MLB Player News

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.

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.