MLB Player News

Votto is 4-for-9 with a walk to begin the season and has taken a different approach to spring training at-bats this season to help counter recent slow starts in previous seasons, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Yeah, he looks different," manager David Bell said on Monday. "I know that he's intentionally made some changes, and I think it's showing up."

Votto in previous years would sometimes not swing at all in his first couple of spring training at-bats, but that hasn't been the case this spring. Votto is still going after pick 300 and after the 30th first baseman in most drafts. He's not a bad option to fill your last corner or utility spot as a potential source of profit.

Cabrera started at third base and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Cubs.

Cabrera has appeared in four spring games, starting at third base three times and second base once. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo projected a role against left-handers for the veteran infielder, most likely at third base. He's 1-for-9 with a run scored and an RBI thus far in Cactus League play.

Bour signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old spent the 2020 campaign in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers and had a .245/.344/.424 slash line with 17 homers in 102 games. Even with starting first baseman Brandon Belt (heel) limited to open camp, Bour won't be invited to major-league spring training and will report to minor-league camp April 1, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Freeman will make his spring debut in Friday's exhibition game against the Twins.

Freeman's arrival at camp was delayed due to the birth of his child, but he joined Atlanta last weekend and is ready to see his first action of the spring. Freeman, the reigning NL MVP, said Tuesday that he anticipates hitting third in 2021, and he will do just that Friday.

Calhoun said Thursday that his expected recovery timeline from knee surgery was 4-to-6 weeks, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Calhoun underwent surgery to address a torn meniscus Wednesday. The timeline implies that he should be able to return sometime in April, though he's still very likely to need at least a brief trip to the injured list. The Diamondbacks have a slew of options that will get at-bats in right field during the rest of spring training, including Tim Locastro (illness), Wyatt Mathisen, Pavin Smith, Trayce Thompson, Josh VanMeter, Daulton Varsho and Andrew Young.

Smith is expected to see his first game action of the spring Thursday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The 25-year-old will ease in as the DH before taking the field defensively Saturday. Smith will likely spend most of his time in left field during Grapefruit League action, as the Mets feel the stress fracture he suffered in his foot in 2019 was a result of moving back and forth between first base and the outfield. "This time, we want him to spend more time in left," manager Luis Rojas said Wednesday. "We'll gradually put him in the spot where he can start coming into games. Doing his drills and then he's gonna get to play on the field later." Over the last two seasons, Smith has posted a dynamic .299/.366/.571 slash line through 139 games with 21 homers, so finding a regular spot for him in the lineup will be a priority for the club in camp.

Hoskins (elbow) will make his spring debut Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Hoskins has not taken the field since being cleared to play in late February, but he is set to do just that Thursday. While he will serve as the designated hitter, he will get a chance to get in his first at-bats of the spring. Barring any issues, Hoskins will have plenty of time to get up to full speed before Opening Day.

Walker went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer in Wednesday's spring game against the Indians.

Walker slid back slightly in 2020 after a breakout 2019 season, but he should get plenty of plate appearances in 2021 as Arizona's starter at first base.

Rizzo went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.

Rizzo hit his first spring home run, joining Joc Pederson in slugging a two-run shot for Chicago. The 31-year-old first baseman had his $16.5 million team option picked up during the offseason, and he'll look to bounce back this year after posting a .756 OPS in 2020, his worst mark since 2013.

Calhoun underwent a successful partial medial meniscectomy surgery on his right knee Wednesday, Jody Jackson of FOX Sports Arizona reports.

Calhoun was diagnosed with a torn meniscus Tuesday after battling right knee inflammation during camp, and he had part of his meniscus removed during his successful procedure Wednesday. A timetable for his return isn't yet known, although it's unlikely the 33-year-old will be able to recover in time for Opening Day.