MLB Player News

Bell has gone 2-for-19 (.105) with six strikeouts and a walk over his first seven Cactus League games.

Bell struck out at just a 15.8 percent rate between the Nationals and the Padres last year, so his lack of contact early in spring is mildly concerning. On the positive side, both of his hits have been for extra bases -- one home run and one double. He's a career .262 hitter with an .810 OPS who averages 25 homers per 162 games, so he should provide some pop while playing regularly as either the designated hitter or first baseman for Cleveland.

O'Hearn is out of the lineup for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox due to a sore knee, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

O'Hearn recently suffered the injury while making a leaping play in the outfield, and he's currently considered day-to-day. The 29-year-old is a longshot for the Opening Day roster after being outrighted off Baltimore's 40-man roster in January, and any prolonged absence will only further reduce his chances of making the team.

Batten (calf) is starting at third base and batting ninth in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

Batten has been held out of spring action thus far due to a strained calf, but he'll make his Cactus League debut Sunday. The 27-year-old received his first taste of the big leagues last year and went 2-for-19 in 15 games, but he's likely to be back with Triple-A El Paso to open the 2023 campaign.

Manager Aaron Boone said Rizzo was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League lineup due to a "cranky back," Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The 33-year-old managed back stiffness throughout the 2022 campaign, and it appears he'll battle the issue again this season. Boone doesn't believe the flare-up is serious this time around, and Rizzo could be back in the lineup Tuesday. However, it's worth keeping an eye on Rizzo as the rest of camp progresses, as the injury seems likely to linger given his past issues in the area.

Votto is hitting second and playing first base Sunday in a Cactus League game against the Dodgers.

It will be the first appearance of the spring for Votto, as the veteran first baseman has been brought along slowly after missing the end of the 2022 campaign with a torn rotator cuff and a left bicep injury. The 39-year-old is not the fantasy stalwart he once was, but his fantastic approach at the plate still should allow him to get on base at a solid clip, and hitting near the top of the Reds' lineup does give him the opportunity to help in the runs category.

Kirilloff (wrist) is a bit behind schedule, and the Twins aren't committing to him being ready by Opening Day, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff is still not all the way back from August wrist surgery, with his progression against live pitching not advancing as quickly as the Twins would have liked. Even if he avoids a trip to the injured list, he might only be ready for part-time duty to begin the year.

Guerrero (knee) will run the bases Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Guerrero had to pull out of the World Baseball Classic due to knee inflammation, but the injury doesn't seem to be too significant. He's continued to make steady progress, including hitting and fielding grounders. Once he shows that he can run without issues, his Grapefruit League debut should soon follow.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) saw plate appearances Friday in a minor-league game, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

In one of the plate appearances, Votto was able to draw one of his trademark walks. The former MVP is working his way back from surgery to repair his left bicep along with a torn rotator cuff in August. There's still no timetable as to when Votto will be able to rejoin the Reds, but it's a positive development that he's getting action against live pitching at this point in the spring.

Gurriel will be given reps at second and third base in addition to first base, Ely Sussman of FishStripes.com reports.

Gurriel officially latched on with the Marlins on Friday, and while it's a minor-league contract, he's almost surely in line to make the Opening Day roster. The 38-year-old hasn't made a start at a position other than first base since 2019, but he has plenty of past experience at third and a little at second. Gurriel slashed only .242/.288/.360 for the Astros last season and isn't much of a fantasy option for 2023, even if he gains extra position eligibility.

Diaz's left hand X-rays came back negative, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Diaz had to be removed from Friday's game after being plunked, but he's managed to avoid any fractures. It was the first baseman's first game back in action after he had missed time with a hip flexor injury. Diaz should be ready to play again in a day or two.