MLB Player News

Cronenworth went 3-for-5 in Monday's loss to the Giants.

Cronenworth has started each of the Padres' first five games this season, registering a .412/.545/.647 slash line in 22 plate appearances. There was some expectation that he would bounce around some this season due to the arrival of Ha-Seong Kim, but so far, Cronenworth has looked like San Diego's everyday second baseman. With Fernando Tatis potentially missing substantial time due to a shoulder injury, Kim is likely to fill in at shortstop, further cementing Cronenworth's regular spot in the lineup.

The Nationals placed Bell on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Bell is one of nine Nationals players on the 40-man roster who will begin the campaign on the IL as a result of the team's recent COVID-19 outbreak. Prior reports have suggested that only four of the players in question tested positive for the virus, but it's uncertain whether Bell is one of the infected players or merely a close contact. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, players who tested positive will be eligible to return after 10 days in quarantine, while those ruled out through contact tracing can return after a week. With Bell on the shelf for at least the next 7-to-10 days, Ryan Zimmerman is projected to serve as the Nationals' primary option at first base.

Bell was not on the field for the Nationals' workout Monday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Eleven players in total are reported to be in quarantine for the Nats due to positive COVID-19 tests or being designated a close contact, and Bell's absence from the workout suggests he's probably in one of those groups. If he's one of the latter, he could still be cleared to play in time for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, but assuming Bell isn't in the lineup, Ryan Zimmerman would get the nod at first base against southpaw Drew Smyly.

Solano went 2-for-4 with two singles and a stolen base in Monday's 3-2 win over the Padres.

Solano continued his hot start, as he's recorded at least two hits in all four games this season. The stolen base may end up being his only one this year, as he attempted exactly one steal in his last four seasons, with his last MLB swipe coming way back in 2014. With the 33-year-old making quality contact, it's been hard for manager Gabe Kapler to sit him. However, there's a chance he sits Tuesday in favor of Tommy La Stella with right-hander Yu Darvish on the bump.

Lowe went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's 6-2 loss to Toronto.

Lowe turned around a sluggish spring in a hurry once the regular season started. He's driven in at least one run in all four of the Rangers' games to open the campaign, and with 10 RBI in total, he currently leads the majors in that category.

Votto's RBI-single Sunday against the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez was measured with a 113.6 mph exit velocity, just his second ball over 110 mph according to Statcast since 2015, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Votto hasn't benefited from the livelier ball the last few years, in no small part because he frequently hasn't been at full strength, but he appears healthier now. With him batting in the third spot in the order, the Reds need a far better season from him Votto than they've received the last few seasons.

Smith is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

The Mets had to wait four days to start their season due to the Nationals' COVID-19 outbreak, and Smith will have to wait at least one more day to make his first start. He'll be on the bench against lefty Matt Moore, with Brandon Nimmo sliding to left field and Kevin Pillar leading off and playing center field.

Cooper was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday due to his reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Per Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com, Cooper's absence isn't expected to be a long one, and he could return as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. League rules allow a team to call up an additional player when someone is sidelined for even a brief period due to COVID-19-related issues, however, so the Marlins will add Jordan Holloway to the roster in his absence.

Dalbec isn't starting Monday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Dalbec went hitless with one walk and five strikeouts in 11 plate appearances to begin the season, and he'll get a day off for the series opener against Tampa Bay. Marwin Gonzalez will step in at first base Monday, batting seventh.

Diaz isn't starting Monday's game against the Red Sox, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Diaz had a strong performance Saturday against the Marlins with a double and two RBI, but he'll get a breather for Monday's series opener against Boston. Yoshi Tsutsugo will shift to first base Monday while Austin Meadows serves as the designated hitter.