MLB Player News

Calhoun (knee) will play 3-to-5 innings of full-speed defense Tuesday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 33-year-old continues to ramp up his participation in baseball activities as he works through his recovery from the right knee surgery he underwent in early March. Calhoun could return from the injured list this weekend if he can avoid any setbacks.

Cooper (COVID vaccine reaction) is batting third and starting at first base Tuesday against the Cardinals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He missed Monday's game due to his reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, but it was a very brief absence. Cooper is 3-for-9 with one home run this year and has primarily been seeing time as the Marlins' right fielder.

Hiura will be on the bench Tuesday against the Cubs.

Hiura's numbers took a nosedive last season following a very promising rookie campaign, and he hasn't done anything to suggest he's climbing out of his downward spiral so far this season. Through four games, he's gone 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts. Tuesday's benching doesn't seem to be anything other than a day off to clear his head, but if he continues to struggle this badly for several more games, his role could certainly be threatened. Daniel Vogelbach will start at first base in his absence.

Hoskins is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

On the heels of the Phillies' come-from-behind victory in Monday's series opener, manager Joe Girardi is extending rest to a few regulars. In addition to Hoskins, Adam Haseley and Andrew McCutchen are also receiving days off. Hoskins has yet to hit a home run or draw a walk through the Phillies' first four games, but he's hitting .294 with three runs and two RBI.

Cronenworth went 3-for-5 in Monday's loss to the Giants.

Cronenworth has started each of the Padres' first five games this season, registering a .412/.545/.647 slash line in 22 plate appearances. There was some expectation that he would bounce around some this season due to the arrival of Ha-Seong Kim, but so far, Cronenworth has looked like San Diego's everyday second baseman. With Fernando Tatis potentially missing substantial time due to a shoulder injury, Kim is likely to fill in at shortstop, further cementing Cronenworth's regular spot in the lineup.

The Nationals placed Bell on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Bell is one of nine Nationals players on the 40-man roster who will begin the campaign on the IL as a result of the team's recent COVID-19 outbreak. Prior reports have suggested that only four of the players in question tested positive for the virus, but it's uncertain whether Bell is one of the infected players or merely a close contact. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, players who tested positive will be eligible to return after 10 days in quarantine, while those ruled out through contact tracing can return after a week. With Bell on the shelf for at least the next 7-to-10 days, Ryan Zimmerman is projected to serve as the Nationals' primary option at first base.

Bell was not on the field for the Nationals' workout Monday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Eleven players in total are reported to be in quarantine for the Nats due to positive COVID-19 tests or being designated a close contact, and Bell's absence from the workout suggests he's probably in one of those groups. If he's one of the latter, he could still be cleared to play in time for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, but assuming Bell isn't in the lineup, Ryan Zimmerman would get the nod at first base against southpaw Drew Smyly.

Solano went 2-for-4 with two singles and a stolen base in Monday's 3-2 win over the Padres.

Solano continued his hot start, as he's recorded at least two hits in all four games this season. The stolen base may end up being his only one this year, as he attempted exactly one steal in his last four seasons, with his last MLB swipe coming way back in 2014. With the 33-year-old making quality contact, it's been hard for manager Gabe Kapler to sit him. However, there's a chance he sits Tuesday in favor of Tommy La Stella with right-hander Yu Darvish on the bump.

Votto's RBI-single Sunday against the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez was measured with a 113.6 mph exit velocity, just his second ball over 110 mph according to Statcast since 2015, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Votto hasn't benefited from the livelier ball the last few years, in no small part because he frequently hasn't been at full strength, but he appears healthier now. With him batting in the third spot in the order, the Reds need a far better season from him Votto than they've received the last few seasons.

Smith is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

The Mets had to wait four days to start their season due to the Nationals' COVID-19 outbreak, and Smith will have to wait at least one more day to make his first start. He'll be on the bench against lefty Matt Moore, with Brandon Nimmo sliding to left field and Kevin Pillar leading off and playing center field.