MLB Player News

Votto went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI, a run and a strikeout against Milwaukee on Saturday.

It has been a disappointing season for Votto thus far, but the two hits increased his average to .212. The first baseman has hit safely in five of the last six games, so it seems he might be leaving his struggles behind even if the stats don't show that yet.

Flores (hamstring), who is not in the lineup Saturday, could be activated in advance of Sunday's game against the Dodgers, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

Flores was expected to be activated in time for Saturday's game, but it appears the Mets will wait an extra day before activating him. The Mets will again turn to Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera up the middle for Saturday's matchup with Kenta Maeda and the Dodgers.

Votto went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Saturday's 9-5 loss to the Brewers.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a rare bright spot in an otherwise miserable season, blasting his fifth homer of May, to go along with a solid 14 RBI. Votto also has hit safely in three straight, but his May has turned out to be even more dismal than his April. The former All-Star is hitting .182 during the current month, with his long-ball prowess serving as about the only redeeming quality of his offense.

McBride was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

The return of Josh Phegley (knee) from the DL spells the end of McBride's recent stint with the big league ball club. He'll head back down to Triple-A for more playing time after batting .222 with four strikeouts and one RBI in his 18 at-bats with the A's.

Cabrera, who left Wednesday's game against the Nationals with back spasms before he took his first at-bat, is back in the lineup Friday.

Cabrera has been moved up to second in the lineup against the Dodgers uber-prospect Julio Urias while slotting in at his usual shortstop position.

Flores (hamstring) will not be activated from the disabled list prior to Friday's game against the Dodgers, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

The Mets were fairly confident that Flores would be ready to take over at first base Friday, but it seems that they want to give him a bit more time rehabbing in the minor leagues. It doesn't seem to be a health issue, but it could be just a way to get him a few more at-bats prior to coming up to the big leagues. The 24-year-old is hitless over the past two days with Double-A Binghamton, so he'll stay their to get a bit more comfortable at the plate. Despite the minor delay, Flores still seems to be very close to a return to the Mets lineup.

Diaz is hitting .304/.370/.587 in 13 games since being promoted to Triple-A Columbus.

Diaz is 24 years old and not regarded as a top prospect, but the Cuban defector has continued to impress as he's moved to higher levels. He could get a chance in the majors later this summer.

Rizzo is out of Friday's lineup.

He'll get a rare day off for Friday's matinee against the Phillies. Surprisingly, Kris Bryant will get his first start at first base of the season -- a position he has played just once in the big leagues. The Cubs are using Thursday's off day to give players like Rizzo and Jason Heyward a nice two-day rest in advance of a 12-game stretch without an off day.

Howard is out of the lineup Friday against the Cubs, the News Journal's Meghan Montemurro reports.

This comes as no surprise as the Cubs are trotting out one of the top lefties in the game in Jon Lester for Friday's matinee. Tommy Joseph will start at first base and hit cleanup in his stead -- a trend that should continue against southpaws.

Freeman has one hit in his last 26 at-bats with runners in scoring position.

It's one of the reasons Freeman has just 15 RBI despite eight homers this season. However, Freeman is hardly alone with his struggles, as Atlanta is 4-for-53 with RISP over the last seven games. In addition to the eight homers and 15 RBI, Freeman is hitting .254 with 20 runs and one steal.