MLB Player News

Olson went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

The first baseman crushed a Pablo Lopez offering in the first inning for his first long ball of the spring. Olson set an Atlanta franchise record with 139 RBI in 2023 while adding a career-high 54 homers, and the 29-year-old is a safe bet to reach triple-digit RBI for the fourth straight season while batting in the heart of one of the most potent lineups in MLB.

Clemens was scratched from the Phillies' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday due to illness, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

He should be fine in a day or two. Jake Cave will move to first base and Cam Gallagher will enter the lineup at designated hitter.

Encarnacion-Strand started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Monday's spring game against Oakland.

Encarnacion-Strand, who was hitless over his first five Cactus League at-bats, has hit safely in three straight games, going 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits and four RBI. Although he served as the DH on Monday, the 24-year-old is projected to be the Reds' primary first baseman.

Walker (hand) is now expected to return to action Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report estimated Tuesday for Walker's return, but manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday is the more likely target. The first baseman, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch last Thursday, has begun hitting.

Santana looks set to be used against both right-handed and left-handed pitching at first base with Alex Kirilloff primarily being used at DH, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. Santana is hitting 6-for-17 with a home run in six games this spring.

When the Twins signed Santana it was assumed he'd platoon with the lefty Kirilloff at first base, but this report makes it sound like Santana could be set for everyday duty. Kirilloff would then platoon with several right-handed batters at DH. Last season marked Santana's best year at the plate since 2019, as he slashed .240/.318/.429 with 23 homers and 86 RBI between the Pirates and Brewers.

Cron is tentatively scheduled to play his first game March 11, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Cron was officially added to the spring training roster Sunday after signing with Boston on Friday. The Red Sox want a right-handed hitting complement to Triston Casas at first base, and Cron will begin his bid for the job next week. Bobby Dalbec is also part of the competition, but he has a minor-league option remaining which could influence the decision.

Torkelson is just 2-for-11 so far in Grapefruit League action with no home runs and four strikeouts.

It's very early, so Torkelson will likely get going before the spring slate ends, and he's locked into a starting role at first even if the struggles persist. The 24-year-old impressed in 2023 with 31 home runs across 159 games, though he batted just .233 and struck out 25 percent of the time. If Torkelson can improve his contact skills a bit and still deliver elite power, he should be primed for a big season.

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a double in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

Lowe is 3-for-15 through six Cactus League games, and all three hits are doubles. While he was unable to repeat his 2022 Silver Slugger Award last season, Lowe remains a good contact hitter that sits in the middle of a productive Texas lineup. The first baseman should see a good share of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Naylor has gone 5-for-13 over five Cactus League games.

Naylor's five hits are all singles, and he's added three RBI so far. With Kyle Manzardo likely to start 2024 at Triple-A Columbus, Naylor's starting role between first base and designated hitter looks safe for now. Naylor broke out last year, batting .308 with an .843 OPS, 17 home runs, 97 RBI, 52 runs scored and 10 stolen bases over 121 contests. Depending on where Ramon Laureano ends up playing, there could be room for Naylor and Manzardo to coexist in the lineup at some point.

Walker (hand) has begun hitting and could return to game action Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was hit by a pitch on his right hand Thursday and hasn't played since. If he returns Tuesday, Walker should have enough time to get ready for Opening Day.