MLB Player News

Joseph isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice reports.

Joseph has seen a decrease in playing time recently due to his declining production and the slight resurgence of Ryan Howard. In his place Thursday, Howard will start at first base and bat cleanup for the Phillies.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-2 with three walks and four runs in Wednesday's win over the Mets.

It's no surprise to see Goldschmidt, one of the most disciplined hitters in the game, take free passes when pitchers nibble. It bit the Mets on Wednesday, as Goldschmidt scored four times in front of Rickie Weeks and Yasmany Tomas, who each homered twice and drove in 11 total runs.

Cabrera (knee) will be activated off the disabled list Thursday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Cabrera should reinforce the infield, pushing Jose Reyes back to third base while giving the Mets a more formidable lineup on a daily basis. The corresponding move remains unclear, but the official activation should be announced prior to Thursday's series opener against the Giants.

Joseph went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the Phillies' 7-2 loss at the hands of the Dodgers.

Joseph has been a bright spot for a rebuilding Phillies team this year, his .509 slugging percentage leading the team to go along with his 16 home runs. Joseph hasn't exactly had a lot of men on base during those home runs, however, with just 33 RBI over 226 at-bats. Don't expect that to change this season, but the 25-year-old first baseman's future looks bright given the power he's flashing in his rookie year.

The Brewers optioned Wilkins to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Wednesday.

Wilkins played sparingly after being recalled in early July and went just 3-for-24 (.125) at the plate, so the Brewers decided to send him back to Colorado Springs on Wednesday and replace him on the 25-man roster with pitcher Tyler Cravy. Wilkins figures to rejoin the Brewers when rosters expand in September.

Bour was diagnosed with an ankle sprain, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Although Bour plans to play again before the season is over, it appears that his return will be until mid-September. Until he's back in action, look for Miguel Rojas, Derek Dietrich, and Chris Johnson to continue sharing time at first base.

Flores is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, Marie I. Guardado of NJ Advance Media reports.

Flores started the Mets' last two games at first base, but will have the night off despite his improved performance at the plate. Over the last 14 days, Flores has posted a .286/.350/.459 line with two home runs and seven RBI. James Loney will start at first base and be hitting fifth Tuesday evening.

Rizzo finished 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Rizzo spread out his production, singling in runs in the first and sixth innings before launching a solo home run to right in the eighth inning that gave the Cubs a glimmer of hope. The homer was Rizzo's first in 22 games, but he still sports what would be a career best .972 OPS and he sits third in the National League with 85 RBI.

Votto went 2-for-4 with a double, a homer and three RBI Sunday against the Brewers.

Votto had been going through a power outage, and this was the first time he's left the yard since July 26. Despite playing on a team in a rebuilding phase, he's already driven in 62 runs, and it's quite possible he posts his highest numbers in that category since 2011.

Freeman went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and two walks in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Nationals.

Freeman opened the scoring with a 403-foot shot to right in the first, his second homer in as many days. Freeman has four dingers overall in the last four games and has reached safely in eight straight. The 26-year-old has now equaled his career high in homers with six weeks left in the season, and has a solid .286/.379/.538 line in 2016.