MLB Player News

Voit's opt-out clause has been pushed to Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

There is apparently mutual interest in things working out with Voit in Milwaukee, which is why he did not exercise his opt-out clause this week. The Brewers will look to find a way to add him to the 40-man roster before next weekend, but even if Voit makes the team, he is unlikely to start against righties, with Rowdy Tellez at first base and Jesse Winker presumably getting most of his starts at designated hitter.

Freeman (hamstring) is starting at designated hitter and batting second Saturday against the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Freeman will make his return to the lineup after exiting Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game for Team Canada with hamstring tightness. It's good to see that this injury wasn't a strain. Freeman should be a full-go for the start of the regular season.

Olson went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Both blasts came off Tanner Houck -- Olson crushed a solo shot to left-center field in the first inning before pulling a massive blast out of the ballpark entirely in the fifth for a two-run shot. The first baseman appears more than ready for Opening Day, hitting .444 (12-for-27) this spring with five homers and two doubles. He has drawn only one walk, but given how well he's been seeing the ball, it's hard to blame him for swinging away.

Votto will play deeper into spring games as the Cactus League progresses, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto was able to make his spring debut Sunday, and the Reds have understandably monitored his reps as he is returning from a torn rotator cuff and left biceps injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely. The former MVP should be ready for Opening Day, and likely will see most of his playing time as the starting first baseman for the Reds.

Santana (knee) was able to go through a full workout Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana had to depart Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, but it sounds like he'll be fine. Expect the veteran first baseman/designated hitter to return to action within a few days.

Steer remains in line to be the Reds' Opening Day starter at third base and has been getting a number of pointers in spring training from Chad Pinder and Jonathan India, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

In 27 spring training at-bats, Steer is slashing .296/.387/.556 with one homer. There's a long-term concern whether Steer can hold the job once the Reds' next crop of highly touted prospects is ready for the majors, but for now he gets a head start on them to audition for the role.

Cron hasn't played since Tuesday and will be out at least a few more days due to back spasms, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

It appears to be a day-to-day situation at this point, although the Rockies aren't providing a timetable for Cron's return. Mike Moustakas and Harold Castro have handled first base the last two days and Michael Toglia would also be a candidate to see time there if Cron's absence drags on.

Cron has gone 5-for-29 with one home run, two doubles and nine strikeouts during Cactus League action.

Cron is locked into the first base job in Colorado and has established a fairly clear baseline of performance for the last several seasons. That makes it difficult to be overly concerned by his lack of production this spring, particularly so long as he maintains his health.

Santana was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Santana slipped on the infield grass while attempting to field a flyball and was removed from the game immediately. He's still undergoing testing on the injury, so it's unclear if he'll be forced to miss additional time. If Santana misses any regular-season contests, Connor Joe is a potential beneficiary.

Santana exited the Pirates' spring game against the Yankees on Thursday after slipping on the infield grass trying to catch a pop-up, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana appeared to be in quite a bit of pain as a trainer helped him off the field. The Pirates will take a look at him and should provide additional updates shortly.