MLB Player News

Rizzo is back in the lineup, playing first base and batting third against Miami on Saturday.

Rizzo, who missed the last two games due to back stiffness, is making his return for the third game of the series. During Rizzo's absence, Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras had been filling in for him at first base with Chris Coghlan seeing action in left field. Rizzo will resume a five-game hitting streak that included two homers and five RBI when he returns.

Joseph (illness) entered Friday's game as a pinch hitter and remained in the game to play first base.

Joseph missed Thursday's game with a cold, but was apparently feeling better Friday night. He went 1-for-2 at the plate after replacing Ryan Howard at first base.

Joseph (illness) is not in the starting lineup Friday.

Ryan Howard will man first base and hit fourth for the Phillies against right-hander Jake Peavy on Friday night. Joseph remains day-to-day.

Manager Joe Maddon said it's "possible" Rizzo (back) could play Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Of course, everything will depend on how Rizzo feels Saturday morning, but the skipper's words seem to indicate that a prolonged absence is not expected. Rizzo dealt with a slight back issue earlier this month but said his current issue is different. Kris Bryant will start at first base Friday in Rizzo's absence, just his third career start at the position.

Abreu is getting the day off Friday to rest his fatigued legs, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports.

Levine reports that Abreu is expected to return to the lineup Saturday, but the Cuban slugger will need the day off Friday to rest his legs after starting each of the last 25 games. Todd Frazier is sliding over to take his spot at first base Friday, but Abreu figures to take back over at first once he returns to the lineup.

Abreu is absent from the White Sox lineup as they host the Blue Jays Friday.

Todd Frazier will start in place of Abreu at first base. Abreu is hitting .308 over his last 10 games with three home runs and 13 RBI. Assuming this is just a routine day off for Abreu, expect him back in the lineup as the White Sox face R.A. Dickey Saturday.

O'Hearn, 22, is batting .296/.362/.503 with seven home runs and 24 RBI through 49 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

After a slow start at this level, O'Hearn has really turned up the heat. He has been even better of late, batting .351 with three home runs and eight RBI over his last 10 games. O'Hearn is often overlooked because he strikes out too much, but his average has actually improved since last season. O'Hearn should be getting more publicity.

Rizzo (back) remains out of the lineup Friday against Miami.

Rizzo is missing a second straight game with back stiffness as Kris Bryant takes his place at first base. Rizzo dealt with a back injury earlier this month, but he told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com that his current issue is different.

Votto (illness) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres, Jamie Ramsey of the Reds reports.

Votto did not start the last three days due to his illness, but he was able to pinch hit in Thursday's game and will be back at his regular spot at first base Friday night. Votto will second in the Reds' batting order against Padres starter Colin Rea.

Votto (illness) struck out in the ninth inning in a pinch-hitting appearance Thursday against the Padres.

Votto is close to getting back to action after missing three starts with an illness. This week might have extended the buy-low window in your league.