MLB Player News

Votto went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 7-1 win over the Tigers.

Both hits were off lefty Matthew Boyd. Votto had one home run against a left-handed pitcher all of last season (144 plate appearances), so this was an encouraging way to kick off the 2020 campaign for the veteran. He is batting in the two hole ahead of Eugenio Suarez and Nick Castellanos.

Walker (groin) will bat fifth and serve as the designated hitter in Friday's season opener against San Diego.

Walker had been battling a groin strain for over a week, though he remained confident about his readiness for Opening Day. That optimism turned out to be accurate, though he won't be taking the field just yet, with Jake Lamb getting the nod at first base. Whether that's the Diamondbacks' preferred alignment or if Walker will be back at first base soon remains to be seen.

Freeman (illness) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Despite a late start to summer camp due to COVID-19, Freeman was able to make the Opening Day roster and will presumably be in the three hole for Atlanta against Jacob deGrom on Friday. Freeman was open about his battle with COVID-19, telling FOX Sports that he prayed for his life at one point when his fever spiked to 104.5 degrees. Fortunately, Freeman now seems to be feeling back to his normal self, at least for the most part. He had three hits, including a homer and a double, in Monday's intrasquad game.

Dalbec will practice at Boston's alternate camp, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Dalbec had an outside shot of making the 30-man roster, but the Red Sox opted to keep Rule 5 pick Jonathan Arauz.

Cronenworth is part of the Padres' 30-man roster.

Cronenworth had been on the bubble for an Opening Day roster spot, but he got the nod Thursday in part due to the absence of Jorge Mateo (illness). Cronenworth is not expected to pitch this season, instead serving exclusively as a utility infielder.

Raley did not make the Dodgers' active 30-man roster.

Though he's part of the team's 40-man roster, Raley was never expected to compete for an active roster spot this season. The 25-year-old will head to the team's alternate training site where he'll continue to be developed after a strong showing in his first stint at the Triple-A level last season.

Beaty was added to the Dodgers' Opening Day roster Thursday.

Beaty was battling with Edwin Rios for a roster spot throughout spring training, but the expansion of rosters to 30 players allowed both infielders to make the team. Beaty figures to primarily fill a backup role at the corner infield spots.

The Rays assigned Lowe to their alternate training site Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe is one of the Rays' top power bats at any level of the system, but he wasn't an ideal fit for a bench role with two other lefty-hitting first basemen in front of him on the depth chart (Ji-Man Choi and Yoshi Tsutsugo). The Rays have ample depth at every position on the roster, so it could require multiple absences from lineup regulars before Lowe gets another look as a strong-side platoon bat.

Wade has made Minnesota's 30-man Opening Day roster, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Wade could get playing time in center field if Byron Buxton (foot) isn't able to play in the first few games. Wade could get regular playing time if Buxton is out for an extended period, but the Twins would likely use a mix of Jake Cave, Marwin Gonzalez and Wade to fill Buxton's spot. When Buxton returns, Wade will be a defensive replacement and pinch runner off the bench.

The Tigers reassigned Dixon to their alternate training site in Toledo on Thursday.

Though he led the Tigers with 15 home runs in 2019, Dixon was still a below-league-average hitter (86 wRC+) and didn't provide much value in the field. The Tigers non-tendered him over the winter before bringing him back on a minor-league deal, but he was unable to win a utility job with the club coming out of summer camp.