MLB Player News

Rizzo went 3-for-5 with a grand slam and two runs in a 17-8 victory over the Pirates on Friday.

Joe Maddon's experiment with Rizzo in the leadoff spot worked Friday, as he reached base three times and still received a big opportunity with the bases loaded in the third, taking advantage with a grand slam. Rizzo is now 6-for-16 (.375) with two homers and six RBI in four games out of the leadoff spot this year. Overall, he's batting .286 with 26 home runs, 91 RBI, 86 runs and five steals in 489 at-bats this season.

Cooper's left Friday's contest versus the Giants with a knee injury, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Cooper said after the game that he jammed his knee on a diving catch in the first inning. Tests showed no structural damage, which indicates Cooper dodged a more serious injury. He is day-to-day.

Votto went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's win over the Diamondbacks.

Votto opened the scoring with a two-run homer off Mike Leake in the third inning. The long ball was the 15th of the season for the 36-year-old, who continues to battle through a disappointing season -- he's batting .268/.359/.424 with 75 runs scored and 46 RBI. Votto has been hot the last few games however, collecting six hits over that stretch.

Freeman (elbow) may be back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Freeman was pulled from Friday's matchup with right elbow soreness, but the Braves don't sound too worried. The All-Star first baseman should have a chance to return to the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup.

Cooper left Friday's game against the Giants due to an undisclosed injury, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Cooper suffered the injury on a diving catch in the outfield, and he was spotted limping off the field shortly after. Harold Ramirez took over in right field.

Bell left Friday's game against the Cubs due to left groin discomfort, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The Pirates will consider Bell day-to-day moving forward, though there'll be no need to push their star first baseman back into action at this point in the season, considering Pittsburgh is out of the playoff picture.

Freeman was removed from Friday's game against the Nationals due to right elbow soreness.

The Braves announced that Freeman's removal was precautionary, but he's likely headed for further evaluation to ensure the issue isn't serious. Charlie Culberson replaced Freeman at first base.

Bell left Friday's game against the Cubs with an unspecified injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Bell appeared to suffer the injury while on the basepaths, and he walked off the field slowly, per Berry. Jose Osuna moved to first base following Bell's removal from the contest.

Alonso is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Alonso started the last 35 games and posted a .967 OPS with 13 home runs and 31 RBI in that stretch, but he'll take a seat for the series opener. The rookie slugger is 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts in his last three contests, so it seems to be a good time for a day off. Todd Frazier will start at first base and bat sixth in his absence.

Votto went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and a stolen base while scoring three times in a win over Seattle on Thursday.

Votto served as the DH in the interleague battle and responded with his seventh game of three or more hits in 2019. The 36-year-old is suffering through perhaps the poorest full season of his major-league career, hitting only .267 with 14 homers, 44 RBI and 110 strikeouts in 130 games.