MLB Player News

Votto went 2-for-2 with a pair of solo homers and a walk in Thursday's 11-3 loss to Milwaukee.

The veteran first baseman ended up being pulled early with the outcome not in question, but not before Votto increased his homer total to 23 -- the second-highest total in the National League. Even though the Reds are going nowhere fast with a 33-45 record, Votto's turning in another incredible fantasy campaign, offering high-end production in every category but steals.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Thursday's loss to St. Louis.

The set-and-forget first baseman is turning in another sterling campaign with 19 homers, 66 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 69 runs and a .323/.439/.596 slash line. Goldschmidt's numbers put him among the most valuable fantasy hitters, and he remains on pace to post career-high marks in home runs, RBI, runs and batting average.

Freeman (wrist) said his return date depends on how he's hitting during his upcoming minor-league rehab assignment, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports. If he feels ready, he could be back in the lineup for next Friday's matchup against the Nationals, otherwise he may wait until after the All-Star break to return.

Freeman is scheduled to begin a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. He's set to play Saturday, Monday and Tuesday before ultimately making a decision regarding his next step.

Flores is not in the lineup Thursday against the Marlins.

Flores will head to the bench for a breather after starting each of the previous seven contests. Matt Reynolds is starting in his place at the hot corner.

Carbera (leg) is starting at second base and batting second Thursday against the Marlins.

Cabrera is good to go after exiting Wednesday's game early with leg cramps. The 31-year-old has been on a tear since returning from the disabled list, going 10-for-21 (.476) with a 1.274 OPS in his last five starts. He'll face Jose Urena in Thursday's series finale.

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.