MLB Player News

Walker (groin) worked out at Chase Field on Sunday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

While the rest of Diamondbacks traveled to Los Angeles for a two-game exhibition set against the Dodgers, Walker stayed back in order to rehab his strained right groin. Manager Torey Lovullo is hopeful that he'll be ready for the opener Friday in San Diego.

Rizzo (back) remains hopeful that he'll be ready for Opening Day, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with a back issue in recent days, but he's been able to steadily increase his workload. He isn't starting in Sunday's exhibition game against the White Sox, but he expressed optimism that he could play in Wednesday's exhibition matchup against the Twins. The 30-year-old was able to hit without pain Sunday and was able to play the field Saturday, but he said that he wants to be able to regain a full range of mobility without pain. He said that serving as the designated hitter at times to begin the season could be an option to preserve his long-term health and also said that he could take some extra games off once the regular season gets underway. Rizzo remains day-to-day ahead of Opening Day on Friday.

Hiura (arm) is expected to play defense in Monday's intrasquad game, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old has been dealing with right arm fatigue over the past few days, but he's serving as the designated hitter in Sunday's intrasquad action. Hiura should be in the lineup for the start of the season, whether he's the DH or starting at second base.

France is expected to start at designated hitter against left-handed pitchers, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The righty slugger hit .346/.413/.684 with 12 home runs in 150 plate appearances against southpaws in the Pacific Coast League last year. He also hit well against righties, so France could carve out more than just a short-side platoon role as the season goes on.

Hiura (arm) is starting at designated hitter in Sunday's intrasquad game, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Ryan Braun (general soreness) has been unavailable the past couple days, and if the regular season began today, Hiura may be the Brewers' designated hitter. However, Braun and Hiura have a few more days to get right before Friday's opener against the Cubs. Hiura's throwing arm is currently too sore for him to man the keystone.

Walker (groin) received treatment Friday and is expected to resume baseball activity Sunday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he'd like to get Walker live at-bats a few days prior to Opening Day before feeling comfortable with him taking the field July 24 in San Diego. This could be a case where Walker serves as the designated hitter while Jake Lamb starts at first base.

Cronenworth could make the Opening Day roster in place of Jorge Mateo (illness) if Mateo remains out, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Cronenworth has been trending on the wrong side of the roster bubble as Opening Day approaches, but the likelihood that Mateo -- who tested positive for COVID-19 early in the month and has yet to return -- will not be ready to go by the start of the season will likely open a spot for a utility infielder. That spot would almost certainly go to Cronenworth, whom the Padres acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay last December.

Rizzo (back) took batting practice and worked in the field Saturday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Rizzo has been limited recently while dealing with rib inflammation on his left side that led to back spasms, but he appears to be slightly increasing his workload as he was able to take grounders Saturday. Manager David Ross still considers the first baseman to be day-to-day. Whether he'll be ready for the start of the season remains to be seen.

Hiura (arm) could participate in Sunday's intrasquad game, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old remains out of Friday's action and the Brewers won't have an intrasquad game Saturday. GM David Stearns said the team isn't "particularly concerned" about Hiura's sore throwing arm, and a return to the field Sunday could go a long way toward cementing his status for Opening Day.

Freeman (illness) cleared MLB's COVID-19 protocols and began working out at the Braves' facility Friday.

The 30-year-old has been absent from summer training after testing positive for COVID-19 and battling a fever in early July, but he's since recovered and is joining his teammates on the field. Freeman has yet to be ruled out for next Friday's season opener against the Mets and may need some additional time to reach game readiness, but his return to the field this week gives him a chance to potentially avoid missing any games. Regardless, joining team workouts is a significant step toward full clearance and is a boost to his early season prospects. Adam Duvall, Austin Riley and Johan Camargo are the potential fill-in options at first base should Freeman be unable to play Opening Day.