MLB Player News

Joseph is out of Sunday's lineup against the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

He will sit for the second game in a row in favor of Rhys Hoskins at first base. The plan when Hoskins was originally promoted was for him to play primarily left field, but he has been so impressive (four home runs in 10 games) that the Phillies may have decided that he no longer needs to defer to Joseph at first base. It doesn't help that Joseph is in a 5-for-56 (.089) funk over his last 16 games.

Gurriel is not in the lineup Sunday against the A's.

Despite riding a modest seven-game hit streak, Gurriel will head to the bench for a day off after starting 17 of the last 18 games. Marwin Gonzalez will take over for him at first base for the contest. He should continue to get a day off every couple weeks or so in an attempt to keep him fresh for the stretch run.

Cabrera is out of Sunday's lineup against the Marlins.

He has started the last nine games, hitting .303 with two doubles and zero home runs over that stretch. Gavin Cecchini will start at second base and hit eighth.

Abreu went 4-for-5 with a solo home run and three runs scored in Saturday's 17-7 loss to the Rangers.

Abreu has an eight-game hitting streak, and it isn't a cheap streak. He's posted multiple hits in six of those games with seven of his 17 hits going for extra bases. The supporting cast around him will make it difficult for Abreu to reach 100 RBI for a fourth straight season, but he has some control over his home run total. Abreu has homered once every five games this season and needs just six homers over the final 42 games -- one every seven games -- to crack the 30-homer threshold.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Saturday's win over Miami.

The rookie is now 5-for-29 (.172 batting average) with two homers, three RBI and a .579 OPS since being promoted from the minors. Smith should continue to see regular playing time and offers admirable upside after posting a .330/.386/.519 slash line with Triple-A Las Vegas this year. However, it's still probably a little early to look his way in the majority of seasonal settings.

Flores went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Saturday's win over Miami.

Flores is now up to eight homers, 15 RBI, 12 runs and a .292/.350/.667 slash line through his past 24 games. He's locked into full-time at-bats moving forward and also offers lineup flexibility because of his eligibility at multiple positions. Flores has the potential to be a game changer down the fantasy stretch drive.

Hoskins went 1-for-3 with a homer, two walks, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's win over the Giants.

The 24-year-old is now up to four home runs this week. He's done most of his damage against lefties -- three of his four homers have come against southpaws -- but Hoskins was even better against right-handers than he was against left-handed pitching with Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to his promotion. Hoskins is expected to play more at first base once Aaron Altherr (hamstring) is ready to go.

Joseph is not in the lineup Saturday against the Giants.

Joseph has struggled over his last five starts, going just 1-for-19 with a walk, so he'll get the day off to clear his head. Jorge Alfaro is starting at first base in his stead, batting sixth.

Hiura landed on the 7-day disabled list with a mild left hamstring strain Friday, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports.

Although any sort of injury for a top prospect is concerning, Hiura's issue seems minor. The 21-year-old has been playing at Low-A Wisconsin for the past month and tearing it up for the Timber Rattlers, hitting .347/.385/.484 with 15 RBI and 13 runs in 24 games.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against Miami.

Smith will get a breather following seven straight starts to begin his major-league career. During his first week of action, the first baseman went 4-for-25 at the plate, adding one home run and a pair of RBI. In his place, Wilmer Flores draws the start at first base.