bour was not a part of big-league spring training. He'll serve as organizational depth at first base. The 32-year-old shouldn't be expected to see much time in the majors this year.

Cabrera is starting Thursday's game against the Padres.

The veteran infielder hit .326 with three home runs this spring and will enter the starting lineup against the Padres on Opening Day with Nick Ahmed (knee) sitting out. Cabrera will play third base and bat fifth against San Diego.

Hoskins finished Grapefruit League play with a .205/.295/.333 slash line to go with three extra-base hits (one home run, two doubles) and two stolen bases in 39 at-bats.

Hoskins was cleared for full activities early in spring training after undergoing Tommy John surgery last fall, but he largely struggled to regain the power he had displayed prior to the operation. The 27-year-old should gradually return to form once the surgery is further in the rear-view mirror, but his fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for him in the initial weeks of the season. That said, Hoskins' strong eye at the plate will help prop up his on-base percentage even if his early returns in the slugging department are lean, and his placement in the upper half of the lineup alongside the likes of Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen and J.T. Realmuto should present him with plenty of run-scoring and run-producing chances.

Calhoun (knee) will miss at least the first two series of the regular season, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun has begun baseball activities and "is passing every test," according to manager Torey Lovullo. The Diamondbacks are expected to rotate bodies in right field until Calhoun's ready to return. The left-handed hitting Pavin Smith started in right field Monday against Cubs right-hander Zach Davies. Tim Locastro could see action when opponents start a left-hander.