MLB Player News

Walker underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed he suffered a right groin strain in Sunday's intrasquad game, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Walker is day-to-day and remains optimistic about the slugger's chances of being ready for Opening Day. The 29-year-old earned the starting first base job last season, slashing .259/.348/.476 with 29 home runs and 73 RBI across 603 plate appearances. Walker could enter a platoon role with the left-handed hitting Jake Lamb depending on Walker's health and success at the plate early in the season. An extended absence would open the door for right-handed-hitting Kevin Cron to get into the lineup.

Smith could serve as the Mets' designated hitter in 2020, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith's roster spot was in jeopardy in the spring, but he could benefit from both the universal designated hitter and the expanded 30-man roster. The team has a flurry of candidates to serve as the designated hitter, including Yoenis Cespedes and Matt Adams, among others. Smith appeared in 89 games for the Mets last season, slashing .282/.355/.525 with 11 home runs and 25 RBI.

Montero produced a second positive COVID-19 test and consequently remains under quarantine, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. "Every day that goes by that they're not here is more of a challenge," manager Mike Shildt said about the players being ready for Opening Day. "The biggest two factors will be when they get here, that alone might [impact] their ability to start the season with us, but if they do get here, we still have an opportunity to work into ... how they look and how they can get ready without the feeling of rushing."

The infielder initially tested positive during intake screenings for summer camp, and he evidently hasn't overcome infection more than 10 days later. Manager Mike Shildt did report Montero is asymptomatic, but he'll have to test negative twice within a 24-hour span before being allowed to join the team.

Calhoun wasn't at the Diamondbacks' camp Sunday for an undisclosed reason, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

After he missed the first several days of camp while recovering from COVID-19, Calhoun reported to camp Friday. However, he still hasn't participated in an intrasquad game, and he wasn't at camp Sunday. Manager Torey Lovullo couldn't give a reason for Calhoun's absence, but the 32-year-old's lack of activity casts some doubt regarding his status for Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) took batting practice Sunday and is "doing better" according to Chicago manager David Ross, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has sat out the past few intrasquad games, but he's still getting work in, as he participated in drills Saturday followed by Sunday's batting practice. With the start of the regular season less than two weeks away, the Cubs seem to be exercising some caution with their first baseman, though he appears to be on track to play Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) participated in fielding drills and took some swings Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has missed the team's last two intrasquad games with lower back tightness, but the fact that he worked out Saturday is encouraging. The 30-year-old has dealt with intermittent back issues throughout his career, so the Cubs are just likely exercising some caution with their slugging first baseman. He remains day-to-day to return to game action.

Dalbec (illness) was cleared to return to practice Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

A positive COVID-19 test had kept Dalbec away from his teammates thus far, but he returned to work out with the team's second group at Boston College on Saturday. He's expected to join the big-league squad at Fenway Park on Sunday. He's played just 30 games at the Triple-A level and didn't dominate there for Pawtucket last season, hitting .257/.301/.478, so he's unlikely to fill a major role in Boston this year.

Freeman (illness) has been feeling better over the last week, but he still needs to test negative for COVID-19 twice before being allowed to return to the field, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The details regarding each individual player's battle with coronavirus haven't generally been made public. In Freeman's case, the implication from both his manager Brian Snitker and his wife Chelsea at the time he originally tested positive in early July was that his case was far from a mild one. While the news that he's recovering is undoubtedly positive, it remains to be seen when he'll get back on the field in any capacity, let alone when he'll be ready for game action.

Cahoun (illness) arrived at the Diamondbacks' camp Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Calhoun missed the first several days of camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but his arrival Friday signals that he's cleared MLB protocol. The 32-year-old was asymptomatic, but it's unclear whether the absence will impact his availability for Opening Day.

Guerrero will primarily play first base and designated hitter this season, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Guerrero was widely expected to move to first base eventually, though it wasn't clear that he'd move so soon. He'll still be considered a possibility at the hot corner, but his defense graded out very poorly there according to both DRS and UZR, so the move is hardly a surprise. He should pick up the additional eligibility early in the season, though he'll likely lose third-base eligibility for 2022, which could affect owners in dynasty formats. Travis Shaw is expected to be Toronto's primary third baseman this season.