MLB Player News

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.

Rizzo (back) took batting practice Sunday and is "doing better" according to Chicago manager David Ross, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has sat out the past few intrasquad games, but he's still getting work in, as he participated in drills Saturday followed by Sunday's batting practice. With the start of the regular season less than two weeks away, the Cubs seem to be exercising some caution with their first baseman, though he appears to be on track to play Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) participated in fielding drills and took some swings Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has missed the team's last two intrasquad games with lower back tightness, but the fact that he worked out Saturday is encouraging. The 30-year-old has dealt with intermittent back issues throughout his career, so the Cubs are just likely exercising some caution with their slugging first baseman. He remains day-to-day to return to game action.

Freeman (illness) has been feeling better over the last week, but he still needs to test negative for COVID-19 twice before being allowed to return to the field, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The details regarding each individual player's battle with coronavirus haven't generally been made public. In Freeman's case, the implication from both his manager Brian Snitker and his wife Chelsea at the time he originally tested positive in early July was that his case was far from a mild one. While the news that he's recovering is undoubtedly positive, it remains to be seen when he'll get back on the field in any capacity, let alone when he'll be ready for game action.

Cahoun (illness) arrived at the Diamondbacks' camp Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun missed the first several days of camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but his arrival Friday signals that he's cleared MLB protocol. The 32-year-old was asymptomatic, but it's unclear whether the absence will impact his availability for Opening Day.

Rizzo didn't participate in Tuesday's intrasquad game due to lower back tightness, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old has battled intermittent back issues throughout his career, so it's not much of a surprise to see the Cubs being cautious early in summer camp. Still, it's a somewhat worrying development following the extended hiatus, especially with scheduled off days at a premium during the shortened 60-game season. Rizzo may lay low for a couple days but hopefully will make a relatively quick return to the field. Manager David Ross plans to bat his first baseman second in the order, with Kris Bryant batting leadoff.

Calhoun tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun is asymptomatic and feeling great. The test results explain why the outfielder has been absent from the Diamondbacks' initial summer camp workouts. Arizona teammate David Peralta, who was experiencing symptoms, tested negative four times before being able to join the team Monday, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

The Braves placed Freeman (illness) on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Freeman was one of four Braves players revealed Saturday to have tested positive for COVID-19, but only he and reliever Will Smith will head to the IL for now. Of the four players to test positive, Freeman's health situation appears to be the most serious, as his wife, Chelsea, posted via her personal Instagram account that the four-time All-Star "has had body aches, headaches, chills and a high fever since Thursday." Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, manager Brian Snitker revealed that Freeman was feeling "much stronger" Sunday, but the first baseman will need to be asymptomatic for at least 72 hours before he can take another test as he seeks the first of the two negative results he'll need to receive clearance to play. It's unclear at this point if Freeman will be back to full health when the Braves open their season July 23 or 24.