MLB Player News

Wade could potentially platoon with Mauricio Dubon in center field this season, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The Giants have a crowded mix of platoon-caliber options up and down their roster, but Wade has a shot of factoring into that group and may end up with the majority of starts if he does indeed win a platoon job, as he's a left-handed hitter. He'll have to prove he can handle center for that to happen, however, and he might also need to hit better than he's hit through his first 42 big-league games. His 13.3 percent walk rate is strong, especially when combined with a low 15.9 percent strikeout rate, but his overall .211/.336/.347 slash line is nothing to get excited about.

Cronenworth has logged time at first and second base during spring training, and he is expected to spend some time in the outfield as well, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

Cronenworth emerged as San Diego's primary second baseman last season, but the team's offseason acquisition of Ha-seong Kim is likely to result in a split in playing time at the position between the pair in 2021. As such, Cronenworth could move around more defensively, including logging time in the outfield -- which he has not yet done in his professional career. The 27-year-old is a solid defender and showed his versatility last season by spending time at all four infield positions, so he is a logical candidate to fill a super-utility role for the Padres. Cronenworth is slashing .375/.412/.438 through seven Cactus League games, giving manager Jayce Tingler ample reason to get his bat into the lineup on a near-everyday basis.

Higgins could serve as the Cubs' backup catcher if Austin Romine (knee) remains sidelined into the regular season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Romine's knee sprain isn't thought to be too serious, but the team hasn't provided any timeline for his return, so Higgins could emerge as the backup to Willson Contreras, though veteran Jose Lobaton is also an option. Manager David Ross referenced Higgins' ability to play multiple infield positions, which could help him earn a roster spot. However, if Romine gets healthy, Higgins will likely start the season with Triple-A Iowa.

Rizzo said he is "very optimistic" about reaching a contract extension with the Cubs during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The star first baseman is set to become a free agent next offseason unless he and the Cubs agree on an extension. Rizzo is currently playing on a $16.5 million team option for the 2021 season, and he'll be looking to bounce back after his OPS dipped to .756 during the shortened 2020 season, his lowest mark since 2013.

Smith is expected to play in left field during Friday's spring game against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith had been serving as the designated hitter for the Mets over the past week as the team brought him along slowly to begin spring training. He'll make his first defensive appearance in Friday's matchup since the Mets want to give him ample playing time at his primary position ahead of Opening Day. The 25-year-old has gone just 1-for-11 with a two-run homer and six strikeouts over his first four Grapefruit League games.

The Reds announced Wednesday that Votto tested positive for COVID-19, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto was initially placed on the injured list Wednesday without an explanation, but he ultimately gave the team permission to reveal the nature of his absence. It's not yet certain whether he's experiencing any symptoms, but he'll be away from the team for at least 10 days while he waits to clear MLB's COVID-19 protocol, according to Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer. With just over three weeks remaining until Opening Day, it's fair to wonder whether the 37-year-old will be able to build up in time for the start of the year.

Votto was placed on the 10-day injured list for an undisclosed reason Wednesday.

The Reds didn't provide a reason for Votto's placement on the injured list, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to action. The 37-year-old had appeared in four games to begin spring training and went 4-for-9 with a double, two runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

Votto was placed on the injured list by the Reds on Wednesday without an injury designation, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto was similarly placed on the injured list last season for one day when he reported illness symptoms and got checked out to make sure he didn't test positive for COVID-19. There's been no word yet if this is a similar instance.

Cron went 3-for-3 with a solo home run, two doubles and two runs in Tuesday's spring win over the Diamondbacks.

Cron got off to a slow start this spring, going just 1-for-13 with a single and six strikeouts across five games, but he had his way against Arizona in Tuesday's blowout win. Although the 31-year-old is in camp as a non-roster invitee, he has a good chance to carve out regular at-bats during the regular season. Josh Fuentes has also impressed at the plate and on defense while competing for the job at first base, but Fuentes can also play third base and left field, which should leave Cron with plenty of opportunities at first.

Goldschmidt is hitting .200 (2-for-10) with a double and two walks over his first five Grapefruit League games.

The veteran slugger picked up the two-bagger in Monday's tie with the Marlins but has otherwise been very quiet to start spring play. Goldschmidt posted an impressive .304/.417/.466 line across 230 plate appearances last season and could be set for a similarly successful 2021 with Nolan Arenado projected to hit directly behind him in the lineup.