MLB Player News

Blandino is also in the picture among those competing for the Reds' starting shortstop job, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Blandino, who remained at the Reds' alternate training site in 2020, profiles as a utility infielder if he makes the team. The 28-year old from Stanford University hasn't hit for much power as a pro, but at least has a decent batting eye. It's revealing that the Reds never turned to him as an alternative last season despite getting so little production from their shortstops.

Hoskins (elbow) is expected to get into game action by the end of the week, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins' readiness for Opening Day was initially thought to be at risk when he underwent Tommy John surgery back in early October. While he hasn't yet gotten into a Grapefruit League game, that's also true of other Phillies regulars who aren't coming off injuries like Bryce Harper. Hoskins said at the start of camp that he expects to be ready for the start of the regular season, and that should still be true as long as he gets into game action soon and gets through it without setbacks.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch said Torkelson (finger) has been cleared for game action, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Torkelson didn't make the trip with the Tigers to Tampa for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, but he'll be included on the travel roster in Bradenton for Tuesday's five-inning game versus the Pirates. Even if he doesn't start in that contest, the touted prospect should have a good chance at getting an at-bat or two off the bench.

Hiura played first base and went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Sunday's spring opener.

Hiura wasted no time socking his first homer of the spring, going deep in first exhibition at-bat. His punchout problems persisted, though, as he was rung up in his next two at-bats. The Brewers will live with Hiura's lack of contact, and he figures to be in the lineup nearly every day. However, the bulk of his starts figure to come at first base and not at the keystone, the position he played in his first two seasons at the big-league level.

Dalbec started at first base and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Sunday's spring game against Minnesota.

Dalbec should be Boston's primary first baseman in 2021 following a season in which he slugged .600 (.337 ISO) with eight home runs over 80 at-bats. There's a lot of swing-and-miss to him (42.4 K%), but Dalbec's power numbers have been exemplary in the minors.

Voit (foot) is starting at first base and batting cleanup in Sunday's spring opener against the Blue Jays.

The 30-year-old played with plantar fasciitis throughout 2020, but he appears to be entering spring training in good health. Voit was still significantly productive with a .948 OPS, 22 homers and 52 RBI in 56 games, so he has high expectations entering 2021.

Freeman has arrived in Florida and should begin on-field workouts early this week once he clears intake testing, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The first baseman got a delayed start to camp after his wife gave birth last weekend, but there are no worries about him being ready for Opening Day. Freeman is coming off an MVP campaign, and with free agency potentially looming next offseason, he figures to be locked in from the jump.

Torkelson (finger) has been taking groundballs at first base the past few days, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch previously said Torkelson will focus exclusively on third base during spring training, but the 21-year-old isn't throwing right now due to his finger injury, so it appears the work at first is more by necessity. Torkelson won't play in Sunday's Grapefruit League opener against the Phillies, though the team has described his injury as "very mild," so he should see game action soon.

France has seen the bulk of his infield reps at third base early in spring training, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

While France projects to see the majority of his playing time in the designated hitter role this coming season, he's considered the team's third baseman of the future. His opportunity to man the hot corner on a full-time basis may well come as soon as 2022, as franchise stalwart Kyle Seager could have his team option for next season declined this coming offseason. Consequently, the fact France is spending plenty of time with infield coach Perry Hill and Seager refining his glove work at third isn't surprising, especially since there's also a chance Seager is dealt at the trade deadline this season if Seattle is out of contention at that point.

Abreu (COVID-19) arrived at spring training Saturday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Abreu missed the first several days of camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was asymptomatic and felt healthy through his recovery. He was expected to rejoin the team Monday, but he arrived at camp ahead of schedule and should join the White Sox for team activities. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available for the first few games of Cactus League play, but the first baseman should have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day.