MLB Player News

Ahmed (knee) will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

After taking live batting practice Monday without aggravating his sore right knee, Ahmed will draw back into the lineup for the first time since March 6. Since he only missed about a week of game action while recovering from the injury, Ahmed should be capable of filling a full-time role in the Arizona infield when the regular season begins April 1.

Seager is slashing .478/.571/1.130 with five home runs, 11 RBI and eight runs scored in 11 games this spring.

The reigning NLCS and World Series MVP has picked up where he left off last October, leading all players in RBI this spring and tying for the league lead with five homers. He was a Statcast darling last season, ranking in the 95th percentile and above in barrel rate, xBA, xSLG, exit velocity and hard-hit rate, and his showing so far this spring suggests that Seager could be lined up for another highly productive campaign in 2021.

Ahmed (knee) took at-bats Monday against teammate Luke Weaver at the Diamondbacks' spring facility, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Ahmed hasn't appeared in any Cactus League games since March 6 due to a sore right knee, but his activity Monday would seem to hint that he could soon rejoin the Diamondbacks' spring lineup. Since Opening Day is still two weeks away, Ahmed still has sufficient time to get up to full speed.

Marcano started in center field Sunday against the Reds and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run. He has also played right field, left field, second base, third base and shortstop this spring.

In addition to playing all over the field, Marcano has also been getting it done at the plate, slashing .368/.429/.632 with a home run and three RBI. The 21-year-old isn't likely to break camp with the club, but he is certainly turning heads in the organization. Marcano hasn't logged time in the outfield thus far in his minor-league career, but he has played over 40 games at three different infield positions (second base, shortstop and third base).

Cruz went 0-for-1 with a walk and run scored in Sunday's loss to Philadelphia.

He has just one hit and two walks in 19 spring at-bats. Despite talks of moving the 22-year-old to the outfield, Cruz has primarily played shortstop on defense this spring, making only two appearances in center field. He's likely ticketed for Triple-A Indianapolis in an effort to gain experience in the upper minors before potentially making his MLB debut later this summer.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the earliest Ahmed (knee) could return to action is Monday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Lovullo was hopeful that Ahmed could play Friday, but the team decided to give the shortstop a few extra days to test his right knee before playing in a game. Ahmed said the condition improves daily and did not sound too concerned about it. Josh Rojas has been the primary fill-in at shortstop.

Ahmed (knee) isn't in the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Angels.

The 30-year-old has been sidelined by a knee injury this week and was expected to rejoin the lineup Friday, but he won't be in the starting nine. Ahmed could still make an appearance off the bench, but the Diamondbacks could just be delaying his return by a day or two. Josh Rojas will continue to work as the team's top shortstop in the meantime.

Ahmed (knee) is likely to return to action Friday following Thursday's off-day, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Ahmed missed a third straight game Wednesday and will get the benefit of a fourth day when Arizona is off. Josh Rojas started at shortstop Wednesday, the second time in three games he's replaced Ahmed in the lineup.

Ahmed (knee) was unavailable for Tuesday's spring game against the Rockies, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Ahmed missed his second consecutive game due to the injury. While Ahmed rehabs, Josh Rojas (on Monday) and Domingo Leyba (Tuesday) are filling in at shortstop.

Lindor and the Mets will begin discussions on a contract extension this week, Anthony Rieber and Tim Healey of Newsday report.

The shortstop, who picked up his first hit of the spring Monday, will become a free agent next offseason and has said he doesn't want contract talks to linger into the regular season, so the clock is ticking. Lindor could end up getting a deal in excess of $300 million, following in the wake of mega-deals signed by Manny Machado, Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis in recent years, and new team owner Steve Cohen hasn't shown any qualms about opening up his wallet. Chances seem good Lindor's stint with the Mets will last longer than just the current campaign.