MLB Player News

Manager Terry Francona said Diaz still hasn't been cleared to play because of a right groin strain, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Diaz hasn't played in a Cactus League contest since March 4, when he came up limping while running the bases against Oakland. Diaz said he ran the bases on Friday and was scheduled to take batting practice on Saturday. Francona said he expects the prospect to be sidelined for at least a few more days. With two starters -- Michael Brantley (shoulder) and Jason Kipnis (shoulder) -- on the mend, Diaz has a real shot at making the Opening Day roster if the versatile 25-year-old can get back on the field soon.

Smith was sent back to the Mets' minor league camp Saturday, The New York Daily News reports.

While he hit only .185 in 27 at-bats, Smith made a good first impression on manager Terry Collins. "I thought he didn't hit like he normally does. I think he's always hit. The most thing I was impressed with is he came into camp in great shape. That's impressive for a young guy," Collins said. "It probably hit me more than anything that he was willing at his age. 'Hey look I am going to come into camp and show everybody I can get ready to play.' I think he's going to be a big league player. He's got great hands. I do think, I do believe he's going to hit. I always think those guys will learn how to hit the ball out of the ballpark." Smith is still only 21, but if his power stroke continues to develop at Triple-A Las Vegas this season, don't be surprised if he makes his big league debut sometime in the second half.

McBride (back) says he will be making throws to second base Saturday and is close to catching in a live game, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

McBride has been sidelined with a lat strain over the past few weeks, but current signs are pointing to a return in the near future. Regardless of how he performs in Cactus League play, he'll likely begin the season serving as organizational depth in the minors.

Rizzo went 2-for-3 and hit his first home run of spring training in Thursday's loss to the Mariners.

After missing some time with a back injury last week, it's good to see Rizzo look healthy at the plate. Rizzo took Seattle lefty James Paxton deep in the first inning. The Cubs slugger only hit eight of his 32 home runs against lefties last season, so any gains he makes in that department only enhance his fantasy value.

Diaz has missed the last two games dealing with a sore groin, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

It doesn't appear to be overly serious, but the prospect has already missed two games with the ailment and will likely be held out a couple more as a precaution. Diaz is set to start 2017 at Triple-A Columbus, but the 25-year-old is close to reaching the big league club and could earn himself a midseason call-up.

Cron, who is battling for an everyday role, kept his hot spring going Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a double, a steal and a run scored in a win over Cincinnati.

Cron is slashing .364/.417/.591 in 22 at-bats, putting a strong foot forward in the battle for the Angels' everyday role at first base. His competition, Luis Valbuena, is also playing well (.308/.357/.539), but he has done it in nine fewer at-bats after being eased into action following offseason surgery. It's tough to say that either player has taken a lead in the position battle, and manager Mike Scioscia likely won't tip his hand until we get closer to the regular season. It is worth noting that both of Cron's stolen bags this spring have come on double-steals where he was the delayed steal from third to home, so we are not seeing him turn into a speedster all of a sudden.

Kirilloff (elbow) underwent successful Tommy John surgery Thursday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

The 15th overall pick in last summer's draft first sustained the injury in August during Appalachian League action. The procedure typically doesn't keep position players sidelined as long as pitchers, though Kirilloff will still need about nine months to recover. That may eat into his winter ball schedule and the early stages of his advancement through the Twins' farm system. Dynasty leaguers will need to wait until 2018 to see if he can build on his impressive rookie ball showing (.306/.341/.454, seven home runs and 33 RBI during 232 plate appearances for Elizabethton).

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.