MLB Player News

Walker (groin) will bat fifth and serve as the designated hitter in Friday's season opener against San Diego.

Walker had been battling a groin strain for over a week, though he remained confident about his readiness for Opening Day. That optimism turned out to be accurate, though he won't be taking the field just yet, with Jake Lamb getting the nod at first base. Whether that's the Diamondbacks' preferred alignment or if Walker will be back at first base soon remains to be seen.

Freeman (illness) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Despite a late start to summer camp due to COVID-19, Freeman was able to make the Opening Day roster and will presumably be in the three hole for Atlanta against Jacob deGrom on Friday. Freeman was open about his battle with COVID-19, telling FOX Sports that he prayed for his life at one point when his fever spiked to 104.5 degrees. Fortunately, Freeman now seems to be feeling back to his normal self, at least for the most part. He had three hits, including a homer and a double, in Monday's intrasquad game.

Cronenworth is part of the Padres' 30-man roster.

Cronenworth had been on the bubble for an Opening Day roster spot, but he got the nod Thursday in part due to the absence of Jorge Mateo (illness). Cronenworth is not expected to pitch this season, instead serving exclusively as a utility infielder.

Raley did not make the Dodgers' active 30-man roster.

Though he's part of the team's 40-man roster, Raley was never expected to compete for an active roster spot this season. The 25-year-old will head to the team's alternate training site where he'll continue to be developed after a strong showing in his first stint at the Triple-A level last season.

Beaty was added to the Dodgers' Opening Day roster Thursday.

Beaty was battling with Edwin Rios for a roster spot throughout spring training, but the expansion of rosters to 30 players allowed both infielders to make the team. Beaty figures to primarily fill a backup role at the corner infield spots.

Rizzo (back) went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's scrimmage against the Twins.

Rizzo has been dealing with back problems for most of summer camp and recently missed some exhibition contests, but he looked comfortable in his return to the lineup. The 30-year-old seems ready to go for the regular season, though his back will be worth monitoring during a condensed schedule that is light on off days.

Bell hit his second summer-camp homer Wednesday against Cleveland.

The 27-year-old has hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the three-game set against the Indians. Bell batted fifth as the team's designated hitter Wednesday, with Jose Osuna playing at first base. Pittsburgh is looking for a repeat start similar to 2019 from the slugger. Through the team's first 60 contests last year, Bell slashed .333/.398/.685 with 18 homers and 52 RBI.

Blandino was optioned to the Reds' alternate training site Wednesday. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old was attempting to secure a spot on the roster in a utility role, but the Reds' offseason upgrades and current good health allows the team to put their priorities elsewhere. Blandino appeared in 23 games in the majors last season and had a .250/.420/.361 slash line in 50 plate appearances, and he could still make his way back to the big club at some point during the shortened season.

Hiura (arm) is starting at second base and batting third in Wednesday's exhibition game against the White Sox.

The 23-year-old was scratched from an intrasquad game with right arm fatigue a week ago, but his presence in Wednesday's lineup indicates it won't impact his availability for Opening Day. Hiura's should remain near the top of the lineup for the Brewers after slashing .303/.368/.570 with 19 home runs and 23 doubles in 84 games as a rookie in 2019.

Rizzo (back) will bat second and play first base in Wednesday's final exhibition game against the Twins, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with back problems for most of summer camp, an issue that isn't new for him. He took live batting practice Tuesday and will get some game action in Wednesday. If he gets through the exhibition contest without issues, expect him to be on the field for Friday's Opening Day game against the Brewers.