MLB Player News

Tellez slugged three home runs over his first two intrasquad games at summer camp and hit another during a live batting practice session against Shun Yamaguchi on Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Tellez's long ball off Yamaguchi was particularly impressive, as it reached the second deck of the right-field stands at Rogers Centre. The 25-year-old has always offered plus power from the left side, but a 28.4 percent career strikeout rate has played a large factor in him being only a league-average hitter (100 wRC+) over parts of two seasons in the majors. He may need to continue to mash in summer camp to open the season with a large-side platoon role. Tellez looks to be one of the Blue Jays most at risk of losing playing time after manager Charlie Montoyo said last week that Vladimir Guerrero would move across the diamond and serve as the club's primary first baseman in 2020.

Manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that it's still possible that Freeman (illness) could return by Opening Day, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 on July 4, and he was battling a fever. He's felt better in recent days but still hasn't cleared MLB protocol to return to the field. With Opening Day just eight days away, it seems to be a long shot that he'll be ready to go by the start of the season, but Snitker's update Thursday kept the possibility alive. The next several days will be crucial in determining his availability. If Freeman is unable to play by the start of the regular season, Adam Duvall could step in at first base.

General manager David Stearns said the Brewers "are not particularly concerned" about Hiura's sore throwing arm, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Stearns added that the arm issue does not appear to be related to the elbow ligament injury Hiura dealt with in college, which is good news. The 23-year-old is expected to take a few days off from throwing before being re-evaluated.

Rizzo (back) stood in against live pitching Thursday but didn't take any full swings, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rizzo saw 17 pitches during Thursday's limited BP session, bunting six while simply tracking the remaining pitches. The first baseman also did some light jogging around the bases but remains limited as he battles back spasms stemming from rib head inflammation on his left side. Rizzo remains day-to-day. If he's forced to miss any time to begin the season, Victor Caratini or Kris Bryant could fill in at first base, with David Bote likely seeing time at the hot corner should Bryant make the move.

Walker (groin) feels confident he'll be ready to play by Opening Day on July 24 against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker suffered the injury during Sunday's intrasquad game when he fully extended while diving for a line drive. On Monday, he underwent an MRI that showed the least severe strain (Grade 1) in his right groin. "I heard it's not a common injury in baseball, but NFL guys when they see it, they're usually back on the field the following Sunday," Walker said. "[I'm] optimistic [because] over the last two or three days it's gotten noticeably less sore." At the very least, the Diamondbacks' starting first baseman thinks he'll be ready to play against the Padres, whether that means being the designated hitter or pinch hitting.

Naylor is on the bubble in terms of claiming a spot on the Padres' 30-man roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Naylor has been mentioned as a prime candidate to serve as San Diego's designated hitter this season, but the Padres must still decide if his potential offensive contributions are enough to offset his mediocre defense. Ultimately, Naylor's opportunity to make the roster may depend on how many pitchers the Padres choose to carry.

Cronenworth does not have a clear path to making the Opening Day roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

San Diego's recent addition of Jorge Mateo (illness) may have pushed Cronenworth out of a roster spot, though it remains unclear when Mateo will be able to join the team. While Cronenworth's ability to pitch adds some attractiveness to his profile, the Padres have a stacked bullpen and are therefore less likely to take his two-way ability into consideration when settling on their Opening Day roster.

Hiura was scratched from Wednesday's intrasquad game with right arm fatigue, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear when the issue first surfaced for the 23-year-old, but he won't be taking part in Wednesday's intrasquad action. Per McCalvy, GM David Stearns said Hiura's absence was precautionary and more information is expected on his status Thursday.

Rizzo's MRI revealed rib head inflammation on his left side as the source of his back spasms, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The issue is one Rizzo has dealt with before. He's being considered day-to-day and will continue to receive treatment, though with Opening Day just over a week away, a trip to the injured list hasn't been ruled out. If he's forced to miss time, the Cubs could use backup catcher Victor Caratini at first base or slide Kris Bryant over from third to first, opening up the hot corner for David Bote.

The Royals placed O'Hearn (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

O'Hearn and starting pitcher Brad Keller were both moved to the IL just a few days after they were revealed to have tested positive for the coronavirus, while Salvador Perez was activated from the COVID-19 IL after clearing all health-related protocols. Before he's able to rejoin the Royals for workouts, O'Hearn will need to test negative for COVID-19 on two occasions while he remains in quarantine. Unless he's back with the Royals by the end of the week, O'Hearn may have a tough time gaining clearance for the team's July 24 season opener versus the Indians.