MLB Player News

Freeman (illness) picked up three hits, including a home run and a double, during Monday's intrasquad scrimmage, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

All three hits came off projected starter Sean Newcomb. Freeman has been getting in plenty of work since rejoining the team, hitting in every inning during the last three scrimmages and amassing about 20 at-bats in total, and he figures to be in the lineup for exhibition games against the Marlins on Tuesday and Wednesday. Barring any kind of setback in his recovery from COVID-19, Freeman appears to be on track to play Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) is expected to face live pitching Tuesday and could be cleared to play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Twins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Wednesday scrimmage against Minnesota will be the Cubs' final tune-up before Friday's season opener, so if Rizzo is able to go against the Twins, it would seem he'll be ready for Opening Day. Manager David Ross said the first baseman "continues to move in the right direction," and the team should have a better idea of Rizzo's health after Tuesday's workout.

Walker (groin) worked out at Chase Field on Sunday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

While the rest of Diamondbacks traveled to Los Angeles for a two-game exhibition set against the Dodgers, Walker stayed back in order to rehab his strained right groin. Manager Torey Lovullo is hopeful that he'll be ready for the opener Friday in San Diego.

Rizzo (back) remains hopeful that he'll be ready for Opening Day, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with a back issue in recent days, but he's been able to steadily increase his workload. He isn't starting in Sunday's exhibition game against the White Sox, but he expressed optimism that he could play in Wednesday's exhibition matchup against the Twins. The 30-year-old was able to hit without pain Sunday and was able to play the field Saturday, but he said that he wants to be able to regain a full range of mobility without pain. He said that serving as the designated hitter at times to begin the season could be an option to preserve his long-term health and also said that he could take some extra games off once the regular season gets underway. Rizzo remains day-to-day ahead of Opening Day on Friday.

Hiura (arm) is expected to play defense in Monday's intrasquad game, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old has been dealing with right arm fatigue over the past few days, but he's serving as the designated hitter in Sunday's intrasquad action. Hiura should be in the lineup for the start of the season, whether he's the DH or starting at second base.

France is expected to start at designated hitter against left-handed pitchers, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The righty slugger hit .346/.413/.684 with 12 home runs in 150 plate appearances against southpaws in the Pacific Coast League last year. He also hit well against righties, so France could carve out more than just a short-side platoon role as the season goes on.

Hiura (arm) is starting at designated hitter in Sunday's intrasquad game, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Ryan Braun (general soreness) has been unavailable the past couple days, and if the regular season began today, Hiura may be the Brewers' designated hitter. However, Braun and Hiura have a few more days to get right before Friday's opener against the Cubs. Hiura's throwing arm is currently too sore for him to man the keystone.

Walker (groin) received treatment Friday and is expected to resume baseball activity Sunday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he'd like to get Walker live at-bats a few days prior to Opening Day before feeling comfortable with him taking the field July 24 in San Diego. This could be a case where Walker serves as the designated hitter while Jake Lamb starts at first base.

Cronenworth could make the Opening Day roster in place of Jorge Mateo (illness) if Mateo remains out, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Cronenworth has been trending on the wrong side of the roster bubble as Opening Day approaches, but the likelihood that Mateo -- who tested positive for COVID-19 early in the month and has yet to return -- will not be ready to go by the start of the season will likely open a spot for a utility infielder. That spot would almost certainly go to Cronenworth, whom the Padres acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay last December.

Rizzo (back) took batting practice and worked in the field Saturday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Rizzo has been limited recently while dealing with rib inflammation on his left side that led to back spasms, but he appears to be slightly increasing his workload as he was able to take grounders Saturday. Manager David Ross still considers the first baseman to be day-to-day. Whether he'll be ready for the start of the season remains to be seen.