MLB Player News

Goldschmidt went 0-for-2 with three walks and a run in Thursday's 8-2 win over the Rockies.

Goldschmidt's season debut wasn't an especially helpful one for fantasy owners outside of leagues that count on-base percentage, but the three walks at least suggest the first baseman is seeing the ball well coming out of spring training. Though the installation of a humidor at Chase Field this season could inhibit Goldschmidt's power output to some extent, the 30-year-old is still expected to finish among the top fantasy producers at his position thanks to his above-average contributions across all five major fantasy categories.

Freeman went 1-for-2 with a home run, three walks, two RBI, and three runs scored Thursday against the Phillies.

Freeman is one of the best hitters in the game, and the full stat-line he produced on Thursday is an illustration of that. One significant boost to his value is his ability to hit against left-handed pitching, he posted an .881 OPS against them in 126 at-bats last season, and his home run Thursday came against left-handed reliever Hoby Milner. Without drastic splits, Freeman should always remain in fantasy lineups.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Thursday's win over the Marlins.

Rizzo's blast came in the second inning off Miami starter Jose Urena. The slugging first baseman posted exactly 32 home runs in three of the last four seasons (and had 31 the other year), so expect him to once again fall into that range if he stays healthy.

Smith (quadriceps) was placed on the 10-day DL on Thursday.

Aside from being able to slot him into a DL spot in certain formats, this isn't actionable, as Smith was expected to be optioned to Triple-A to start the season if he was healthy. Adrian Gonzalez started at first base on Opening Day and Wilmer Flores is expected to split duties there for the foreseeable future. Once Smith gets healthy, he will need to impress the organization on and off the field at Triple-A in order to be recalled to the big leagues.

Bell went 1-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and one run scored Tuesday against the Phillies.

Bell's home run was his fourth of spring training and came against Jake Arrieta. His ability to hit for power in 2017, his first full season in the major leagues, was a nice surprise as his .211 ISO was his highest mark at any professional level. He did sacrifice plate discipline as a result, but he has struck out just six times in 51 at-bats this spring while still producing eight extra-base hits. That development is an encouraging sign that he can build off his 2017 season by maintaining his home run production while also improving his batting average and runs total. Bell is expected to bat cleanup for the Bucs.

Flores will not be in Thursday's Opening Day lineup against St. Louis, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

In an expected move with right-hander Carlos Martinez on the mound for the Cardinals, manager Mickey Callaway elected to start Adrian Gonzalez at first base. Earlier this week, Callaway confirmed that Flores will see time against righties, but Gonzalez will likely start a majority of those contests.

Goldschmidt was struck in the helmet by a pitch during a minor-league game Sunday against the Rockies, but he was uninjured and remained in the contest for two more plate appearances, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The hit by pitch may have caused some anxious moments for the Diamondbacks, but the fact Goldschmidt remained in the contest suggests that he'll be fine for Opening Day. Goldschmidt concluded spring training with a .275/.362/.787 slash line and homered twice in 40 at-bats during Cactus League action.

Smith (quad) will remain in extended spring training at the start of the season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith has been limited to just one game this spring while battling a quad strain. He'll spend some time in extended spring and then presumably at Triple-A Las Vegas before pushing for a return to the big leagues. It's a disappointing start to the year for the 22-year-old, who was expected to have a good chance to open as the Mets' starting first baseman. Wilmer Flores and Adrian Gonzalez appear in line to have a fairly even split on playing time at first base to start the season. Gonzalez won't be much of an obstacle for Smith later this season, but Flores has a chance to gain a larger share of that role, and he is probably a better overall player than Smith at this stage.

Cooper was informed Sunday that he's made the Marlins' Opening Day roster, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Cooper is in the midst of a productive first spring camp with the Marlins, going 15-for-52 with three home runs. He'll likely serve as a pinch-hitting option most of the time, but the 27-year-old can also take the field at first base and both corner-outfield spots.

Dixon was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

Dixon will unfortunately miss out on an Opening Day roster spot despite putting together a strong spring camp in which he went 14-for-43 with four home runs and four stolen bases. He'll begin the year at Triple-A Louisville with the hope of playing his way back to the majors.