MLB Player News

Cron hasn't played since Tuesday and will be out at least a few more days due to back spasms, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

It appears to be a day-to-day situation at this point, although the Rockies aren't providing a timetable for Cron's return. Mike Moustakas and Harold Castro have handled first base the last two days and Michael Toglia would also be a candidate to see time there if Cron's absence drags on.

Cron has gone 5-for-29 with one home run, two doubles and nine strikeouts during Cactus League action.

Cron is locked into the first base job in Colorado and has established a fairly clear baseline of performance for the last several seasons. That makes it difficult to be overly concerned by his lack of production this spring, particularly so long as he maintains his health.

Santana was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Santana slipped on the infield grass while attempting to field a flyball and was removed from the game immediately. He's still undergoing testing on the injury, so it's unclear if he'll be forced to miss additional time. If Santana misses any regular-season contests, Connor Joe is a potential beneficiary.

Santana exited the Pirates' spring game against the Yankees on Thursday after slipping on the infield grass trying to catch a pop-up, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana appeared to be in quite a bit of pain as a trainer helped him off the field. The Pirates will take a look at him and should provide additional updates shortly.

Freeman (hamstring) is expected to serve as the designated hitter in a Cactus League game Saturday and then play first base Sunday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

That's tremendous news after Freeman tweaked his right hamstring Tuesday while representing Canada in the World Baseball Classic. It looks like that will turn out to be a minor blip for the star first baseman. He can remain penciled in for the Dodgers' starting lineup for Opening Day, which is exactly two weeks away.

Walker was scratched from the Diamondbacks' Cactus League lineup Thursday due to lingering left hip discomfort, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was struck by a pitch just above his left hip this past Monday and still has some bruising. It doesn't sound like anything that would threaten his readiness for Opening Day.

O'Hearn's right knee MRI has come back negative, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner reports.

The swelling and fluid in O'Hearn's knee has subsided and he was able to run on a treadmill Thursday. He considers himself ready to return to game action but will leave that decision up to the Orioles.

Naylor has gone 6-for-26 (.231) through 10 Cactus League games.

Naylor opted out of representing Canada at the World Baseball Classic to avoid aggravating his ankle, but he's seen plenty of playing time in spring training. The 25-year-old established himself with a .256/.319/.452 slash line, 20 home runs, 79 RBI, 47 runs scored and six stolen bases over 122 games last season. He's the Guardians' top first baseman this season, though Naylor and Josh Bell will likely share the duties at first base and designated hitter for much of the campaign.

Guerrero went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Making his return to the lineup after dealing with some knee soreness, Guerrero crushed a JT Brubaker pitch off the wall in left field to bring home Whit Merrifield in the third inning. Guerrero's minor injury cost him a chance to play in the WBC, but he doesn't seem to need much more work to be ready for Opening Day -- he's gone 4-for-13 this spring with two homers, plus Wednesday's double.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that he is not concerned about Freeman (hamstring) being ready for Opening Day, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Freeman tweaked his right hamstring during Canada's win over Colombia on Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic and he returned to Dodgers camp Wednesday for an evaluation by the team's medical staff. The injury is mild, per Roberts, and there are no further tests planned. The expectation is the star first baseman will be able to get back into Cactus League play as early as this coming weekend, and he's slated to take swings in the batting cage Thursday.