MLB Player News

Abreu went 1-for-4 with a walk and a two-run homer in Thursday's win over the Tigers.

Finally, Abreu snapped his nightmarish homerless drought dating back to June 24 -- a span of 32 games without a home run. He's been one of the more disappointing players in fantasy this year, but Abreu has been making more consistent contact (only four strikeouts in his last 13 games) and his second-half success over the past two years provides some reason for optimism over the final two months of 2016.

Flores is not in the lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Yankees, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Flores will get a night off as Kelly Johnson replaces him at third, batting eighth. Flores had made nine consecutive starts coming into Thursday, going 9-for-35 (.257) with four runs and two RBI during that time.

Howard went 3-for-4 with a solo shot, his 15th of the year, in Wednesday's game against the Giants.

The veteran hit .250 (10-for-40) in July, his best average for any month so far this season. Howard's seeing limited playing time, but he's managed to put something in the stat sheet when he does get a start. If anything, he's moved up in the fantasy ranks to be a punt-play candidate in daily leagues.

Cron (hand) can begin hitting again, and will work out in Arizona on Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Cron broke his hand July 8 after getting hit with a pitch, and seems to be progressing nicely on the 6-to-8 week timetable that he was given. He has been cleared to hit almost four weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the fracture. It still appears as though he won't be back until late August, but this may bump up his return date if he continues to show signs of improvement over the next couple weeks.

Joseph is not in the Phillies starting lineup on Wednesday.

Joseph will give way to Ryan Howard, who will start at first base on Wednesday. Over his last 10 games, Joseph is hitting .257 in 35 at-bats. The 25-year-old has shown the ability to hit for power in his short time in the majors this season (14 in 202 at-bats), proving that he can be the long-term solution at first base in Philadelphia.

Smith, 21, is slashing .282/.343/.439 with 12 home runs and 73 RBI through 101 games for Double-A Binghamton.

Smith has doubled his previous career high in home runs while also maintaining a solid average. The Mets would like to see even more power along with a few more walks, though Smith does not strike out a ton and does make consistent contact. Depending on the health of Lucas Duda, Smith could make a play for the starting first base job as early as 2017.

Votto was phenomenal Tuesday, going 4-for-4 with a double, a walk, two runs scored and an RBI in a 7-5 come-from-behind victory over the Cardinals.

While his four hits earned him just a one RBI, Votto continues to improve as the season goes on. After hitting below .230 in April and May, Votto hit .319 in June and .413 in July, and has now begun August batting 1.000. Votto is especially lethal in leagues that reward walks or on-base-percentage, as the big night vaulted him into the NL lead in OBP at .425.

Santana went 3-for-4 with a walk and his 23rd home run of the season Tuesday versus the Twins.

Santana skidded his way out of July, going 4-for-37 (.108) in his last 11 games of the month. He's turned that around through the first two games of August, going 4-for-8 with a homer, two RBI and two runs. Santana also has history on his side moving forward, as his numbers in recent years have traditionally been better post All-Star break.

The Marlins are hoping to have Bour (ankle) back for Friday's game against the Rockies, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Bour will rehab with Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday and Wednesday, rest Thursday, then look to gain clearance for Friday's series opener in Colorado. The 28-year-old Bour, who suffered the ankle injury exactly one month ago, will return to the primary role at first base upon activation, starting against righties but sitting in favor of Chris Johnson against left-handed pitching.

Hoskins, 23, is batting .281/.355/.573 with 30 home runs and 95 RBI through 102 games for Double-A Reading.

Hoskins smacked his 30th home run at the end of last week, as he continues to lead the minors in dingers. Hoskins should be in the mix for the starting first base job in Philadelphia next season.