MLB Player News

Hiura (arm) could participate in Sunday's intrasquad game, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old remains out of Friday's action and the Brewers won't have an intrasquad game Saturday. GM David Stearns said the team isn't "particularly concerned" about Hiura's sore throwing arm, and a return to the field Sunday could go a long way toward cementing his status for Opening Day.

Freeman (illness) cleared MLB's COVID-19 protocols and began working out at the Braves' facility Friday.

The 30-year-old has been absent from summer training after testing positive for COVID-19 and battling a fever in early July, but he's since recovered and is joining his teammates on the field. Freeman has yet to be ruled out for next Friday's season opener against the Mets and may need some additional time to reach game readiness, but his return to the field this week gives him a chance to potentially avoid missing any games. Regardless, joining team workouts is a significant step toward full clearance and is a boost to his early season prospects. Adam Duvall, Austin Riley and Johan Camargo are the potential fill-in options at first base should Freeman be unable to play Opening Day.

Walker (groin) could resume baseball activities this weekend, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker, who injured the groin Sunday of this week, is confident he'll ready to play Opening Day, whether as a first baseman, designated hitter or pinch hitter. If he's unable to start on the field, then Jake Lamb would be the likely fill-in.

Cronenworth has yet to pitch during summer camp as the Padres are asking him to focus exclusively on his role as an infielder, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Cronenworth received the opportunity to pitch in some minor-league games while in the Rays' system last year and threw several bullpen sessions for the Padres during spring training, but he has not been tasked with throwing any bullpens during summer camp. Instead, Cronenworth is focusing on taking reps in the infield, and he remains on the bubble for a spot on the team's initial 30-man roster.

Manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that it's still possible that Freeman (illness) could return by Opening Day, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 on July 4, and he was battling a fever. He's felt better in recent days but still hasn't cleared MLB protocol to return to the field. With Opening Day just eight days away, it seems to be a long shot that he'll be ready to go by the start of the season, but Snitker's update Thursday kept the possibility alive. The next several days will be crucial in determining his availability. If Freeman is unable to play by the start of the regular season, Adam Duvall could step in at first base.

General manager David Stearns said the Brewers "are not particularly concerned" about Hiura's sore throwing arm, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Stearns added that the arm issue does not appear to be related to the elbow ligament injury Hiura dealt with in college, which is good news. The 23-year-old is expected to take a few days off from throwing before being re-evaluated.

Rizzo (back) stood in against live pitching Thursday but didn't take any full swings, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rizzo saw 17 pitches during Thursday's limited BP session, bunting six while simply tracking the remaining pitches. The first baseman also did some light jogging around the bases but remains limited as he battles back spasms stemming from rib head inflammation on his left side. Rizzo remains day-to-day. If he's forced to miss any time to begin the season, Victor Caratini or Kris Bryant could fill in at first base, with David Bote likely seeing time at the hot corner should Bryant make the move.

Walker (groin) feels confident he'll be ready to play by Opening Day on July 24 against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker suffered the injury during Sunday's intrasquad game when he fully extended while diving for a line drive. On Monday, he underwent an MRI that showed the least severe strain (Grade 1) in his right groin. "I heard it's not a common injury in baseball, but NFL guys when they see it, they're usually back on the field the following Sunday," Walker said. "[I'm] optimistic [because] over the last two or three days it's gotten noticeably less sore." At the very least, the Diamondbacks' starting first baseman thinks he'll be ready to play against the Padres, whether that means being the designated hitter or pinch hitting.

Naylor is on the bubble in terms of claiming a spot on the Padres' 30-man roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Naylor has been mentioned as a prime candidate to serve as San Diego's designated hitter this season, but the Padres must still decide if his potential offensive contributions are enough to offset his mediocre defense. Ultimately, Naylor's opportunity to make the roster may depend on how many pitchers the Padres choose to carry.

Cronenworth does not have a clear path to making the Opening Day roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

San Diego's recent addition of Jorge Mateo (illness) may have pushed Cronenworth out of a roster spot, though it remains unclear when Mateo will be able to join the team. While Cronenworth's ability to pitch adds some attractiveness to his profile, the Padres have a stacked bullpen and are therefore less likely to take his two-way ability into consideration when settling on their Opening Day roster.