MLB Player News

France went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI in a win over Colorado on Friday.

France got the start at DH and came through with a run-scoring single to tie the game in the fifth inning. He produced again in the following frame, lacing a bases-loaded double to knock in three more. France has been productive when given the opportunity this season, slashing .320/.382/.520 with two homers and 10 RBI in 55 plate appearances.

Alonso went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and two strikeouts in Friday's Game 1 win against the Yankees.

Alonso had gone hitless with two strikeouts over his past nine at-bats, but he gave the Mets a boost with a three-run blast in the sixth inning. He now has a .779 OPS with six home runs and 16 RBI this year.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Reds.

His first-inning long ball off Tyler Mahle snapped a 12-game homerless streak. Rizzo's walk and strikeout rates have held up throughout his recent cold stretch, and Statcast has him close to career norms in terms of xwOBA and xwOBA on contact. Rizzo has not sat yet this season and may be due for some time off soon, though he will likely lobby manager David Ross to play both ends of Saturday's twin bill.

Manager David Bell said the plan is for Votto to start at least one game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs, and most likely the first game, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Bell would not rule out Votto starting both games of the twin bill. Votto was benched again Friday, making it three straight games out of the starting lineup amidst an 0-for-18 slump. "I've never experienced -- I've been benched before for a single game," Votto told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I don't think I've ever been benched for multiple games. It's important for ... my tone may sound frustrated, but I'm responsible for that. We're in the performance business. We're in it to win. I've been a part of too many losses, and I need to be better for sure. It's a new experience for me." Votto has put together a strong case for the Hall of Fame, but he is almost 37 and his days as a true everyday player may be over.

Naylor is not in the lineup Friday against the Rockies.

Naylor doesn't have a hit since Aug. 19 and will stick on the bench Friday with southpaw Kyle Freeland on the mound for Colorado. Ty France will bat seventh as the designated hitter.

Calhoun is not in Friday's lineup against the Giants.

Tim Locastro will get the nod in right field while batting leadoff against lefty Tyler Anderson. Calhoun has cooled off a little, hitting .194 over his last 10 games, but he also has a .375 OBP and a pair of home runs over that stretch.

Cooper was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday and is batting fourth as the designated hitter against the Rays, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

The 29-year-old was one of the many Miami players to test positive for COVID-19 just after Opening Day, and he'll officially rejoin the team a month later. Cooper should have a regular role in the lineup after posting a .790 OPS last year, but it's unclear where he'll see most of his time given the team has been working with a makeshift roster for so long. Lewin Diaz and Jesus Aguilar play most days between first base and designated hitter, and Cooper could join that mix in addition to some corner outfield opportunities.

Votto is not in Friday's lineup against the Cubs.

He has not played since Tuesday and is hitless in his last 18 at-bats. Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Thursday that manager David Bell says Votto is fine physically, but it seems that something is off with the veteran first baseman. Mike Moustakas is starting at first base and batting fifth.

Votto is not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

Votto was expected to be back in the lineup after sitting the front end of the twin bill, but instead he will get the entire day off. Manager David Bell confirmed after the game that Votto is physically fine and that he just wanted to give him a couple of days off, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. The veteran first baseman seems likely to be back in the lineup for Friday's tilt against the Cubs.

Cronenworth went 2-for-4 with two singles and a run scored as the Padres defeated the Mariners 10-7 in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader.

Cronenworth has now hit safely in 10 consecutive games, going 15-for-38 over that span. The second baseman has his batting average up to an impressive .349 on the campaign.