MLB Player News

Diaz has missed the last two games dealing with a sore groin, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

It doesn't appear to be overly serious, but the prospect has already missed two games with the ailment and will likely be held out a couple more as a precaution. Diaz is set to start 2017 at Triple-A Columbus, but the 25-year-old is close to reaching the big league club and could earn himself a midseason call-up.

Cron, who is battling for an everyday role, kept his hot spring going Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a double, a steal and a run scored in a win over Cincinnati.

Cron is slashing .364/.417/.591 in 22 at-bats, putting a strong foot forward in the battle for the Angels' everyday role at first base. His competition, Luis Valbuena, is also playing well (.308/.357/.539), but he has done it in nine fewer at-bats after being eased into action following offseason surgery. It's tough to say that either player has taken a lead in the position battle, and manager Mike Scioscia likely won't tip his hand until we get closer to the regular season. It is worth noting that both of Cron's stolen bags this spring have come on double-steals where he was the delayed steal from third to home, so we are not seeing him turn into a speedster all of a sudden.

Kirilloff (elbow) underwent successful Tommy John surgery Thursday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

The 15th overall pick in last summer's draft first sustained the injury in August during Appalachian League action. The procedure typically doesn't keep position players sidelined as long as pitchers, though Kirilloff will still need about nine months to recover. That may eat into his winter ball schedule and the early stages of his advancement through the Twins' farm system. Dynasty leaguers will need to wait until 2018 to see if he can build on his impressive rookie ball showing (.306/.341/.454, seven home runs and 33 RBI during 232 plate appearances for Elizabethton).

Gurriel went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Gurriel is in the midst of his transition to first base after playing left field and third base in Cuba. The Astros admit there are some challenges defensively, but they feel his bat will be sufficient for the position. Through six spring games, he's 6-for-16 with four RBI.

Bell (knee) made his spring debut Monday, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout against the Yankees.

While he didn't run the bases much or get a chance to show that his knee is feeling better, he also didn't suffer any setbacks. The switch-hitter played five innings at first base and appears on track to start Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) returned to action Monday, going 1-for-3 with a run scored in an exhibition win over the Angels.

Rizzo had been held out the past few days with lower-back tightness, so it's good to see him back on the field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon relayed Sunday that Rizzo would play Monday and Tuesday, so assuming he has no setbacks, the star slugger should be right back out there for the exhibition game against Team Italy.

Calhoun went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's spring training loss to the Reds.

It's good news for Angels fans and fantasy owners that Calhoun is playing regularly and producing after undergoing offseason core-muscle surgery. He'd been a model of good health prior to the surgery, and it looks like that ailment won't linger into this season.

Walker was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Monday, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Walker was claimed by the Braves last week, but they were apparently unable to send him through waivers themselves, as Cincinnati snatched him and designated Jumbo Diaz for assignment in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old carries some intrigue with his power potential, as he slashed .264/.321/.437 with 18 homers in 504 at-bats with Triple-A Norfolk last season. He'll try to catch on as a reserve for the big league club, but Walker could find himself as organizational depth in 2017.

Bell (knee) will bat third and man first base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bell was slowed earlier in the spring after requiring arthroscopic surgery in February to remove a loose body in his knee, but following some simulated games, the Pirates have cleared him to make his Grapefruit League debut. Despite his limited at-bats in the big leagues, the 24-year-old already boasts advanced plate discipline, though he hasn't yet showcased the premium power most teams value from their corner infielders.

Cubs skipper Joe Maddon confirmed that Rizzo (back) will play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been out the last couple of days with lower-back tightness, but the first baseman was never at much risk of a long-term absence. Maddon indicated that in addition to playing Monday, Rizzo will also take the field in Tuesday's exhibition with Team Italy in their preparation for the World Baseball Classic.