MLB Player News

Votto is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

It's the first time since Sept. 6 that Votto is not in the starting lineup versus a right-hander. Christian Encarnacion-Strand is covering first base for the Reds, and Jake Fraley will be in the designated-hitter spot.

Gurriel is starting at first base and batting sixth in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Jorge Soler is getting a start in right field and Josh Bell will be the designated hitter, opening up first base for Gurriel. It's the first start since Sept. 16 for the 39-year-old.

Hoskins (knee) took batting practice and ran the bases at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Hoskins hit a few home runs during batting practice and has been taking 70-to-75 swings per day, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson. "It sure looks good," Thomson said Tuesday. While Hoskins still looks like a long shot to return from ACL surgery for the postseason, the team isn't ruling it out if they make a deep run. "We're looking more toward the World Series, if he were to get there," Thomson said. Hoskins is set to hit free agency this offseason.

Montero went 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI across both games of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.

Montero was one of the few bright spots of the second game of the doubleheader when he slugged his eighth home run of the season. He's held a consistent role between first base and designated hitter since Sept. 1, and he's maintained a .299 average with three home runs, nine RBI and 14 runs scored across 77 at-bats. He has a 29.9 percent strikeout rate in that span, but it's been a relatively encouraging close to the campaign for Montero.

Encarnacion-Strand went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 11-7 win over Cleveland.

Encarnacion-Strand smacked a two-run home run as part of the Reds' three-run third inning, which helped the team survive an early onslaught by the Guardians. The rookie is making a case as the team's best hitter down the stretch. The home run was Encarnacion-Strand's sixth in the last eight games, during which he's slashing .367/.406/.967 with 12 RBI. For the season, he has 12 homers over 59 games.

Walker went 3-for-5 with a triple, a two-run homer, a solo shot, three additional RBI and an additional run scored in Tuesday's win over the White Sox.

Walker played a featured role in Arizona's offensive bonanza Tuesday, launching a solo homer in the second and a two-run shot in the sixth while also legging out his second triple of 2023. The first baseman is up to 33 homers with five games left on the schedule, and he's just three long balls away from tying his career high. Through 153 games, Walker is slashing .265/.340/.510 while striking out at a career-best 19.3 percent clip.

Flores (knee) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Padres.

Flores made an early exit from Sunday's series finale against the Dodgers with right knee discomfort and needs at least one more day of rest and treatment. J.D. Davis is playing third base Tuesday and batting third. LaMonte Wade will cover first base and hit leadoff.

Candelario (back) is continuing his progression through baseball activities Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Out since Sept. 12 due to a lower-back strain, Candelario was cleared to begin working out Friday and should be able to return to the Cubs' active roster at some point before the regular season comes to an end this Sunday. He could even be activated as early as Wednesday, per Montemurro. Miles Mastrobuoni has been receiving the majority of the playing time at third base in Candelario's absence, with Cody Bellinger largely playing first base.

Flores (knee) isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against San Diego, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Flores was lifted from Sunday's series finale against the Dodgers due to discomfort in his right knee, and he'll be held out of the lineup Monday. The Giants have not revealed whether the utility man will be available off the bench.

Wade isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Padres, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wade will take a seat with the Giants slated to face off against Cy Young candidate Blake Snell. J.D. Davis gets the call at first base and is set to hit fourth in Wade's absence.