MLB Player News

Olson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 12-5 loss to the Orioles.

The rookie's 419-foot shot to right center in the second was his second in as many nights. Olson has hit safely in four of the five games he's played in since being recalled from Triple-A Nashville last Tuesday, but he still sports a lackluster .209 average and .303 OBP through 76 plate appearances.

Bell is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Bell has put together multi-hit performances in three of his previous four starts, raising his season average from .249 to .257 in the process. Despite his recent production, he'll get the day off with Jose Osuna filling it at first base and batting fifth. Of course, Bell will be available to pinch hit Sunday afternoon.

Flores will start at third base and bat cleanup Sunday against the Phillies, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Flores' path to an everyday role looked somewhat muddled after Dominic Smith was promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas to regularly play first base for the Mets, but the trade of Neil Walker to the Brewers on Saturday looks like it may open up regular at-bats for the versatile infielder. He'll shift over to the hot corner Sunday while Asdrubal Cabrera, who had previously been manning that position, moves over to Walker's normal spot at the keystone. Flores is also an option to see starts at second base, but his hot hitting since the All-Star break should lock him into consistent duties somewhere around the infield for the remainder of the season.

Joseph is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

Joseph is off to a sluggish start at the plate during the month of August. The 26-year-old is just 6-for-39 with two extra base hits during the past 11 games and will head to the bench in favor of Rhys Hoskins, who will be making his first start at first base with the big-league club.

Abreu went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Royals.

Abreu had gone 10 straight games without a home run or RBI before he launched his 20th and 21st homers of the season Saturday. He became the first member of the White Sox to begin his major-league career with four straight 20-homer seasons. Things are looking up for Abreu and the White Sox, who welcomed the return of Avisail Garcia last week. Garcia gives Abreu proper protection in the lineup.

Freeman went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a double in Saturday's loss to St. Louis.

Freeman is hitting .342 with eight RBI this month. Although he did miss a good chunk of the season while on the disabled list, his .319 batting average matches his career-high figure from his breakout season in 2013, a sign that a decrease in production shouldn't be expected anywhere in the near future.

Howard has reported to Triple-A Albuquerque and will be available for Saturday's game.

After inking a minor-league deal with the Rockies' organization earlier in the day, Howard has already reported to Triple-A and will be in uniform Saturday. He'll need to show more at the dish than he did earlier in the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, when he slashed just .184/.238/.263, in order to get consideration for a promotion to the Rockies before the year is out.

Howard agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with the Rockies on Saturday.

The veteran slugger has been a free agent since he was released by the Braves in May. Howard slashed a mere .184/.238/.263 in 11 minor-league games in the Braves organization prior to his release and he hit just .196 in 112 games with the Phillies last season. He won't be on the 40-man roster to start, but if Howard starts getting back on track, there's a possibility of him joining the Rockies as a left-handed power bat off the bench in September.

Gurriel is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Marwin Gonzalez will step in at first base. A day off at the end of July seemed to do Gurriel well, as he's hitting .370 with five extra-base hits in 11 games since. The Astros figure to continue giving him a rest every couple weeks or so as they look to keep him fresh for the stretch run.

Cabrera (hand) is batting fifth and starting at third base Saturday against the Phillies.

Cabrera is good to go after missing a trio of games while nursing an injured left hand. The 31-year-old, who is slashing .292/.337/.406 in 25 games since the All-Star break, will have a tough matchup against Aaron Nola in his return to action.