MLB Player News

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning in Monday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers.

Believe it or not, it was Rizzo's first RBI of the year, as he's off to a slow start with a .172 average in his first seven games. The hit was a well-earned one, though, coming off Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. Rizzo is also still searching for his first long ball of the 2017 season, but the All-Star first baseman should get it going soon. He remains one of the most consistent on-base and power forces in the league.

Gurriel batted ninth in the order and went 1-for-3 with a double in Monday's 6-0 loss to the Mariners.

The double was Gurriel's third hit (and first extra-base hit) in 24 at-bats to open the year. That explains why the first baseman is hitting up the rear of the order. He's handled the transition to first base in the field well, but his bat is lagging. They'll give him some leash, but the Astros have a couple promising first basemen at Triple-A Fresno, Tyler White and A.J. Reed, both of whom have some MLB experience. There are options if manager A.J. Hinch wants to make a change at first.

Stassi went 1-for-4 with a ninth-inning homer -- his first hit major-league hit -- in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Mets.

He got the start at first base and hit seventh. Stassi had gone 0-for-4 with three walks in his first few MLB games, and he's not likely to get too many at-bats behind Tommy Joseph. The 27-year-old rookie has never quite been a stud in the minors, so don't let your expectations get too high, but he may be able to carve out some value in NL-only leagues.

Joseph is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

With the Phillies due to face a tough right-hander in Jacob deGrom, Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin will hold Joseph out for the second time this season, allowing the lefty-hitting Brock Stassi to pick up a start at first base. Joseph doesn't look to be in danger of falling into a platoon just yet, but he'll need to pick up the pace after getting off to a slow start -- 2-for-20 with eight strikeouts in six games.

Freeman went 4-for-5 with two home runs, two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.

The Braves were swept in dramatic fashion, but it was due in no part to the performance of Freeman, who stole a base and scored in the first inning before launching solo homers in the fifth and seventh. He entered the game with a .238 average and no home runs or RBI, but perhaps this outburst can get him going as he looks to carry a large burden for what was last year one of baseball's worst offenses and could continue that weakness in 2017.

Gurriel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

With Gurriel off to a 2-for-18 start at the plate to open 2017, manager A.J. Hinch will give the Cuban import a day off to clear his mind. Utility man Marwin Gonzalez will replace him at first base and bat eighth in the lineup. All but one of Gurriel's five starts on the season have come against left-handed pitching, so if he fails to turn it around in the near future, it's not of the question for him to fall into a stricter platoon at first base with the switch-hitting Gonzalez.

Cron is out of the lineup Saturday against the Mariners.

With this off day, Cron will have started four of the Angels' first six games of the season. He has gone 4-for-15 over that span with zero extra-base hits. Jefry Marte will start at first base and hit seventh against righty Felix Hernandez.

Carter figures to be in line for at least another start at first base Sunday as Greg Bird (foot/ankle) won't be able to return until Monday at the earliest, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

Bird is day-to-day, and while the Yankees hope to have him back for Monday's series opener in Baltimore, it is far from a lock. This means Carter's playing time will see a short-term spike, although he remains pretty volatile in weekly leagues, given the timing of Bird's injury.

Bell is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.

After starting the first three games of the season, Bell will head to the bench as John Jaso takes over for him at first base. With a righty (R.A. Dickey) on the mound, it appears this is just a regular day of rest for the 24-year-old, who hit .211 against southpaws while batting .284 against righties in 2016.

Carter is batting cleanup and starting at first base for Saturday's game against Baltimore, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

It will mark Carter's first career start as a Yankee after being acquired by the team during the offseason. The slugger compiled 41 home runs and 94 RBI over 160 games with Milwaukee last season, but will need to improve his batting average if if he is to see more regular playing time. Greg Bird will get the day off.