MLB Player News

Rizzo (back) will bat second and play first base in Wednesday's final exhibition game against the Twins, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with back problems for most of summer camp, an issue that isn't new for him. He took live batting practice Tuesday and will get some game action in Wednesday. If he gets through the exhibition contest without issues, expect him to be on the field for Friday's Opening Day game against the Brewers.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Walker (groin) is expected to be ready for Friday's opener in San Diego, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Walker took at-bats at Chase Field on Tuesday but has not yet run the bases. He remains behind in Arizona while the rest of the team is preparing in Southern California.

Rizzo (back) took live batting practice Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rizzo has battled back issues over the past two weeks, though he remains in contention for Opening Day. Assuming he checks out fine following Tuesday's workout, he could be cleared to play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Twins.

Freeman (illness) picked up three hits, including a home run and a double, during Monday's intrasquad scrimmage, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

All three hits came off projected starter Sean Newcomb. Freeman has been getting in plenty of work since rejoining the team, hitting in every inning during the last three scrimmages and amassing about 20 at-bats in total, and he figures to be in the lineup for exhibition games against the Marlins on Tuesday and Wednesday. Barring any kind of setback in his recovery from COVID-19, Freeman appears to be on track to play Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) is expected to face live pitching Tuesday and could be cleared to play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Twins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Wednesday scrimmage against Minnesota will be the Cubs' final tune-up before Friday's season opener, so if Rizzo is able to go against the Twins, it would seem he'll be ready for Opening Day. Manager David Ross said the first baseman "continues to move in the right direction," and the team should have a better idea of Rizzo's health after Tuesday's workout.

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.

White went 2-for-2 with a single and ground-rule double in Saturday's intrasquad game, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The strong showing is an extension of what has been a highly productive summer camp for White. The rookie everyday first baseman will be looking to carry over the momentum from his impressive performance at Double-A Arkansas last season -- during which he slashed .293/.350/.488 with 33 extra-base hits (13 doubles, two triples, 18 home runs) and 55 RBI -- to his first big-league campaign.

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.