MLB Player News

Bour exited Monday's game against the Rangers with a right oblique strain.

Bour opened the game as the Marlins' designated hitter, but he was lifted from the contest after grounding into a double play during his first at-bat. An oblique strain typically results in a trip to the disabled list, but the team is listing the power-hitting first baseman as day-to-day for the time being.

Olson was optioned back to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

With the Athletics back in American League ballparks for the time being, the team doesn't need as much position-player depth as before. As a result, Olson will head back to the minors after only making a pair of pinch-hitting appearances. Reliever Josh Smith will replace him on the active roster.

Abreu went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI in Sunday's 5-4 loss to Kansas City.

Abreu drove in the go-ahead run with a fifth-inning double, but a late-inning Royals rally erased that advantage. The Cuban-born slugger is on pace to top his old career high of 35 doubles with 26 in 94 games. He still has a shot at a fourth consecutive season with at least 25 home runs and 100 RBI after accruing 16 and 60, respectively, to date.

Votto went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Sunday's win over the Marlins. He went 4-for-33 (albeit with seven walks) over the Reds' 10-game homestand, the Dayton Daily News reports.

Votto has gone through similar slumps (the first half of 2016 comes to mind), but he always seems to find a way to come through. Barring news of an injury, there's little reason for owners to worry here.

Cron will start at first base and bat fifth Sunday against the Red Sox.

Cron will draw his fourth consecutive start Sunday, and though he's performed respectably with four hits in 12 at-bats over the previous three contests, the run of regular playing time should soon come to an end. The Angels had a spot open in the lineup for Cron the last three games with the Red Sox having deployed a left-handed starting pitcher in each of those contests, resulting in platoon mate Luis Valbuena hitting the bench. Valbuena is back in the lineup Sunday, but he'll play third while Cron covers first base due to Albert Pujols receiving a routine day off for rest.

Cabrera is out of the lineup Sunday against the A's, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera drew a start at third base Saturday, but had previously started eight consecutive games at the keystone. He'll break that streak Sunday, while T.J. Rivera draws the start at second base with Wilmer Flores at third.

Santana will start at first base and lead off for the Indians in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Santana manned the leadoff spot for the Indians' first 35 games, but after slashing just .227/.331/.383 during that time, manager Terry Francona moved him down in the order. With rookie Bradley Zimmer getting the day off Sunday, Santana will slot back in atop the lineup for the first time since May 13, but it remains likely that he'll bat sixth or seventh more often than not for games in which Zimmer is in the lineup.

Flores went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Saturday's win over Oakland.

With the Mets healthy, Flores has reverted back to a part-time role. It's unfortunate because he's been solid when in the lineup and sports a serviceable .284/.312/.473 slash line. Without more consistent playing time, Flores' upside is capped, and he's best left to deep-league settings.

Gurriel went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer Saturday against the Orioles.

Gurriel's 13th blast of the year started a five-run rally in the sixth inning that led the Astros to victory. He's homered in consecutive games and he continues to provide fantasy owners with an excellent .298 batting average along with a .502 slugging percentage.

Abreu took grounders at third base prior to Saturday's game against the Royals, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

According to Merkin, Abreu looked very fluid at third base, but this would still be a pretty big change if the White Sox end up actually trying him at the hot corner in game action. He has only ever played first base or DH in the big leagues, and would likely have well below-average range at third base. It's also not like the White Sox are blocking some stud first baseman when they play Abreu at first base, so it's hard to see the logic behind giving Abreu starts across the diamond. Nonetheless, if he does somehow add third base eligibility in certain formats, his value would see a slight bump heading into next season.