MLB Player News

Flores did not play in Friday's game against the Dodgers.

It's not surprising that Flores sat against a right-hander -- it's been standard practice since he returned from a foot injury in July -- but he's been the team's hottest hitter (17-for-30, 1.673 OPS) over the past two weeks. His defensive limitations may be part of manager Torey Lovullo's reasoning behind not having him in the lineup daily, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. Lovullo would not acknowledge Piecoro's theory, but the manager said he doesn't want to ask too much of Flores and wanted to keep him fresh for the days that he plays, suggesting that Flores will remain on the bench most days against right-handers despite what has been a dominant stretch of hitting.

Rizzo (back) has "an outside shot" to play Saturday against Milwaukee, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo reportedly fared well while hitting before Friday's game, so it's possible he could be back in the starting nine for the second game of the series if he responds well. The first baseman has been out since last Saturday with a back injury.

Naylor isn't starting Friday's game against the Giants.

Naylor will take a seat with a left-hander scheduled to pitch for the opposition. Wil Myers gets the call in left field and will bat second.

Hiura (hamstring) will travel back to Milwaukee for further examination, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

After exiting Friday's series opener against the Cubs with hamstring discomfort, Hiura will have his injury examined by team doctor William Raasch in Milwaukee. The Brewers are expected to make a roster move Saturday with both Hiura and Moustakas (wrist) nursing injuries.

Hiura was removed from Friday's game against the Cubs with left hamstring discomfort.

Hiura looked shaken up after a collision with Kyle Schwarber at second base while turning a double play, but he remained in the game only to come up limping when running out a groundball in a later at-bat. Corey Spangenberg has taken over at the keystone for the Brewers.

Cooper is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals.

Cooper is 4-for-29 over his last nine games and will head to the bench in the series opener. Neil Walker will start at first base and bat cleanup in his absence.

Rizzo (back) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Manager Joe Maddon indicated Rizzo was unlikely to be in the lineup for Friday's series opener, so his absence was to be expected. It's the fifth straight game on the bench for the veteran first baseman, who continues to nurse a tight back. Victor Caratini receives another start at first base in his place.

Flores went 3-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 11-5 win over the Dodgers.

The back injury that Flores experienced earlier this week has not slowed him. He's recorded multiple hits in the two games since his return and has six in his last eight starts, going 17-for-30 with four home runs and 10 RBI during that stretch. The Diamondbacks have been using him primarily against left-handed starters, but with Jake Lamb's issues piling up (.103 over last 13 games) and Flores holding his own against righties (.306), he may be used more frequently.

Manager Joe Maddon said he "would be surprised" if Rizzo (back) returned Friday against the Brewers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo is out of the lineup for a fourth straight game Thursday due to back tightness. While he's hoping to return against the Brewers over the weekend, he doesn't sound ready to go for Friday's series opener. Victor Caratini is starting at first base in place of Rizzo on Thursday.

Smith (foot) has been cleared to begin some baseball activities, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith is trending in the right direction, as he recently shed his walking boot and has been cleared to play catch for the first time since landing on the injured list at the end of July with a stress reaction in his left foot. The 24-year-old still hasn't been given the green light to resume running, however, leaving him without a concrete timetable for his return.