MLB Player News

Mateo (illness) has cleared all health protocols but remains on the injured list, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Mateo tested positive earlier in the month, and while he's back to full health, the infielder still needs time to get back into game shape. Once he's ready to go, Mateo is a candidate to fill a utility infield role.

Mateo was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

Mateo has been unable to report to camp after testing positive for COVID-19 over two weeks ago. While the Padres were initially hopeful that the newly acquired infielder would be ready for Opening Day, it now appears he will miss multiple games at the start of the season.

Camargo's hamstring injury didn't seem like a problem during batting practice Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Camargo suffered a mild hamstring strain during an intrasquad game over the weekend. The timing could send him to the injured list for a brief period, though it appears as if he's close to game action. With active rosters expanded to 30 players, it's possible Camargo could avoid the injured list if he's expected to be ready within a few days of Opening Day.

Rojas (wrist) is in the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition game against Atlanta.

Rojas suffered minor finger and wrist injuries during an intrasquad game last Tuesday, but he'll be ready to return for the team's first exhibition game. Barring any setbacks, the 31-year-old appears to be on the right track toward starting Opening Day against the Phillies on Friday.

Seager went 3-for-3 with a double and scored two runs in Monday's exhibition contest against Arizona.

Seager hit .385 during spring training and has carried over that momentum to summer camp, drawing frequent praise from manager Dave Roberts, among others. Seager will hit in the middle of the Dodgers' loaded lineup this season and could be a solid source of both batting average and RBI during the shortened campaign.

Camargo suffered a mild hamstring injury during Saturday's intrasquad game, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, but manager Brian Snitker wouldn't rule out a trip to the injured list given the timing of the injury. Camargo will take things easy for a couple days and attempt to be ready for Friday's season opener against the Mets.

Mateo (illness) is unlikely to be part of the Opening Day roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The Padres expected Mateo to contribute to the big-league club right away when they acquired him in a trade at the end of June, but the 25-year-old subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 and has yet to be cleared to return. With Opening Day less than a week away, Mateo is unlikely to have enough time to get ready for the season even if he returns soon, though manager Jayce Tingler didn't close the door on the possibility completely. "He's probably going to need some baseball work," Tingler said. "But at the same time, he brings a lot of speed to the game. If we want to use that asset of his game, can we use that right away? Probably. But we'll wait and see." Jake Cronenworth is the most likely candidate to fill Mateo's projected spot if the latter remains out.

Owings will begin the season on the Rockies' major-league roster.

Manager Bud Black speculated earlier in the week that Owings could be on the Rockies' Opening Day roster as a second utility player, and he was officially informed of the decision Friday. The 28-year-old appeared in 67 games with the Red Sox and Royals last season, slashing .139/.209/.233 with three home runs and five stolen bases. Owings should serve as depth for the team, but he's unlikely to play a significant role for Colorado this season.

Swanson took Mike Foltynewicz deep for an opposite-field, three-run home run in Wednesday's intrasquad game, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson's blast proved to be the decisive hit of the contest before the game was halted in the third inning due to rain. The 26-year-old is locked in as the Braves' everyday shortstop for the 60-game season, and now that he's healthy again, he could be a sneaky late-round value in fantasy drafts. Swanson posted an .822 OPS to go with 17 home runs and seven stolen bases in the first half of the 2019 campaign, but he struggled to regain his form at the plate upon returning from a foot injury that cost him a good portion of the second half. He slashed just .204/.315/.254 and struck out in 29.7 percent of his plate appearances after the All-Star break.

Rojas jammed his left pinkie finger and wrist attempting to field a groundball during Tuesday's intrasquad game, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The injuries aren't considered serious, and Rojas could be back in action Thursday. The shortstop slashed .284/.331/.379 through 132 games last season with a modest five homers and nine steals.