MLB Player News

Rizzo went 2-for-3 with a walk and a grand slam in Friday's 6-5 win over the Padres.

Rizzo made his 20th home run of the year a memorable one, taking San Diego starter Eric Lauer deep with the bases loaded and two outs in the third inning. The 29-year-old first baseman has now hit 20 or more home runs in seven straight seasons, and he looks locked in as the Cubs' leadoff hitter these days after hitting third earlier in the year.

Walker went 0-for-2 with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 5-1 loss to Milwaukee.

Walker has lived up to his name the last two games, drawing five free passes and scoring four runs. He has a respectable 9.8 walk rate for the season. The return of utility infielder Wilmer Flores from the injured list presents a playing-time dilemma for manager Torey Lovullo, but Walker should retain his role as the primary first baseman, even against right-handers, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Repubic. The manager envisions Jake Lamb slotting in at third base against righties while Eduardo Escobar slides to second base, with Flores taking a seat.

Alonso went 1-for-7 with a home run in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Giants.

Alonso broke up a 1-1 tie in the 16th inning with a solo shot off Williams Jerez. It was his second homer in as many games. Unfortunately, the Giants pulled off the win in the bottom of the frame. The 24-year-old slugger now has a team-leading 32 home runs, 72 RBI and 60 runs scored while slashing .268/.361/.613.

Beaty went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, double and three runs scored Thursday against the Phillies.

Beaty was called up Thursday and took advantage of another chance with the big-league club by smacking his fourth homer of the season. He's likely to serve as depth in the outfield and at first base, though he could find it difficult to earn regular at-bats without an injury to one of the Dodgers' regulars. He has hit well through 118 plate appearances this season, slashing .307/.331/.500.

Smith is not starting Thursday against the Giants, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith will sit for a second straight game as the Mets face another left-hander in Madison Bumgarner. Although the 24-year-old didn't start Wednesday, he still went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and four RBI as a substitute. J.D. Davis is starting in left field in place of Smith on Thursday.

Flores (foot) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Flores has been sidelined since mid-May with a fractured right foot, but he's been cleared to rejoin the Diamondbacks after completing a six-game rehab assignment during which he went 11-for-22 with four doubles, five RBI and a 2:2 BB:K. The utility infielder is expected to see regular at-bats against lefties, though he could find himself on the bench more often than not with a right-hander starting for the opposition. Kevin Cron was optioned to Triple-A Reno to free up a spot on the roster for Flores.

Smith went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and four RBI in Wednesday's rout of the Twins.

Despite the fact that he started the game on the bench, Smith was still a big part of the Mets' 14-run explosion, hitting a three-run bomb in the seventh inning while pinch hitting for J.D. Davis. Smith is now slashing .294/.376/.536 on the year with nine homers and 18 RBI in 173 plate appearances.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Flores (foot) will play against every left-hander when he returns, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Flores, who could be activated for Thursday's series opener against the Brewers, may not have a full-time role. Lovullo said Flores "will get every lefty," meaning Eduardo Escobar would slide to third base. When a right-hander's on the mound, Escobar will likely play second base while Jake Lamb handles third base. That leaves Christian Walker as the team's primary first baseman.

Solano went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, two RBI and two runs overall in Wednesday's 11-8 win over the Rockies.

Solano entered Wednesday having not recorded multiple extra-base hits in a game this season, but he delivered three to help power the Giants' offense in Colorado. The 31-year-old has a .417/.436/.722 slash line with five doubles and two home runs through 11 games in July.

Alonso went 1-for-6 with a home run, two RBI and two runs in a 14-4 victory against the Twins on Wednesday.

The rookie continues to rack up the home runs, slugging three since July 4 and 31 overall this season -- although Wednesday's was his first since his historic performance during All-Star weekend. Alonso has 54 extra-base hits, leading to a .613 slugging percentage that ranked sixth in the majors coming into Wednesday. Alonso is batting .270 with 71 RBI, 59 runs and a stolen base in 344 at-bats this season, rendering him a lucrative fantasy asset in all formats.