MLB Player News

Bell went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and four RBI during Monday's win over the Cubs.

Bell is turning in a solid fantasy campaign with 24 homers, 82 RBI, 69 runs and a .264/.343/.495 slash line. The 25-year-old first baseman projects to remain a solid asset down the stretch, and his numbers stand to improve in 2018. Bell is probably undervalued in some keeper/dynasty settings, so this could be an opportune time to table a buy-low offer.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers due to a lingering elbow issue, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

This helps explain Goldschmidt's absence from the starting lineup over the past two games. The good news is the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious -- Goldschmidt has been playing through it and even asked to play Monday -- but the Diamondbacks want to make sure everything checks out before clearing him to return to the lineup. He's expected to undergo an MRI in Phoenix on Tuesday, after which there should be a clearer idea regarding his status. If everything checks out, he could return to action for Tuesday's game.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

This will mark the first time all season that Goldschmidt has sat out consecutive games. There has been no word of any injury at this point, so it appears manager Torey Lovullo is giving his stud first baseman a few days off as the Diamondbacks find themselves in control of a playoff spot thanks to a 10-game winning streak. Adam Rosales will start at first base in his place.

Hoskins (hand) will return to the cleanup spot in the lineup Monday against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Hoskins took a pitch off his hand Saturday, and although X-rays came back negative, he got the day off Sunday as a precaution. The slugger's absence won't last more than one game, however, as he'll return to his regular role for the Monday afternoon series opener. It will be the 21st time he's occupied the cleanup spot this season.

Despite recent wrist troubles, Freeman is hopefully he can play every remaining game this season, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman admitted earlier this week that he's still dealing with fatigue in his previously fractured wrist, resulting in him playing at less than 100 percent. Fortunately, it appears to be solely fatigue, rather than pain, suggesting Freeman should still be a consistent presence in the lineup the rest of the way out. He's started every game in August, and if he had it his way, Freeman would do the same in September. He's been consistently dismissive of any notion that would suggest he gets shut down, or even sits out a few games.

Stassi, who was designated for assignment Thursday, has been outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Stassi has been so unproductive at the plate this season that the team couldn't afford to keep a roster spot for him despite September expansions. He'll look to turn things around in Triple-A, though a .682 OPS at that level is hardly encouraging.

Flores (broken nose), who is out of the lineup Sunday against the Astros, could return to action as early as this week, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Flores is already in line to see a specialist on Tuesday but has already seen improvements in his breathing, and the prognosis doesn't seem nearly as bleak as it was following the injury. A foul ball off his face resulted in a broken nose, but it's currently looking like a best-case scenario in terms of a projected absence. Look for the team to release further information following Tuesday's consultation.

Goldschmidt is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

Goldschmidt will get just his third day off since the All-Star break and his first since Aug. 16. He's been hitless in the first two games at Coors Field but has still managed to reach base and cross home plate in each. Rather than get a chance to bounce back in the hitter-friendly environment, Goldschmidt will give way to Kris Negron at first base for the series finale. It appears to be just a maintenance day with a big three-game set against the Dodgers ahead.

Hoskins (hand) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Hoskins had to be pulled from Saturday's game after he was hit in the hand with a pitch, but the Phillies received some good news later when X-rays on the hand came back negative. He doesn't appear to be quite ready to return to action, however, as Tommy Joseph will draw the start at first base Sunday, with Hyun Soo Kim set to man left field.

Hoskins had an X-ray on his hand which came back negative, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins was pulled from Saturday's game after being pegged in the hand by a 98 mph fastball. He said after the game that the hand is bruised and swollen. It seems likely that Hoskins will be given a day off Sunday to let the swelling go down a bit.