MLB Player News

Hoskins was selected to play for the United States in the Futures Game on July 9, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins is hitting .304/.401/.601 with 18 home runs in 273 at-bats for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. He's ready for a shot in the majors, but Tommy Joseph is doing a fine job at first base for the Phillies, leaving Hoskins with no spot to play. The Phillies will likely have to remedy their first base situation in the offseason by trading one of the two sluggers.

Rizzo is batting third and playing first base Thursday against the Nationals.

The first baseman had been excelling while leading off, but with the sudden rash of Cubs injuries -- chiefly to masher Kris Bryant (sprained ankle) -- Rizzo was needed again in the middle of the order.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a home run in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals.

After getting bumped down to No. 2 in the order Monday, Rizzo has now batted leadoff the last two games, and it looks like manager Joe Maddon is pretty comfortable with his first baseman there. Rizzo now has 18 home runs this season, and while batting first could limit his RBI potential, he should still supply plenty of power and maybe an uptick in runs.

Cabrera exited Wednesday's game against the Marlins early with leg cramps, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer before being replaced by Matt Reynolds in the eighth inning. The Mets were up by eight runs when he was subbed out, so it's possible the move was simply precautionary. Consider him day-to-day for the time being.

Freeman (wrist) was able to take batting practice on the field before Wednesday's game against the Padres, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman said he felt good after, giving him confidence that he'll be able to return for next Thursday's series opener against the Nationals. "Obviously that was what I wanted to do and now I think it's going to happen," the corner infielder said when asked about him coming off the DL next week. He'll still wait to see how he does during his rehab assignment before returning to action, but barring any setbacks, it seems like Freeman could be back with the Braves when they head to Washington on July 6.

Joseph went 1-for-4 with a home run and walk in Wednesday's 5-4 win in Seattle.

After working a full count, Joseph turned on a 98-mph fastball from Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, clubbing a game-tying home run over the left field fence. The Phillies eventually won on an Andrew Knapp RBI single later in the inning. Joseph offers good power numbers - he has 13 home runs and 12 doubles - but he's lacking in the other categories. He has just 38 RBI and is hitting .250 for the season. Until he improves on his 25 percent K rate, Joseph will be a single-category fantasy asset, especially at first base.

Freeman (wrist) will participate in on-field batting practice Wednesday and Thursday with hopes of beginning his minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman is entering the final stages of his extended rehab program after being placed on the disabled list May 18 with a fractured left wrist. If he is indeed able to begin his minor-league assignment Saturday, then the slugging corner infielder could be on track to rejoin the Braves prior to the All-Star break that begins July 10.

Rizzo is starting at first base and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Nationals.

Rizzo is back in the leadoff spot after hitting second in Monday's series opener against the Nationals. Manager Joe Maddon said he dropped Rizzo from the top of the order because of his unimpressive career numbers against southpaw Gio Gonzalez, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. Rizzo will likely stick in the leadoff spot for the time being, as he is slashing .333/.400/.714 with four homers and 11 RBI in 11 games atop the order this season.

Rizzo is starting at first base and batting second Monday against the Nationals.

Manager Joe Maddon is looking for anything to get the Cubs going at the plate, so he'll again switch up the batting order as lefty-throwing Gio Gonzalez is set to take the mound for the Nationals. Willson Contreras will bat leadoff for the first time in his career as Rizzo slides down to the two hole.

Joseph is not in the lineup Monday against the Diamondbacks, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Joseph's absence is a rare occurence, as the first baseman has started every game this month and missed only four games all season. However, in light of his 1-for-9 slump over the past three games, Monday's matinee appears to be an ideal time for a mental break. Brock Stassi will fill the void at first base.