MLB Player News

Walker went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's spring training game against the Cubs.

Walker walloped his second spring home run in the fourth inning and has hit in seven of nine Cactus League contests. The righty-hitting first baseman is focused on putting a dismal 2021 season behind him, and he's been convincing thus far. He's 9-for-25 with three walks, two homers, two doubles, five RBI and six runs scored. It should be noted that Walker was just as good in 2021's spring training over 53 plate appearances but went on to slash .244/.315/.382 with 10 home runs in the regular season.

Bohm isn't guaranteed a starting role or even a roster spot to begin the year, as the Phillies are considering Bryson Stott at third base, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Bohm entered the spring as the presumptive favorite at third base despite a disappointing sophomore season which saw his wRC+ drop from 138 to 75, with corresponding steps back in his strikeout rate (20.0 percent to 26.6 percent) and barrel rate (10.3 percent to 6.6 percent). He's continued to struggle this spring, hitting .208/.296/.375 through his first 10 games, which has prompted the Phillies to give more looks at the hot corner to Stott, the team's top hitting prospect. Stott's primary position is shortstop, where he also has a chance to beat out Didi Gregorius, but he can likely handle the hot corner as well. If the Phillies do elect to go with Stott as the Opening Day third baseman, Bohm may head to the minors for everyday at-bats rather than remaining stuck in a bench role.

Olson went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

He blasted a fourth-inning offering from JT Chargois out to right-center field for his first homer of the spring. Olson is batting .263 (5-for-19) with a sharp 4:3 BB:K, and with his power stroke coming around he appears just about ready for Opening Day. The 28-year-old, picked up from the A's in the offseason to replace Freddie Freeman, is coming off a career-best campaign in which he slugged 39 homers and 111 RBI.

Goldschmidt went 4-for-4 with a home run, a stolen base and three runs scored in Wednesday's 29-8 win over the Nationals.

Goldschmidt has used a new bat model for the first time in his career, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and it's been paying off in spring games. The first baseman is 10-for-19 with three homers, a double, four RBI and seven runs scored in eight Grapefruit League contests. Goldschmidt remains a high-end first baseman in fantasy who should be a solid pickup around the fourth round.

Ellis was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

Ellis made his major-league debut in 2021, but he failed to land a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster this year after he went 2-for-15 with a run, two walks and six strikeouts across eight Cactus League appearances. He'll work on developing with Reno and will be an option of fill in as infield depth for the Diamondbacks during the regular season.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Solano (hamstring) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Solano sustained a left hamstring injury Tuesday against the Rangers and feels slightly better Wednesday, but he'll still be held out to begin the regular season. An exact timetable for his return isn't yet clear, though manager David Bell suggested that Solano's stint on the IL "may not be very long," per Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Solano was expected to be a fixture in the lineup against left-handed pitching, but his absence could clear the way for the righty-hitting Brandon Drury to make the Opening Day roster as a utility man.

Solano (hamstring) isn't starting Wednesday's Cactus League game against Oakland.

Solano left Tuesday's game with a left hamstring issue, and he'll be held out of the starting lineup Wednesday. The severity of the injury isn't yet known, and it's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench against Oakland.

Solano exited Tuesday's game against Texas with a left hamstring injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Solano walked off the field with a team trainer after hurting himself while running the bases. The exact nature and severity of the injury are not yet clear. He's expected to find his way into the lineup at least against lefties this season, but the rest of the Reds' starting infielders could each receive a few more at-bats if he winds up missing time.

Solano exited Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers in the third inning with an apparent left leg injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Solano, who picked up the start at shortstop, went 1-for-2 with an RBI before leaving the game when he appeared to hurt himself while advancing to second base on Tyler Stephenson's base hit. The Reds will presumably evaluate him in the locker room and provide an update on his condition after the game.

Flores is expected to be the Giants' starting third baseman after Evan Longoria (finger) was ruled out for Opening Day, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Flores is a natural third baseman and the next in line at the hot corner. The 30-year-old played all around the infield last season as a versatile defender. He hit a decent .262/.335/.447 with 18 home runs, 53 RBI and 57 runs scored in 139 contests in 2021. It's unclear how long Flores could hold onto an everyday role given the murky timeline of Longoria's recovery.