MLB Player News

Gurriel went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Gurriel is in the midst of his transition to first base after playing left field and third base in Cuba. The Astros admit there are some challenges defensively, but they feel his bat will be sufficient for the position. Through six spring games, he's 6-for-16 with four RBI.

Bell (knee) made his spring debut Monday, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout against the Yankees.

While he didn't run the bases much or get a chance to show that his knee is feeling better, he also didn't suffer any setbacks. The switch-hitter played five innings at first base and appears on track to start Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) returned to action Monday, going 1-for-3 with a run scored in an exhibition win over the Angels.

Rizzo had been held out the past few days with lower-back tightness, so it's good to see him back on the field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon relayed Sunday that Rizzo would play Monday and Tuesday, so assuming he has no setbacks, the star slugger should be right back out there for the exhibition game against Team Italy.

Calhoun went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's spring training loss to the Reds.

It's good news for Angels fans and fantasy owners that Calhoun is playing regularly and producing after undergoing offseason core-muscle surgery. He'd been a model of good health prior to the surgery, and it looks like that ailment won't linger into this season.

Walker was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Monday, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Walker was claimed by the Braves last week, but they were apparently unable to send him through waivers themselves, as Cincinnati snatched him and designated Jumbo Diaz for assignment in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old carries some intrigue with his power potential, as he slashed .264/.321/.437 with 18 homers in 504 at-bats with Triple-A Norfolk last season. He'll try to catch on as a reserve for the big league club, but Walker could find himself as organizational depth in 2017.

Bell (knee) will bat third and man first base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bell was slowed earlier in the spring after requiring arthroscopic surgery in February to remove a loose body in his knee, but following some simulated games, the Pirates have cleared him to make his Grapefruit League debut. Despite his limited at-bats in the big leagues, the 24-year-old already boasts advanced plate discipline, though he hasn't yet showcased the premium power most teams value from their corner infielders.

Cubs skipper Joe Maddon confirmed that Rizzo (back) will play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been out the last couple of days with lower-back tightness, but the first baseman was never at much risk of a long-term absence. Maddon indicated that in addition to playing Monday, Rizzo will also take the field in Tuesday's exhibition with Team Italy in their preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

Rizzo (back) says he expects to play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past few days, but says that it is nothing serious. His return to action will be a welcome sight for the Cubs.

Manager Terry Francona says Santana will be the primary first baseman this season, but should see time as the designated hitter as well, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The move means recently acquisition Edwin Encarnacion will serve as the main DH. Francona notes the two sluggers will flip positions every few days and expects both bats to be in the lineup on a consistent basis. Santana hit as many home runs (17) as a first baseman last season as he did as the designated hitter, despite playing 30 more games as the DH. In addition, it's reported that the switch hitter has spoken with Francona about seeing playing time in the outfield as well. Regardless, it's safe to expect solid production from Santana no matter the position.

Rizzo (back) is expected to play in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Italy, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.

Rizzo has been battling tightness in his lower back for the past several days, but it appears to be nothing of serious concern. That said, Rizzo's condition should still be monitored throughout the WBC, which runs through March 22.