MLB Player News

Hoskins went 2-for-4 with his first two major-league home runs in Monday's 7-4 loss to the Padres.

Hoskins got off to a slow start after his promotion from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going hitless in his first three games, but he now has hits in back-to-back starts. Manager Pete Mackanin told Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer that he has been pleasantly surprised with Hoskins' work in left field thus far, but that he hasn't been tested range-wise yet. Hoskins will continue to see most of his playing time in left field until Aaron Altherr (hamstring) returns from the disabled list next month.

Rizzo went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and five RBI during Monday's win over Cincinnati, and he also was scored with his 10th game as a second baseman.

Rizzo snapped an 11-game homer drought with Monday's bomb, and he had just a single RBI during that slump. The slow stretches haven't lasted long for Rizzo over the past few seasons, and with a .262/.384/.505 slash line, 27 homers, 76 RBI and 67 runs for the year, they've also been few and far between in 2017. It's also worth reiterating that Rizzo might've earned eligibility at second base in some fantasy leagues, and his owners should check if he now qualifies.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Cubs.

Goldschmidt has been a thorn in the Cubs' side during six matchups this season, contributing five home runs and driving in nine runs to go with four walks. He owns a career-best 1.031 OPS on the campaign and is trending toward a third straight 20-20 campaign, assuming he can record four more steals over the final month and a half of the season.

Bell is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Bell has put together multi-hit performances in three of his previous four starts, raising his season average from .249 to .257 in the process. Despite his recent production, he'll get the day off with Jose Osuna filling it at first base and batting fifth. Of course, Bell will be available to pinch hit Sunday afternoon.

Flores will start at third base and bat cleanup Sunday against the Phillies, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Flores' path to an everyday role looked somewhat muddled after Dominic Smith was promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas to regularly play first base for the Mets, but the trade of Neil Walker to the Brewers on Saturday looks like it may open up regular at-bats for the versatile infielder. He'll shift over to the hot corner Sunday while Asdrubal Cabrera, who had previously been manning that position, moves over to Walker's normal spot at the keystone. Flores is also an option to see starts at second base, but his hot hitting since the All-Star break should lock him into consistent duties somewhere around the infield for the remainder of the season.

Joseph is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

Joseph is off to a sluggish start at the plate during the month of August. The 26-year-old is just 6-for-39 with two extra base hits during the past 11 games and will head to the bench in favor of Rhys Hoskins, who will be making his first start at first base with the big-league club.

Freeman went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a double in Saturday's loss to St. Louis.

Freeman is hitting .342 with eight RBI this month. Although he did miss a good chunk of the season while on the disabled list, his .319 batting average matches his career-high figure from his breakout season in 2013, a sign that a decrease in production shouldn't be expected anywhere in the near future.

Howard has reported to Triple-A Albuquerque and will be available for Saturday's game.

After inking a minor-league deal with the Rockies' organization earlier in the day, Howard has already reported to Triple-A and will be in uniform Saturday. He'll need to show more at the dish than he did earlier in the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, when he slashed just .184/.238/.263, in order to get consideration for a promotion to the Rockies before the year is out.

Howard agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with the Rockies on Saturday.

The veteran slugger has been a free agent since he was released by the Braves in May. Howard slashed a mere .184/.238/.263 in 11 minor-league games in the Braves organization prior to his release and he hit just .196 in 112 games with the Phillies last season. He won't be on the 40-man roster to start, but if Howard starts getting back on track, there's a possibility of him joining the Rockies as a left-handed power bat off the bench in September.

Cabrera (hand) is batting fifth and starting at third base Saturday against the Phillies.

Cabrera is good to go after missing a trio of games while nursing an injured left hand. The 31-year-old, who is slashing .292/.337/.406 in 25 games since the All-Star break, will have a tough matchup against Aaron Nola in his return to action.