MLB Player News

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (knee) remains out of the lineup Saturday against the Braves, Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The team suggested Friday that Howard would likely only see action as a pinch-hitter over the weekend, but that didn't materialize in Friday's game. Howard will now be out of the lineup for a fourth straight game, as Darin Ruf picks up another start at first base.

Rays shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) is back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASN reports.

This is a bit earlier than expected, considering Cabrera is only starting baseball activities now after leaving a game last Tuesday due to his knee strain. Assuming he's 100 percent Cabrera figures to retake his everyday shortstop role.

Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt went 2 for 2 with two walks and a run scored in a 2-0 win over San Francisco on Friday. The on-base percentage continues to rise for the All-Star first baseman, as he is now at .435.

Over the last 11 games, Goldy has been in a bit of a mini-slump, as he's hitting just .263 with one home run and three RBI. In any case, he's still having an MVP-type season and may be in line to be the number one pick in fantasy next year.

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter went 1 for 3 with a solo home run in a 4-3 loss to Oakland on Friday.

It's been a rough year for Carter, as he's hitting just .186. The power is not dreadful though, as he has 19 home runs and 55 RBI to go along with a .299 OBP. Carter has lost almost all of his mixed-league relevancy and his value is limited to AL-only formats at this juncture. With only 15 appearances recording at least two at-bats over the last two months, he's even losing value in the most shallow of formats.

Indians first baseman Carlos Santana went 1 for 4 with a grand slam home run in the Indians' win over the White Sox on Friday night.

If you're only going to collect one hit, popping one over the fence with the bases loaded against a pitcher like Chris Sale is making the most of it. Santana now has 16 long ones and 72 RBI, but hasn't done much in the average department at .237 for the year. Most damaging from a fantasy perspective is the fact that he will lose catcher and third base eligibility next season.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman went 2 for 3 with a run in Friday's win over Philadelphia.

Hampered by wrist and oblique injuries, 2015 has not been one to remember for Freeman yet, as the season winds down, he is doing a good job of reminding owners that he remains very adept at getting on base, boasting a .423 OBP since the beginning of the month. Though his .366 OBP on the season is a step down for his standards, it would still rank eighth among first basemen if he had enough at-bats to qualify.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (knee) could be available as a pinch-hitter over the weekend, Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

After going to the emergency room Monday to have his knee drained, Howard reported that he was optimistic he'd be able to return this weekend. The first baseman is targeting a return to full-time duty at some point over the upcoming nine game road trip that begins Friday.

The suspension handed down to Reds slugger Joey Votto for his altercation with the home plate umpire last week has been reduced from two games to one upon appeal, the team has reported.

Votto will serve it Friday night at Milwaukee.

Rays infielder Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) plans to resume baseball activities Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cabrera's knee showed no structural damage in an MRI, so he should be fairly close to coming back. It might be a matter of comfort for the 29-year-old, so Saturday's activities could help determine his return date.

Indians first baseman Carlos Santana went 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored in an 8-4 loss to the Royals on Thursday.

It's been a strange season for Santana as most numbers are on par with where they should be aside from the average. The power is a bit down, but his 11 steals should make up for that. The .237 average is lacking, but his .363 OBP is very good, as he ranks top-five in walks. Unfortunately, Santana is going to lose catcher and third base eligibility next season and that will drop his value significantly.