MLB Player News

Votto had a single in his final at-bat Monday against the Dodgers, making him 1-for-9 for the spring season, albeit with six walks, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I didn't even know that," manager David Bell said. "I do know how many walks he's gotten. It seems like he's been on base the whole spring. Those might be the best spring training at-bats you can have, walks. You're seeing more pitches and getting a better feel for the zone and all that.

With Votto coming off of his worst season, he's under extra scrutiny this spring to see if he's showing any signs of correcting what held him back in 2019. The Reds' batters are playing every other day right now, but that activity should pick up following Tuesday's off-day.

Goldschmidt, who went 2-for-3 with a solo home run off Justin Verlander in a Grapefruit League win over the Astros on Tuesday, has launched both of his spring round trippers over the last three games.

Goldschmidt was hampered by some elbow soreness early in spring that limited him to designated hitter duties over the first three Grapefruit League contests. However, the veteran has been able to resume playing first base over the last three games, a stretch during which he's started to heat up at the plate. Goldschmidt heads into 2020 looking to improve on the career-low .233 average he produced last season.

Freeman (elbow) is starting Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, playing first base and batting third.

Freeman experienced right elbow inflammation Tuesday that led to him missing nearly a week of game action, but the team was never overly concerned about the injury, and he'll return to the lineup Monday. While the team could use some caution with Freeman going forward this spring to prevent further injury, the 30-year-old will likely be good to go for most activities as spring training progresses.

Freeman (elbow) could be in the lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies if his workout Sunday goes as planned, 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

The veteran first baseman was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with right elbow inflammation, but the injury may end up costing him only a week. The Braves never expressed significant concern over the issue, but it's nonetheless a great sign to see Freeman expected to make a quick return to the field.

Beaty is a strong candidate for a major-league bench role due to his ability to play third base, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dave Roberts indicated a preference for Beaty to begin the season on the big-league roster due to the club's need for a left-handed backup third baseman. The interest makes sense given the team's penchant for playing matchups and giving occasional rest to veterans. Beaty spent the majority of his time with the Dodgers last season playing either left field or first base, but he did log eight games at the hot corner.

Hiura went 2-for-3 and hit a two-run home run in Friday's spring game against the Dodgers.

Hiura was hitless over his first two appearances this spring, but he notched a couple base hits Friday, including a deep shot to center field. He will start at second base Opening Day and will regularly occupy a prime spot in the Brewers' batting order.

Raley is hitting .385 (5-for-13) through six spring training contests.

Raley leads the Dodgers with five hits thus far, two of which have gone for extra bases. On the less promising side of the coin, the 25-year-old has struck out four times and has yet to draw a walk. Raley is expected to open the season in Triple-A; he hit .302 and slugged seven home runs at that level as a member of Minnesota's farm system last season.

Walker went 1-for-1 with a double and a walk in Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Walker was slowed by general body soreness early in camp before making his spring debut Wednesday. The right-handed batting first baseman should be in the lineup daily after appearing in 152 games last season.

Walker (upper body) will start at first base and bat fifth in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

As anticipated, Walker will make his spring debut after he had been limited to begin camp due to general body soreness. With Opening Day still a month away, Walker has plenty of time to pick up the at-bats he needs to guarantee he avoids the injured list to begin the season.

Freeman (elbow) won't return to game action until next week, though general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Wednesday that the Braves aren't concerned about the issue, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Freeman was scratched from the lineup Tuesday against the Twins with right elbow inflammation. The Braves' apparent optimism is shared by Freeman, who reportedly lobbied to return as soon as Thursday, but it's hard not to be at least a little bit worried about the issue. The veteran struggled with elbow problems late last season and underwent arthroscopic surgery to deal with the issue in October. It's possible the Braves are simply being overly cautious with their star first baseman early in camp, but the injury worries certainly add some risk to Freeman's draft stock this spring.