MLB Player News

Bell went 5-for-8 split between two games of a doubleheader Saturday against the Reds.

Bell is batting .326/.429/.488 in 86 at-bats and has played 19 games in the outfield and seven at first base. His defense has come as advertised -- below average -- but it hasn't been so bad as to put his major league future in jeopardy.

Joseph has been added to Saturday's lineup against the Marlins.

Ryan Howard was scratched with a knee issue, and Joseph will replace him both at first base and in the cleanup spot in the batting order. The Phillies intended to sit Joseph for all three games of the series as they honored Howard's career with the team, but Howard sounds iffy at best for Sunday.

Howard was scratched from Saturday's lineup with a left knee injury, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Apparently Howard has some fluid buildup in his knee, and he was non-committal about returning Sunday, saying "we'll see." Tommy Joseph is now slated to man first base Saturday against Marlins right-hander Jose Urena.

Cabrera (leg) is in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

He was lifted late Friday night with leg cramping, but it seems the move was largely precautionary as Cabrera is right back in there for Saturday's contest. Cabrera has logged 41 career at-bats against Ervin Santana, Saturday's starter for Minnesota, managing nine hits (one homer) and 10 RBI with four walks and six strikeouts.

Howard went 1-for-2 with a solo homer and two walks in an extra-inning victory over the Marlins on Friday.

Though his average remains firmly below the Mendoza Line at .193, the 36-year-old Howard does have a pair of homers and five RBI over his last six games. His average is a career low by far, a dubious distinction that Howard has managed to offset somewhat with a third consecutive season of 20-plus homers.

Rizzo is not in the lineup Saturday against Milwaukee.

As was the case Friday, Rizzo will get the day off as the Cubs continue to rest a number of regulars after clinching the division. Kris Bryant will get the start at first base and hit in the No. 2 spot Saturday.

Santana went 2-for-5 with a two-run single in Friday's 11-4 victory over the Tigers.

The slugging leadoff man extended the Indians' early lead to 4-1 with a single in the second that brought home Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte. Santana has now hit safely in six of his last seven games with five RBI over that span.

Freeman (personal) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.

Freeman had been away from the team since Wednesday following the birth of his child, but he'll return to his usual spot at first base Saturday. The 27-year-old will bat third against the Nationals' Gio Gonzalez.

Cabrera exited Friday's contest with leg cramping, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

The veteran infielder made it through eight innings Friday before Matt Reynolds came on to replace him at shortstop. Prior to exiting Friday's game, Cabrera went 1-for-2 with a home run and a pair of walks. Given that he left Friday's game with cramping, there's a decent chance he'll be able to get back into the lineup Saturday.

Bell is back in the lineup batting second and playing right field Friday against Cincinnati.

With Starling Marte still nursing a back injury, Bell continues to get opportunities in the outfield. Marte is expected to return Saturday, so Bell will probably move back to first base shortly, but his bat has been too good for the Pirates not to find him a place in the lineup. He carries an .877 OPS into Friday's action.