MLB Player News

Cooper went 4-for-5 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and four runs scored Tuesday against the Brewers.

Cooper delivered the highlight of his performance in the third inning, popping a solo home run to center field. It was his fifth homer of the season, though that was far from his only production, as he scored a run four of the five times he reached base. It was his second consecutive multi-run game, and his fourth in 24 games for the campaign. In limited playing time, Cooper has shown both the ability to get on base and hit for power with his .289/.368/.482 line.

Beaty (hip flexor) is feeling better and is available to pinch hit Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Beaty has been dealing with a minor hip flexor injury, but manager Dave Roberts said he's available off the bench if needed for the Dodgers' tilt with the Diamondbacks, adding that he expects Beaty to slot into the starting lineup for Friday's road game against the Giants. The 26-year-old is hitting .286 over 42 at-bats so far this season.

Smith will sit with a sprained right thumb Tuesday against the Giants, Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith's injury had previously been reported as thumb soreness and as a hyperextended thumb, but the diagnosis has been changed to a sprain following Monday's MRI. Smith still hopes to be available off the bench for Tuesday's contest.

Bell sits for the first time this season Tuesday against the Braves.

Bell has been a fixture in the Pirates' lineup this season, and deservedly so, as he's broken out to a remarkable .332/.395/.681 line with 18 homers in 58 games. Jose Osuna will handle first base in his absence.

Walker went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Walker launched his 11th home run for Arizona's lone tally. He continues to emerge from a slump, bashing his third homer in the last five games. He's batting .400/.429/.900 during that stretch.

France isn't starting Monday's game against the Phillies.

France will take a seat for the second time in the last three days, as Greg Garcia draws the start at the hot corner and is set to lead off in the series opener.

Hiura was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio on Monday.

Hiura will head back to the minors to free up a spot on the roster for Travis Shaw (wrist), who is slated to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Marlins. The well-regarded prospect fared well in his first taste of the majors, slashing .281/.333/.531 with five homers and a stolen base in 17 games for the Brewers, and should be back with the big club at some point this summer. Look for Mike Moustakas to shift back to second base in the meantime, with Shaw reclaiming his spot at the hot corner.

Bell went 1-for-4 with an RBI double against the Brewers on Sunday.

Despite his decent performance Sunday, his strong season has showed a few signs of slowing recently. Bell has struck out six times in the last two games as it appears opponents are looking to pitch away from the slugger. It will be up to Bell to show discipline and take more walks -- he's walked just six times in his last 86 plate appearances. Overall, the first baseman's numbers are terrific -- he's slashing .332/.395/.681 with 18 homers and 53 RBI -- and he figures to compete for NL Player of the Month honors in May.

Walker went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 7-1 win over the Mets.

Walker's bat has come alive with three multi-hit efforts in his last four starts. He's 7-for-17 with two home runs, five RBI and five runs scored during that stretch. Just as it looked like his hold on the first base job was flagging -- he hit .127 over 20 games -- Walker's responded. With Jake Lamb (quadriceps) nearing a rehab assignment, the Diamondbacks will have options if Walker's slump returns.

Cooper went 1-for-4 with a home run and another run scored in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Padres.

Cooper hit his fourth home run of the year, this time a two-out solo shot off starter Matt Strahm in the third inning. He then scored another run in the fifth after getting hit by a pitch. Cooper has now hit safely in four straight games and has the potential to become one of Miami's top hitters if he can stay healthy. Through 23 games this season, the 28-year-old is batting .256/.337/.423 with 14 runs scored and 13 RBI.