MLB Player News

Hiura went 2-for-3 with a walk Tuesday against the Phillies.

Hiura collected his first major-league hit in the second inning, hitting a line drive that deflected off pitcher Jerad Eickhoff. He also found his way on base twice in the remainder of the game, drawing a free pass in the fourth inning and singling to left field in the eighth. He's off to a good start with the big-league club after managing a .333/.408/.698 line in 37 games at Triple-A San Antonio.

Smith went 1-for-1 with a home run Tuesday against the Nationals.

Smith appeared as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning and added insurance to the Mets' lead with a solo home run. It was his first of the season, though he's fared well in limited at-bats, racking up 11 hits in 32 at-bats with three extra-base hits. However, so long as Pete Alonso remains healthy, playing time is likely to remain minimal for Smith.

Freeman (illness) struck out in both of his at-bats in Tuesday's 14-3 loss to the Cardinals.

Freeman missed one game with a head cold. With the score already favoring the Cardinals 11-0, Matt Joyce pinch hit for Freeman in the fifth inning. The move gives the first baseman more rest, with the hope he'll be 100 percent within a couple of days.

Rizzo (back) still needs "a couple days" before returning to the lineup, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo sat Sunday and will do the same Tuesday as he continues to get treatment for his back. It doesn't appear likely that he'll return for Wednesday's game, but a trip to the injured list also seems unlikely at this point.

Freeman (illness) is back in the lineup Tuesday against St. Louis.

Freeman was scratched Sunday due to illness, but he's ready to go following Monday's off day. He'll play first base and hit third.

Rizzo (back) isn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Reds.

Rizzo is set to miss his second straight game due to back tightness. Kris Bryant will get the nod at first base, once again opening up a spot for David Bote at the hot corner.

Hiura was officially promoted by the Brewers on Tuesday.

Hiura started the year hot for Triple-A San Antonio, hitting .333/.408/.698 with 11 homers in 37 games. The 22-year-old projects as an average defender at best, but scouts love both his contact and power ability. He should be in line for an everyday role at second base, pushing Mike Moustakas to third. Travis Shaw (wrist) was sent to the injured list to clear a spot on the 25-man roster, with Cory Spangenberg getting designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man.

The Brewers plan to promote Hiura from Triple-A San Antonio prior to Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

With top third baseman Travis Shaw off to a rough start to begin 2019, the Brewers will delve into their minor-league ranks and bring aboard their top prospect to provide an offensive lift. Hiura should immediately take over as the Brewers' everyday second baseman, pushing Mike Moustakas to his more natural position at the hot corner. Shaw, meanwhile, is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list or get optioned to Triple-A, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 22-year-old Hiura has been crushing Pacific Coast League pitching throughout the season, slashing .333/.408/.698 across 147 plate appearance while homering 11 times and chipping in four steals.

Walker went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run and two runs scored in Monday's 9-3 win over Pittsburgh.

Walker's blast was his eighth of the season but first in 18 games. His season is made up of hot stretches followed by cold ones, and he entered Monday's game with a .221 average and .368 slugging percentage over the previous 17 games. Walker doesn't have a long MLB track record, so it looks like opponents are writing the book on him on the fly. In good times and in bad, Walker has struggled with fastballs up in the zone, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. Few qualified hitters are swinging and missing more at pitches in the zone, per Fangraphs, and Walker has a 31.1 K%. With opponents making adjustments to Walker, it's up to him adjust to how they pitch to him.

Bell went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a walk in Monday's 9-3 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Bell knocked in a run during the first inning, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. He missed out on other opportunities though, including a bases-loaded strikeout in the seventh frame. His OPS now sits at an incredible 1.050 with 35 RBI. The red-hot slugger has been one of the best fantasy surprises in 2019.