MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Freeman (ankle) will make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the Rockies as the Dodgers' designated hitter, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Since he's working his way back from December surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle, Freeman will be eased into the spring lineup in a non-defensive role, but he should be ready for a full-time role at first base once the Dodgers open their season with a two-game set in Tokyo versus the Cubs on March 18 and 19. Roberts confirmed last week that he plans to have the reigning World Series MVP slot in as the Dodgers' primary No. 3 batter in 2025, with Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts hitting in front of him and Teoscar Hernandez occupying the cleanup spot.

Mervis went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Starting at DH and batting sixth, Mervis drove a Trevor Williams offering over the right-field fence in the second inning for his first homer of the spring. Assuming he has at least a decent camp, Mervis is expected to open the season on the strong side of a platoon with Jonah Bride at first base while also mixing in at DH. While Mervis struggled in limited big-league opportunities with the Cubs, he sports a career .269/.371/.511 slash line over 242 games at Triple-A with 52 home runs.

Horwitz (wrist) will begin taking two-handed dry swings later this week, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Horwitz has been taking one-handed dry swings and is nearly ready to take the next step in his hitting progression as he works his way back from right wrist surgery. He's expected to miss roughly the first month of the season.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Monday that the club is looking at Canha primarily as an option at first base, designated hitter and pinch hitter, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Most of Canha's experience at the major-league level is as an outfielder, but it sounds like the Brewers would use him there only in a pinch. The 36-year-old is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but he should have a good chance to make Milwaukee's Opening Day roster. Canha struggled in 2024, slashing .242/.344/.346 in 125 games between the Tigers and Giants.

Freeman (ankle) could make his Cactus League debut Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Freeman has been brought along slowly in Dodgers camp following December surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle, but he's progressing well. The veteran first baseman will get some at-bats in a minor-league game Monday and is tracking toward his first official spring training action later this week. Freeman is expected to be ready to go for the Dodgers' season-opening two-game series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19.

Steer (shoulder) is scheduled to begin throwing Monday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Steer is delayed in playing the field due to a sore right shoulder. He is able to DH and did so for one Cactus League game thus far.

Flores (knee) is starting at first base and batting fifth for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Reds, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 33-year-old was limited to 71 games and finished last season on the injured list due to a knee injury that necessitated surgery, but he's ready to go for the start of spring training. Flores exercised his $3.5 million player option for 2025 in November and is expected to fill the small side of a platoon at first base with LaMonte Wade.

Milwaukee signed Canha to a minor-league contract Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Canha went through most of the offseason without garnering interest from a team, but he will get a chance to catch on with the Brewers for the 2025 campaign. He ended the 2024 regular season with the Cardinals after being traded by the Tigers in July, but he suffered a right thumb sprain in late September that resulted in him being placed on the 10-day IL. He finished the 2024 regular season slashing .242/.344/.346 with seven stolen bases, seven home runs and 42 RBI across 462 plate appearances. If he does manage to make the Opening Day roster, the 36-year-old Canha won't likely serve in more than a complementary role behind Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick.

Steer (shoulder) will serve as the designated hitter in one of Saturday's split-squad games, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Steer is nursing a shoulder injury but is expected to begin throwing soon, per manager Terry Francona. Steer might also play first base with the caveat that he's not to throw until he's ready. Steer, who made 100 starts in the outfield (98 in left field) last season and is expected to be in the outfield mix in 2025, will need to go through a progression before playing there.

Freeman (ankle) began a running progression Thursday and is on track to make his Cactus League debut next week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 35-year-old has been a bit behind his fellow Dodger position players following December surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle. However, it would appear Freeman is close to being fully cleared for all activities, and the team remains confident he will be ready to go for a season-opening two-game series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19.