MLB Player News

Torkelson was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday.

Torkelson saw plenty of playing time this spring while working with the major-league coaching staff but went just 1-for-20 with one run, three walks and 12 strikeouts during Grapefruit League games. The Tigers' top prospect will now join the team's minor-league camp before he likely begins the season at High-A West Michigan.

Higgins got a step closer to securing the backup catcher role with the Cubs reassigning Jose Lobaton to minor-league camp Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Austin Romine (knee) should eventually become the backup to Willson Contreras, but he looks questionable for Opening Day, so Higgins may get the first crack at the role. The 27-year-old has yet to appear in the majors and likely wouldn't earn enough playing time to be much of a fantasy factor if Contreras stays healthy.

Smith (wrist) took batting practice a day ahead of schedule Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins and isn't expected to play until Sunday. He doesn't seem concerned about the issue, however, saying Friday that he would be in the lineup if he dealt with a similar issue during the regular season.

Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a single, double and solo home run in Thursday's spring game against the Dodgers.

Cabrera, who made his second consecutive start at first base, went yard for the second straight Cactus League appearance. The utility infielder has appeared at first, second and third base this spring. His last four starts have come when opponents started left-handers, an indication of when Cabrera might be added to a starting lineup during the regular season.

Goldschmidt 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in a Grapefruit League tie with the Astros on Wednesday.

The veteran slugger launched his first round tripper of spring off Astros starter Bryan Abreu to give the Cardinals an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The blast was Goldschmidt's sixth hit of spring and second of the extra-base variety. The 33-year-old is set to likely operate out of the No. 2 or No. 3 hole in the lineup most days during the coming season, with offseason acquisition Nolan Arenado, who's expected to hit directly behind him, offering him an invaluable level of protection that Goldschmidt didn't enjoy in his first two Cardinals campaigns.

White went 1-for-3 with a grand slam in a Cactus League loss to the Angels on Wednesday and is 3-for-6 with six total RBI over his last two spring games.

White entered Tuesday's exhibition versus the Royals hitting an anemic .095 (2-for-21), but he put together his first multi-hit effort of the spring in that contest, driving in a pair of runs in the process. Wednesday's big blast accounted for Seattle's only runs of the night while pushing White's spring RBI tally to an impressive 11, and Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports the recent success seems to be the byproduct of a more aggressive plate approach. "Evan's got big-time power, it's just the consistency of getting to his pitch and getting it in play," manager Scott Servais said. "He had some good swings [Wednesday]. You're starting to see the timing and confidence coming together here."

Smith (wrist) won't play until Sunday at the earliest, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Smith was scratched from the lineup Wednesday due to a sore right wrist, and he's apparently set to miss at least three more days. However, there haven't been indications that the issue will cost him any time at the start of the regular season.

Calhoun (knee) participated in baseball activities on a back field at training camp, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

This was Calhoun's first time on the field since he underwent right knee surgery March 3. The activity amounted to playing catch and taking swings in a batting cage. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Calhoun will not be ready for Opening Day and no timetable has been set for the outfielder's return. That opens an opportunity for several players to man right field early in the season. Daulton Varsho started in right field Wednesday, and non-roster invitee Trayce Thompson has made multiple starts there since Calhoun's surgery.

Dalbec hit a grand slam in his lone at-bat in Wednesday's spring game against the Twins.

Dalbec's power has been on full display this spring. The first baseman has five home runs and 12 RBI in 27 spring at-bats.

Rizzo, who slotted in as the No. 3 hitter for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Padres, could hit there regularly this season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Willson Contreras batted second Wednesday and might do the same during the regular season, and manager David Ross has hinted that he will bat Rizzo third and Kris Bryant fourth. The Cubs have a strong lineup on paper, though a lot of their big names struggled in 2020. If they get back on track, Rizzo should be able to post strong numbers from the premium lineup spot.