MLB Player News

Bell is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

There has been nothing to suggest his absence is due to injury. Perhaps manager Clint Hurdle just felt Bell could use a mental break after back-to-back 0-for-4, two-strikeout games. Overall, Bell's counting stats this season leave something to be desired, but he's slugging .446 and his defense has been better than expected.

Cabrera (thumb/hamstring) was able to pinch hit Monday and thinks he'll be able to return to the lineup Wednesday, Kristie Ackert of The New York Daily News reports. "He had a good BP and caught ground balls with absolutely no problem," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He thinks maybe one more day all the pain will be gone completely."

The fact that Collins was willing to use him as a pinch hitter is a strong indication that Cabrera won't require a trip to the DL after all, as it removed the possibility of back-dating the stint. Barring a setback, expect him back at shortstop for Wednesday's series finale against the Giants.

Votto went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBI in Monday's 10-4 loss to the Yankees.

The home run was Votto's 10th on the season and came off Masahiro Tanaka in the seventh inning. Known for being a slow starter, that hasn't been the case for Votto this season. He's now up to a slash line of .286/.399/.625 with 27 runs scored and 29 RBI in 138 plate appearances. Votto's 22:17 BB:K is also incredible, and it's a big reason why he's one of the better fantasy first basemen in the league.

Howard was released from his contract with the Braves on Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Howard mustered just a .184 batting average and struck out 11 times in as many games for Triple-A Gwinnett. Even if Howard still has the power -- and he wasn't showing it this year, as he'd managed just one home run -- it's obvious that his bat is just too slow for him to be a productive major-league player at age 37.

Rizzo (wrist) is playing first base and batting third Monday against the Rockies.

It appears Rizzo isn't feeling any ill effects after getting plunked on the wrist by Aroldis Chapman during Sunday's loss to the Yankees. He wasn't forced to leave the game and X-rays afterwards came back negative, so it isn't too surprising to see him back out there. The 26-year-old is slashing .224/.353/.416 with six homers through 125 at-bats this season.

Carter is out of the lineup Monday against the Reds.

With no DH spot available in Cincinnati, the Yankees will move Matt Holliday to first base for the second straight day, resulting in Carter hitting the bench. Carter is still expected to see the bulk of the starts at first base for the foreseeable future with Greg Bird (ankle) facing an uncertain return timeline, so those in AL-only or deeper mixed leagues in need of power are advised to hold on to him.

Cabrera (thumb) is out of the lineup Monday against the Giants, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Cabrera was able to take batting practice on the field Monday, but he still felt a twinge in his thumb, prompting the Mets to exercise caution and keep him out for the second straight day. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, manager Terry Collins said that the team isn't worried about Cabrera aggravating the injury by playing, so for now, it doesn't sound like a trip to the disabled list is on the table.

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Diaz made the Tribe's Opening Day roster and served in an everyday role to begin the season, but after slashing .236/.296/.255 in 61 plate appearances, he was optioned back to the minors when Jason Kipnis (shoulder) was activated from the disabled list. The rookie has since hit .395 over his 12 games with Columbus to earn a promotion back to the big club, but unless Michael Brantley's ankle injury results in a trip to DL, it's hard to envision Diaz seeing consistent at-bats with the big club.

X-rays on Rizzo's left wrist revealed no fracture after he was hit by an Aroldis Chapman fastball during Sunday's 18-inning loss to the Yankees, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports.

While Rizzo was able to finish the marathon game after taking a Tylenol, he was seen tending to his wrist multiple times after getting plunked. "Luckily, there's nothing significant," Rizzo said. "I thank my parents I drank my milk when I was a kid and have some decent bones." The 27-year-old is set to be reevaluated before Monday's game, and although he expects to play, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cubs hold him back as precaution after he played two games' worth of innings Sunday.

Freeman went 2-for-5 with two walks, a double, a home run and two RBI in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Cardinals.

His eighth-inning solo shot off Brett Cecil knotted the game at 4-4, but the Braves ultimately fell in 14. Freeman's now slashing an amazing .349/.469/.755 through 29 games with 11 homers, 19 RBI, 26 runs, four steals and a stellar 22:22 BB:K.