MLB Player News

Freeman had a mole removed from his back over the All-Star break that contained cancerous cells, but the doctors got it in time, and he hitting third in Friday's lineup, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien reports.

It sounds like Freeman dodged a legitimate scare over the break, and while he needed stitches after the procedure, it won't cost him any time. Freeman is on pace for a career high in home runs, as he had 16 in the first half, while his best mark is 23 in 2012 and 2013.

Gillaspie was promoted to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gillaspie will make his first appearance at Triple-A as he begins a stint with the Durham Bulls. The 23-year-old slashed .270/.387/.454 with 51 runs and 41 RBI over 85 games for Double-A Montgomery this season.

Flores is out of the lineup Friday in Philadelphia.

Jose Reyes, who has three home runs in 26 plate appearances with the Mets this year, will get the start at third base and lead off Friday. Flores and Reyes, both of whom have pretty even career splits against righties and lefties, should wrestle for playing time at the hot corner going forward, with manager Terry Collins likely favoring whoever is swinging a hotter bat.

Roller was released by the Rays on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Roller hit just .216/.316/.377 in 50 games with Triple-A Durham this season, and the team decided to send him packing after his trip to the disabled list rather than make room on the roster. He's spent the entirety of his time at Triple-A in each of the last two seasons, but has yet to crack a major league roster and is starting to run out of chances at 28 years old.

Despite an electric weekend debut, the Pirates are unwilling to commit to Bell at first base because of his defense, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

He went 2-for-2 with a walk and a grand slam against the Cubs in three pinch-hitting opportunities but did not play in the field. General manager Neal Huntington is looking for Bell to become a "ninth-inning defender." There was some talk that Pittsburgh could put him in right field Sunday with Gregory Polanco (hamstring) ailing, but manager Clint Hurdle didn't think that'd be fair after two years away from the outfield. The team has yet to reveal whether Bell, who's already made 10 errors at first base for Triple-A Indianapolis, will start the second half in the big leagues. Polanco's status will likely determine whether Bell remains with the Bucs or fights for the Triple Crown at Indy.

Colabello (suspension), who is eligible to return on July 23, will begin his rehab assignment on Wednesday with High-A Dunedin, Sportnet's Mike WIlner reports.

Colabello will need to play really well during his rehab assignment to prove to the Blue Jays that they need his services. Justin Smoak and Edwin Encarnacion have spent the majority of time at first base since Colabello's suspension. The 32-year-old was suspended for 80 games on April 22 after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance.

Howard is unlikely to face disciplinary action from a PED investigation by Major League Baseball, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Howard was named in an Al Jazeera report in December claiming he and other professional athletes used the performance-enhancing substance Delta 2. He has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a defamation suit against Al Jazeera.

Gillaspie, 23, is slashing .269/.387/.455 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI and four steals through 83 games at Double-A Montgomery.

Gillaspie's best asset is his plate discipline, as he has drawn 57 walks thus far in 2016. However, he is also tied for fourth in the Southern League in home runs. The Rays are notoriously cautious with their top prospects, so it is unlikely Gillaspie sees the big leagues before 2017.

Rodriguez, 22, is batting .261/.351/.491 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI through 86 games for Double-A Akron.

Rodriguez is on pace to set a new season high in home runs. His previous high was 22 dingers at Low-A in 2014. Rodriguez is third in the Eastern League in home runs. Still, he has fanned a staggering 121 times in 86 contests. Bobby Bradley is still considered the first baseman of the future for the Indians, though Rodriguez may hit the big leagues slightly sooner.

Cron (hand) will miss 6-8 weeks, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Cron suffered a broken hand after being hit by a pitch on July 8 and will begin his recovery following surgery Tuesday. The 26-year-old was having the best season of his young career prior to the injury, hitting .278/.333/.475 with 11 home runs, 16 doubles and 50 RBI. Barring any setback, it appears Cron will be back with the Angels in late August or early September.