MLB Player News

The Reds announced Wednesday that Votto tested positive for COVID-19, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto was initially placed on the injured list Wednesday without an explanation, but he ultimately gave the team permission to reveal the nature of his absence. It's not yet certain whether he's experiencing any symptoms, but he'll be away from the team for at least 10 days while he waits to clear MLB's COVID-19 protocol, according to Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer. With just over three weeks remaining until Opening Day, it's fair to wonder whether the 37-year-old will be able to build up in time for the start of the year.

Votto was placed on the 10-day injured list for an undisclosed reason Wednesday.

The Reds didn't provide a reason for Votto's placement on the injured list, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to action. The 37-year-old had appeared in four games to begin spring training and went 4-for-9 with a double, two runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

Votto was placed on the injured list by the Reds on Wednesday without an injury designation, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto was similarly placed on the injured list last season for one day when he reported illness symptoms and got checked out to make sure he didn't test positive for COVID-19. There's been no word yet if this is a similar instance.

Cron went 3-for-3 with a solo home run, two doubles and two runs in Tuesday's spring win over the Diamondbacks.

Cron got off to a slow start this spring, going just 1-for-13 with a single and six strikeouts across five games, but he had his way against Arizona in Tuesday's blowout win. Although the 31-year-old is in camp as a non-roster invitee, he has a good chance to carve out regular at-bats during the regular season. Josh Fuentes has also impressed at the plate and on defense while competing for the job at first base, but Fuentes can also play third base and left field, which should leave Cron with plenty of opportunities at first.

Goldschmidt is hitting .200 (2-for-10) with a double and two walks over his first five Grapefruit League games.

The veteran slugger picked up the two-bagger in Monday's tie with the Marlins but has otherwise been very quiet to start spring play. Goldschmidt posted an impressive .304/.417/.466 line across 230 plate appearances last season and could be set for a similarly successful 2021 with Nolan Arenado projected to hit directly behind him in the lineup.

Votto is 4-for-9 with a walk to begin the season and has taken a different approach to spring training at-bats this season to help counter recent slow starts in previous seasons, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Yeah, he looks different," manager David Bell said on Monday. "I know that he's intentionally made some changes, and I think it's showing up."

Votto in previous years would sometimes not swing at all in his first couple of spring training at-bats, but that hasn't been the case this spring. Votto is still going after pick 300 and after the 30th first baseman in most drafts. He's not a bad option to fill your last corner or utility spot as a potential source of profit.

Cabrera started at third base and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Cubs.

Cabrera has appeared in four spring games, starting at third base three times and second base once. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo projected a role against left-handers for the veteran infielder, most likely at third base. He's 1-for-9 with a run scored and an RBI thus far in Cactus League play.

Bour signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old spent the 2020 campaign in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers and had a .245/.344/.424 slash line with 17 homers in 102 games. Even with starting first baseman Brandon Belt (heel) limited to open camp, Bour won't be invited to major-league spring training and will report to minor-league camp April 1, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Freeman will make his spring debut in Friday's exhibition game against the Twins.

Freeman's arrival at camp was delayed due to the birth of his child, but he joined Atlanta last weekend and is ready to see his first action of the spring. Freeman, the reigning NL MVP, said Tuesday that he anticipates hitting third in 2021, and he will do just that Friday.

Calhoun said Thursday that his expected recovery timeline from knee surgery was 4-to-6 weeks, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Calhoun underwent surgery to address a torn meniscus Wednesday. The timeline implies that he should be able to return sometime in April, though he's still very likely to need at least a brief trip to the injured list. The Diamondbacks have a slew of options that will get at-bats in right field during the rest of spring training, including Tim Locastro (illness), Wyatt Mathisen, Pavin Smith, Trayce Thompson, Josh VanMeter, Daulton Varsho and Andrew Young.