MLB Player News

Rizzo was scratched from Thursday's spring game against the Rangers due to a blister, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Corban Joseph will enter the lineup at first base in place of Rizzo, who should be considered day-to-day after a blister opened up on his right middle finger. With three weeks to go until Opening Day, it doesn't seem like this issue will affect Rizzo's availability for the start of the season.

Naylor has sat out the last four days after feeling tightness in his neck after a throw, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Naylor had hoped to return to action Wednesday but instead was scratched from the lineup after reporting stiffness. "He wanted to go. We thought it was best (to) give it another day or two," said manager Jayce Tingler. Naylor is fighting for an Opening Day roster slot but isn't projected to start in either outfield corner.

Calhoun went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's spring game against Kansas City.

Calhoun is 4-for-10 with a home run, five RBI and five walks in six spring appearances. He's batted out of the three hole in four games with one game at cleanup and another batting sixth. The 32-year-old outfielder's declining batting average over the last three seasons suggests a lower placement in the order once the regular season kicks off. As spring training draws to a close, and the lineups take on a regular-season look, a better indication of where Calhoun slots in should emerge.

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.