MLB Player News

Cron (back) said Thursday that he's still experiencing pain in his lower back, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Cron also acknowledged that there is no timetable for his return to Colorado's active roster. He's been on the injured list since mid-May due to lingering back issues and hasn't responded well to a period of rest and treatment. Nolan Jones is getting a lot of run at first base for the Rockies in Cron's absence, with Mike Moustakas also mixing in.

Ellis isn't in the Phillies' lineup Thursday against the Tigers.

After having started five consecutive games, Ellis will get a breather to close out Philly's series with Detroit. Josh Harrison will start at third base in Ellis' place and bat ninth.

Cronenworth went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 10-3 victory over Seattle.

Cronenworth matched a season high with three hits in the win, recording his first multi-hit game since May 17. He'd gone 8-for-58 (.138) over his last 16 contests. Overall, it's been a tough start to the season for the 29-year-old Cronenworth. He's slashing just .208/.322/.356 with six homers, 26 runs scored, 21 RBI and three stolen bases across 216 plate appearances this year.

Steer is starting in left field and batting fifth on Thursday against the Dodgers.

Steer made his first career start in left field Tuesday and, after playing first base Wednesday, is back in the outfield again. The 25-year-old's experience in the outfield is extremely limited, but showing he's capable there would be helpful as the Reds try to fit all of their infielders into the lineup.

Steer went 1-for-3 with a run, an RBI and two stolen bases in Wednesday's 8-6 win against the Dodgers.

Steer has never been known for his speed, but he took advantage of a Los Angeles squad that has had trouble containing thefts this season with a pair of swipes. He's provided five steals to go along with eight homers, 32 RBI and a .291/.371/.491 on the campaign, making him a must-roster fantasy player. It's promising that Steer has been particularly active on the basepaths of late -- four of his five thefts have come over his past five games.

X-rays on Alonso's left wrist came back negative Wednesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

After taking a 97-mph fastball to the hand during Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Alonso appears to have avoided a major injury. The Mets are officially calling it a bruised left wrist for Alonso, and he is listed as day-to-day.

Alonso was removed from Wednesday's game in Atlanta after being hit on the left hand/wrist by a pitch, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

A 97-mph fastball from Charlie Morton struck Alonso, who crumpled to the ground in pain before walking to first base. He had a brief conversation with Mets manager Buck Showalter and the trainer before retreating to the clubhouse, where he will undoubtedly undergo X-rays.

Ellis is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

Ellis had started in each of the Phillies' last five games, but aside from turning in a big two-home run, three-RBI performance in Sunday's 11-3 win over the Nationals, he's otherwise come up largely empty at the plate (1-for-13 with two walks and five strikeouts). He'll give way to Josh Harrison at third base Wednesday, though Ellis should have some security in a near-everyday role at a corner-infield spot until the Phillies get one of Darick Hall (thumb) or Alec Bohm (hamstring) back from the injured list.

Freeman went 1-for-4 with a grand slam, a walk and two runs scored in Tuesday's loss to the Reds.

Freeman crushed a changeup from Luke Weaver and sent it over the wall in center to cap off a five-run fourth inning for the Dodgers. It was his fifth game this season with at least three RBI and his second grand slam of the year. The 33-year-old is as consistent as they come with his approach at the plate and is now slashing .329/.402/.565 with 11 homers, 39 RBI, 51 runs, eight steals and a 29:44 BB:K over 281 plate appearances. Freeman appears to be on track to surpass his home run (21), RBI (100) and steal (13) totals from a season ago.

Alonso went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to Atlanta.

The Mets did all their scoring in the third inning, and Alonso's blast off Bryce Elder gave them a 4-1 lead the pitching staff ultimately squandered. The first baseman leads the majors with 22 homers, three ahead of Aaron Judge (toe). However, Alonso sports just a .231 batting average on the season thanks to a career-worst .199 BABIP.