MLB Player News

Manager Joe Maddon said it's "possible" Rizzo (back) could play Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Of course, everything will depend on how Rizzo feels Saturday morning, but the skipper's words seem to indicate that a prolonged absence is not expected. Rizzo dealt with a slight back issue earlier this month but said his current issue is different. Kris Bryant will start at first base Friday in Rizzo's absence, just his third career start at the position.

Rizzo (back) remains out of the lineup Friday against Miami.

Rizzo is missing a second straight game with back stiffness as Kris Bryant takes his place at first base. Rizzo dealt with a back injury earlier this month, but he told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com that his current issue is different.

Votto (illness) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres, Jamie Ramsey of the Reds reports.

Votto did not start the last three days due to his illness, but he was able to pinch hit in Thursday's game and will be back at his regular spot at first base Friday night. Votto will second in the Reds' batting order against Padres starter Colin Rea.

Votto (illness) struck out in the ninth inning in a pinch-hitting appearance Thursday against the Padres.

Votto is close to getting back to action after missing three starts with an illness. This week might have extended the buy-low window in your league.

Howard went 2-for-5 with a solo homer, his 11th of the year, in Thursday's win against the Twins.

Thursday marked Howard's first multi-hit game since April 29. The 2005 NL Rookie of the Year and 2006 MVP is having an embarrassing year, becoming one of the most expensive bench players in the history of the sport. He's making $25 million this season while slashing .150/.204/.350 and obliterating his career lows in practically every meaningful category. At 36-years-old, the writing is on the wall for Howard, and he's sadly become irrelevant in most fantasy formats.

Votto (illness) could play Thursday against San Diego, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto is not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to a stomach virus but the Reds announced that he would be available to play if needed. The 32-year-old slugger is having a fantastic June, slashing .338/.482/.508 over 18 games. He's also stole four bases this month.

Flores is not in the starting lineup Thursday as the Mets face the Braves.

Taking the day off may help Flores as he has just one hit in his last 14 at-bats. During that stretch, his batting average has dropped from .250 to .228. Kelly Johnson gets the start at third base Thursday and will bat fifth.

Votto (illness) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

Votto has missed the past two games with an illness and Thursday will be a third as Adam Duvall will get the nod at first base. He had been playing well recently, going 8-for-22 with a five-game hitting streak during the previous five contests.

Rizzo (back) is out of the lineup against Miami on Thursday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo left Wednesday's game early with back stiffness and will get an off day Thursday to rest up. With left-hander Wei-Yin Chen on the mound for Miami, the Cubs don't lose much by starting righty Willson Contreras at first, who's hit two homers and driven in five RBI since his call up last week. Rizzo continues to be day-to-day as he nurses his stiff back.

Bour is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Bour has seen action in six of the last seven games and so will get a rest as Chris Johnson makes a start at first base. Bour has been on a roll recently, going 10-for-20 in his last seven games to go along with two homers and six RBI.