MLB Player News

Grichuk (ankle) ran the bases Friday for the first time this spring, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Grichuk's status for Opening Day has not yet been determined, but time is running short, and the Diamondbacks may opt to place him on the injured list instead of rushing him back. "Based on how he looks right now, everything is going pretty well," Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said. "I don't think it's going to be too long if in fact [the IL] is the direction we have to go." The outfielder has been taking live batting practice, and it sounds like the team's decision-makers believe Grichuk can step into game conditions without much spring activity. Arizona and Cleveland will play two exhibition games Monday and Tuesday, which could give Grichuk plate opportunities to prepare for the regular season. If he does open on the IL, Jake McCarthy would likely nab the final outfield spot.

The Nationals reassigned Barnes to minor-league camp Saturday.

Barnes pitched well this spring but still wasn't able to crack the Opening Day bullpen. It's not clear whether he plans to opt out of his contract or report to Triple-A Rochester to begin the season.

The Nationals optioned Millas to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams will handle the catching duties again for the Nats this season. Millas will provide depth at Rochester.

The Nationals optioned Young to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Young entered spring training with a shot at the center field job, but Victor Robles has held him off and the Nats also plan to use Eddie Rosario some at the position. The 24-year-old should get regular reps in center field with Rochester.

The Nationals optioned Call to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Call was with the Nats for the bulk of last season, but with some veteran outfield additions over the winter, there's no room for him on the Opening Day roster. He should bounce around to all three outfield spots at Rochester.

Peralta (elbow) will stay back at extended spring training at the beginning of the season to continue his throwing progression, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Peralta underwent flexor tendon surgery in October before inking a minor-league contract with the Cubs in February. While Peralta is able to hit, he still isn't able to play the outfield. Peralta could eventually become an option for the Cubs bench, but he'll have to get healthy first.

The Marlins reassigned Givens to minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Givens didn't sign until mid-March, so he had an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster. The veteran reliever could still see lots of action in the Marlins' bullpen this season, but he'll head to Triple-A Jacksonville for now to knock some rust off.

Jones left Saturday's Cactus League game against the Reds due to a right knee contusion, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Jones' status for Opening Day remains uncertain, but it appears he managed to avoid any significant damage after fouling a ball off his knee Saturday. The slugging outfielder projects to be one of the most productive bats in Colorado's lineup this season, and Sean Bouchard would likely serve as Jones' replacement if an IL stint is needed.

Manager Rob Thomson said Saturday that Kerkering (illness) will begin the regular season on the 15-day injured list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kerkering hasn't pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 1 due to a bout with the flu, and though he's starting to make progress in his recovery, he missed too much time in camp to put himself in position to make the Opening Day roster. A long-term absence isn't expected, but the Phillies likely won't want to rush the 22-year-old right-hander back after he went over three weeks without pitching. He'll first be eligible to return from the IL on April 9.

Jones was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Reds with an apparent knee injury, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Jones appeared to have fouled a ball off his right knee and wasn't able to put any weight on it immediately afterward. A trainer eventually helped him off the field and into the clubhouse, where the medical staff will take a closer look at him. The Rockies will likely offer more information in the near future, at which point an idea may emerge regarding how much time -- if any -- Jones will miss. The 25-year-old outfielder entered Saturday's game slashing .267/.340/.422 with four RBI across 50 plate appearances this spring.