MLB Player News

Jarvis allowed five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers.

Jarvis, who was scheduled to throw the fifth and sixth innings, but was unable to complete either frame, per Michael McDermott of SI.com. The right-hander threw 47 pitches, 29 for strikes. "You make some middle-middle mistakes, you're going to get banged around," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "Hopefully he starts to command the baseball a little bit better and work through some innings without having that pitch count climb." If Jarvis, who came up through the minors as a starter, were to make the roster, it would be as a multi-inning reliever. Through two appearances, he's allowed eight runs on seven hits and three walks over two innings.

Smith started at first base and went 0-for-2 with a walk in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers.

Smith started at first for the second time in the last three games, as the Diamondbacks get by without Christian Walker (hand), who could return Tuesday. Smith, who played partial seasons at the major-league level in 2022 and 2023, could be in for a similar role in 2024. He was left off the latest projected roster assembled by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. His most logical path to the Opening Day roster would be as a backup at first base, but Arizona may prefer a utility player, like Kevin Newman, Jace Peterson (wrist) or Emmanuel Rivera to cover there when Walker needs a breather. Smith is 3-for-13 with two RBI through five Cactus League games.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sunday that Suarez (side) should return to action Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Suarez was scratched from the lineup last Thursday then sat out the weekend. The Diamondbacks are getting by at third base with a mix of players, including Blaze Alexander, Kevin Newman and Emmanuel Rivera.

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.

Jones is expected to hit third in Colorado's lineup during the regular season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Jones was traded to the Rockies before the 2023 season after stalling in the Guardians' system, and he delivered a breakout season. His line was highlighted by a .245 ISO, and he also swiped 20 bases on 24 attempts. Jones primarily hit fifth and sixth during his first year with the club, so he may not be quite as free to take off on the basepaths in 2024, though he could make up for that with improved counting stats.

McMahon is expected to hit fifth in the Rockies' lineup during the regular season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The Rockies prefer to alternate left and right-handed hitters in the lineup, with Charlie Blackmon, Kris Bryant, Nolan Jones and Brendan Rodgers set to hit in the top four. McMahon will be pushed down in the order slightly as a result, as he primarily hit third in 2023. He's had consistent production across the last three seasons, recording at least 20 home runs in each with a wOBA of at least .325.

Bryant is projected to hit second in the Rockies' lineup during the regular season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Bryant hasn't made much of an impact since joining Colorado, as he's managed to play only 122 games combined across two seasons. However, he's now fully healthy and is expected to serve as the team's regular first baseman. While it may be a stretch to expect another 30 home-run season, Bryant should get on base consistently and score plenty of runs.

Rodgers will bat cleanup for the Rockies to begin the 2024 season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Rodgers was limited by a shoulder injury for much of the 2023 season, and he managed just a .701 OPS across 192 plate appearances. Now fully healthy, the Rockies are hoping he'll be in for the breakout season his prospect pedigree seemed to promise. While Rodgers doesn't have the prototypical power of a cleanup hitter -- he has a career .146 ISO -- he makes relatively consistent contact, which should make him productive with runners in scoring position.

Darvish tossed 3.1 innings against Seattle in a Cactus League game Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out six batters.

Darvish served up a two-run homer to Cade Marlowe in the second inning, but he was otherwise pretty sharp, throwing 30 of 46 pitches for strikes and punching out six batters. All three of the hits he surrendered aside from the long ball were singles, one of which was a pop-up that was lost in the sun and another that didn't leave the infield. Darvish has fanned nine hitters without issuing a walk over 5.1 frames this spring, and he looks to be on track to face the Dodgers in one of two contests in South Korea that will open the MLB regular season March 20-21.

Tatis went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Sunday's Cactus League win over Seattle.

Tatis went 0-for-9 with two walks and an RBI through his first five games this spring, but he got off the schneid with a two-run homer against Mariners starter Luis Castillo in the third inning Sunday. Padres manager Mike Shildt said in early February that Tatis is slated to remain in right field this season, dispelling some rumblings that the ex-shortstop could shift over to center. Tatis is looking to build upon a solid-but-not-elite 2023 campaign during which he slashed .257/.322/.449 with 25 homers, 78 RBI and 29 stolen bases while playing in a career-high 141 games.