MLB Player News

Alonso went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 6-4 loss to St. Louis.

Alonso got things started early with a long shot in the first inning. The slugging rookie went through a six-game homerless drought but now has two in his last three contests. Alonso owns an outstanding .325/.416/.727 slash line with 15 extra-base hits and 19 RBI.

Walker's absence from the lineup Sunday against the Cubs is due to a hip pointer, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The minor injury explains why Walker will hit the bench following a four-hit performance. He's expected to return to the lineup for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Votto (back) remains out of the lineup Sunday against San Diego, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Back tightness kept Votto out of the lineup Saturday, and he'll get at least two more days to rest with the Reds having an off day Monday. Kyle Farmer gets the call again at first base.

Walker is not starting Sunday against the Cubs.

After a stretch in which he picked up two hits in nine games, Walker has 15 over his last six contests. Wilmer Flores will slide over to first base in his absence, with Ketel Marte moving in from center field to second base.

Alonso (hand) is batting second and playing first base Sunday against St. Louis.

Alonso took a pitch off the hand in Saturday's game and required X-rays afterwards. He avoided a fracture and any bruise he suffered evidently won't be enough to keep him out of the lineup.

Walker went 4-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a walk in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Cubs.

Walker reached base in all five plate appearances Saturday and is a ridiculous 15-for-25 with three home runs over his last six games. The 28-year-old is slashing .353/.421/.706 with six homers, though he has struck out 23 times in only 68 at-bats.

Votto is out of Saturday's lineup at San Diego due to back tightness, though he is still available to pinch hit, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It's unclear how long Votto has been dealing with the injury, but the fact he's still available off the bench suggests it to be a minor issue. The Reds have a scheduled off day Monday, so it wouldn't be surprising for the team to remain cautious and hold the veteran first baseman out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale.

X-rays on Alonso's hand were negative Saturday, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Alonso appears to have avoided serious injury, but it's unclear if he'll require any time off.

Alonso will undergo an X-ray on his right hand Saturday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It's unclear what exactly is the problem for Alonso, but more should become clear following further tests. If he's forced to miss time, Dominic Smith would see an expanded role at first base.

Votto is on the bench Saturday against San Diego.

Votto will sit for just the third time this season. The veteran owns a mediocre .227/.311/.409 line with an uncharacteristically poor 27 percent strikeout rate. Kyle Farmer will get the call at first base.