MLB Player News

Votto will play deeper into spring games as the Cactus League progresses, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto was able to make his spring debut Sunday, and the Reds have understandably monitored his reps as he is returning from a torn rotator cuff and left biceps injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely. The former MVP should be ready for Opening Day, and likely will see most of his playing time as the starting first baseman for the Reds.

Noda is hitting .161 (5-for-31) with three doubles, one home run, four RBI, eight walks, a stolen base and five runs over 15 Cactus League games.

The Rule 5 pickup is being given a long look by the Athletics in spring training, and the results have been somewhat mixed. While the .161 batting average leaves plenty to be desired, four of Noda's five hits have gone for extra bases, and his eight walks are a positive. However, the 26-year-old has also struck out 17 times in his 39 plate appearances, an extension of the sub-par contact rates he's generated through the majority of a minor-league career that dates back to 2017. Noda does offer some welcome defensive versatility in addition to his power -- he has experience at first base and all three outfield spots -- so a rebuilding squad such as Oakland could potentially see value in keeping him on the Opening Day roster.

Santana (knee) was able to go through a full workout Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana had to depart Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, but it sounds like he'll be fine. Expect the veteran first baseman/designated hitter to return to action within a few days.

Steer remains in line to be the Reds' Opening Day starter at third base and has been getting a number of pointers in spring training from Chad Pinder and Jonathan India, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

In 27 spring training at-bats, Steer is slashing .296/.387/.556 with one homer. There's a long-term concern whether Steer can hold the job once the Reds' next crop of highly touted prospects is ready for the majors, but for now he gets a head start on them to audition for the role.

Vaughn is not in the lineup Friday versus the Cubs as he deals with general soreness, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Vaughn is considered day-to-day and said that he would have played in Friday's game if the contest counted. There appears to be little concern for his Opening Day status.

O'Hearn (knee) went through full baseball activities Friday and could be back in the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

If he returns Saturday, he will have missed about a week of action with right knee soreness. O'Hearn has made a positive impression this spring when healthy and is still in the running for a roster spot.

Cron hasn't played since Tuesday and will be out at least a few more days due to back spasms, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

It appears to be a day-to-day situation at this point, although the Rockies aren't providing a timetable for Cron's return. Mike Moustakas and Harold Castro have handled first base the last two days and Michael Toglia would also be a candidate to see time there if Cron's absence drags on.

Cron has gone 5-for-29 with one home run, two doubles and nine strikeouts during Cactus League action.

Cron is locked into the first base job in Colorado and has established a fairly clear baseline of performance for the last several seasons. That makes it difficult to be overly concerned by his lack of production this spring, particularly so long as he maintains his health.

Santana was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to left knee discomfort, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Santana slipped on the infield grass while attempting to field a flyball and was removed from the game immediately. He's still undergoing testing on the injury, so it's unclear if he'll be forced to miss additional time. If Santana misses any regular-season contests, Connor Joe is a potential beneficiary.

Santana exited the Pirates' spring game against the Yankees on Thursday after slipping on the infield grass trying to catch a pop-up, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Santana appeared to be in quite a bit of pain as a trainer helped him off the field. The Pirates will take a look at him and should provide additional updates shortly.