MLB Player News

Hiura was scratched from Wednesday's intrasquad game with right arm fatigue, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear when the issue first surfaced for the 23-year-old, but he won't be taking part in Wednesday's intrasquad action. Per McCalvy, GM David Stearns said Hiura's absence was precautionary and more information is expected on his status Thursday.

Rizzo's MRI revealed rib head inflammation on his left side as the source of his back spasms, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The issue is one Rizzo has dealt with before. He's being considered day-to-day and will continue to receive treatment, though with Opening Day just over a week away, a trip to the injured list hasn't been ruled out. If he's forced to miss time, the Cubs could use backup catcher Victor Caratini at first base or slide Kris Bryant over from third to first, opening up the hot corner for David Bote.

France, the Padres' emergency catcher, has been getting extra work behind the plate, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

France's regular-season catching duties will likely remain limited to emergency situations, though manager Jayce Tingler suggested that regular catchers Francisco Mejia and Austin Hedges are candidates to be subbed for late in games. The positional utility no doubt helps France in his bid to earn a roster spot, especially if the team elects to carry only two catchers.

Rizzo underwent tests on his tight lower back Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with the issue for about a week after it popped up following a batting-practice session. He was able to hit again Sunday and was reportedly doing better at the time, but he's seemingly back to doing worse again. He's still considered day-to-day, though time is getting tight for him to get into game shape by the start of the season.

Calhoun (undisclosed) rejoined the Diamondbacks on Monday and took part in the team's intrasquad game, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun's arrival to summer camp was delayed after he was revealed to have tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, but he cleared all protocols and joined the club last Friday. He was then absent from Sunday's workout, but the fact that he was back at work a day later should keep him on pace to be ready for Opening Day. Calhoun is expected to serve as Arizona's primary option in right field after he clubbed a career-high 33 home runs with the Angels in 2019.

Votto got on-base in his first six plate appearances in scrimmages before finally getting out Sunday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Results from scrimmages seem less than probative, but this is what we have right now. Votto normally is a slow starter, but nothing about this season is normal. The Reds were big spenders over the offseason, but they really need Votto to bounce back for the offense to really take off.

Walker underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed he suffered a right groin strain in Sunday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Walker is day-to-day and remains optimistic about the slugger's chances of being ready for Opening Day. The 29-year-old earned the starting first base job last season, slashing .259/.348/.476 with 29 home runs and 73 RBI across 603 plate appearances. Walker could enter a platoon role with the left-handed hitting Jake Lamb depending on Walker's health and success at the plate early in the season. An extended absence would open the door for right-handed-hitting Kevin Cron to get into the lineup.

Smith could serve as the Mets' designated hitter in 2020, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith's roster spot was in jeopardy in the spring, but he could benefit from both the universal designated hitter and the expanded 30-man roster. The team has a flurry of candidates to serve as the designated hitter, including Yoenis Cespedes and Matt Adams, among others. Smith appeared in 89 games for the Mets last season, slashing .282/.355/.525 with 11 home runs and 25 RBI.

Montero produced a second positive COVID-19 test and consequently remains under quarantine, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. "Every day that goes by that they're not here is more of a challenge," manager Mike Shildt said about the players being ready for Opening Day. "The biggest two factors will be when they get here, that alone might [impact] their ability to start the season with us, but if they do get here, we still have an opportunity to work into ... how they look and how they can get ready without the feeling of rushing."

The infielder initially tested positive during intake screenings for summer camp, and he evidently hasn't overcome infection more than 10 days later. Manager Mike Shildt did report Montero is asymptomatic, but he'll have to test negative twice within a 24-hour span before being allowed to join the team.

Calhoun wasn't at the Diamondbacks' camp Sunday for an undisclosed reason, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

After he missed the first several days of camp while recovering from COVID-19, Calhoun reported to camp Friday. However, he still hasn't participated in an intrasquad game, and he wasn't at camp Sunday. Manager Torey Lovullo couldn't give a reason for Calhoun's absence, but the 32-year-old's lack of activity casts some doubt regarding his status for Opening Day.