MLB Player News

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a walk in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Pirates.

Rizzo had only one hit over seven at-bats in Tuesday's doubleheader but made it count, plating Austin Jackson on a two-out single to open the scoring in the first inning.

After a strong start to September that saw him hit safely in six out of his first eight games, including three multi-hit performances and three homers, Rizzo has gone only 2 for 22 in his last six contests. The power-hitting first baseman will need to rediscover his stroke over the last two weeks of the season in order for the Cubs to stay in the hunt for a wild-card spot.

A bruised knee is keeping Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard out of the lineup Tuesday against Washington.

Howard suffered the knee injury during Monday's game against the Nationals. He went to the emergency room after the game and had his knee drained. He is being labeled as day to day, but interim manager Pete Mackanin said "it doesn't look good", according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Howard has been on a roll lately with hits in his last four games and homers in the last two. He has five RBI in his last three games. But he was hitless in his previous eight.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard exited Monday's game against the Nationals with a left knee contusion. Howard took a throw off the knee in the top of the seventh inning, and left the game an inning later.

Prior to the injury, Howard was 1 for 3 with a game-tying solo home run in the second inning. it was his 23rd blast of the season. 

Howard was seen leaving the ballpark on crutches and could miss at least a few games, according to Comcast Sports Net. The team has not provided an official timetable for his return, however.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto has received a two-game suspension stemming from an altercation with the home plate umpire during Wednesday's game. Votto will appeal the suspension, meaning he will be eligible to continue playing until a ruling is made.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto was ejected from Wednesday's contest after arguing balls and strikes, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Votto was 1 for 3 with one run scored and two strikeouts before exiting. 

Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was back in the lineup for Saturday's game at the Chicago Cubs, the team announced. Goldschmidt had not played since Tuesday due to the birth of his child.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo drove in a team-high four RBI to help propel the team to a 14-5 win over the D-Backs on Friday.

His biggest hit came in the fifth inning when he hit a grand slam off A.J. Schugel. He finished the game 2 for 3 with one walk.

Prior to Friday's win, Rizzo was hitting .212 with four home runs and nine RBI in his last 14 games.

Outfielder Matt McBride has been designated for assignment by the Rockies to make room on the roster for just-activated first baseman Justin Morneau.

McBride did not distinguish himself at the plate during his short stay with Colorado, He batted just .167 (7-for-42) with no RBI.

Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt will miss a second straight game Friday to be with his family in Phoenix for the birth of his first child. He is expected to return Saturday for the second game of a series against the Cubs.

Goldschmidt is in a mini-slump with just five hits in his last 28 at-bats, though he has slugged two home runs over that stretch.

Joey Votto was the offensive hero for the Reds once again, as he helped his club defeat the Cubs 7-4 on Wednesday. Votto, who went 2 for 5 on the afternoon, blasted a three-run home run to snap a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth inning. 

The home run was his 27th of the year and his second in as many games. It was also his 10th go-ahead home run of the season. 

Overall, Votto is hitting a ridiculous .429 with four homers and 10 RBI over his last 10 games.