MLB Player News
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Joey Votto 1B | TOR
Reds' Joey Votto: Smacks opposite-field homer
Votto went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Brewers.
Votto let down teammate Trevor Bauer on a play at first base earlier this season, but he made up for it with his first-inning homer Wednesday, giving Bauer an early cushion. While the veteran has been good at home, Votto has been a completely different player on the road this season, slashing just .111/.209/.185 with one homer in 22 games away from Great American Ball Park.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B | TOR
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero: Three RBI in win
Guerrero went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 14-1 rout of the Yankees.
Despite leaving four runners on base, Guerrero was productive in a game where five Blue Jays starters recorded multiple hits. With the second American League wild-card spot nearly clinched, Guerrero will look to continue his hot hitting through the end of the season and into the first postseason of his career.
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Ryan Mountcastle 1B | BAL
Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle: Three-hit effort in loss
Mountcastle went 3-for-4 in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Red Sox.
All three of Mountcastle's hits were singles, as were seven of the Orioles' other eight hits. The lack of extra-base power made it difficult for Mountcastle and the Orioles to create much offense against Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi. The 23-year-old Mountcastle is slashing an excellent .330/.385/.514 with five homers, 21 RBI and 11 runs scored in 31 games this year.
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Dominic Smith DH | ATL
Mets' Dominic Smith: Crushes solo shot
Smith went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Rays.
Smith blasted his homer to right field off Rays starter Tyler Glasnow in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old Smith is up to 10 homers, 42 RBI, 27 runs scored and a .314/.377/.615 slash line in 48 contests. He hit 11 homers in 89 games last season -- Smith has enjoyed a power surge in the abbreviated 2020 campaign.
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Matt Olson 1B | ATL
Athletics' Matt Olson: Receives rare day off
Olson is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.
Olson has started all 54 games at first base this season but will take a seat Wednesday while he is 4-for-31 with 18 strikeouts in his past nine games. Mark Canha shifts to first base while Khris Davis serves as the designated hitter.
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Josh Naylor 1B | SEA
Indians' Josh Naylor: Sitting against righty
Naylor is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the White Sox, Joe Noga of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Naylor typically starts against right-handed pitchers, but he'll head to the bench with an especially tough one (Lucas Giolito) on the bump for Chicago. Jordan Luplow replaces Naylor in left field.
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Wilmer Flores 1B | SF
Giants' Wilmer Flores: Sitting out Wednesday
Flores isn't starting Wednesday against the Rockies.
Flores will retreat to the bench once again after going 0-for-16 with six strikeouts over the last five games. Austin Slater will take over as the designated hitter, leading off.
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Rhys Hoskins 1B | CLE
Phillies' Rhys Hoskins: Unlikely to return before Sunday
Hoskins (elbow) is unlikely to return prior to Sunday's regular-season finale, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Hoskins took dry swings once again Wednesday, but he still hasn't hit the ball as he deals with a UCL injury in his left arm. As a result, manager Joe Girardi said that he probably won't play again. However, it's unclear whether he could be available if the Phillies qualify for the postseason. He could still require Tommy John surgery to aid in his recovery process, but there's a possibility he's still ready for Opening Day in 2021 even if he goes under the knife.
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Josh Bell DH | MIN
Pirates' Josh Bell: Day off Wednesday
Bell is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.
Bell sits after going 0-for-19 with nine strikeouts in his last seven games, dragging his season slash line down to .221/.296/.354. Colin Moran starts at first base Wednesday, with Jose Osuna serving as the designated hitter.