MLB Player News

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo had a big game Tuesday, in a 7-3 win over the Pirates.

Rizzo went 3 for 4 in the game, with all three of his hits going for extra bases. He had two doubles, one of which drove in a run, and added a two-run home run in the first inning of the win.

Rizzo is hitting 8 for 25 over his last six games, with three home runs and eight RBI, raising his batting line for the season to .284/.406/.920 in 61 games.  

Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt homered for the third time in six games Tuesday, in a 4-1 win over the Astros.

For much of the game, Goldschmidt's early solo home run was the only offense the Diamondbacks could muster. He ultimately reached base three times, finishing the game 2 for 3 with a walk, while scoring once and driving in one run.

Goldschmidt is putting together yet another strong season, ranking second in the National League in RBI (48) and runs scored (49). He is hitting .309/.374/.556 with 13 home runs in 259 at-bats as well.  

The Reds announced Tuesday they activated first baseman Joey Votto off the 15-day disabled list. Votto, who has been sidelined since mid-May with a left quadriceps strain, hit third in his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers.

He went 2 for 6 (.333) with two strikeouts and one run in two games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville.

Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos (knee, forearm) and first baseman Joey Votto (quadriceps) have left their rehab assignments with Triple-A Louisville, the Reds' minor-league affiliate posted on Twitter Tuesday. It could be an indication both players are set to come off the disabled list.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu launched his 18th home run of the season Monday night against the Tigers.

Abreu took starter Rick Porcello deep for a two-run shot in the sixth inning. He added double and finished 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBI in a 6-5 win. He is hitting .260 with 18 homers and 49 RBI in 200 at-bats.

The Angels are using Kole Calhoun and Collin Cowgill as a platoon in right field. Since Josh Hamilton's return, Calhoun has played the four games against right-handed starters, with Cowgill starting twice against lefties, notes MLB.com.

Against lefties, Cowgill is hitting .306/.377/.452 while Calhoun is batting .250/.250/.375.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto began his minor-league rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Louisville.

Votto played the field and singled in the seventh inning. He was lifted for a pinch runner in the seventh, ending his first game back since landing on the disabled list with a knee injury. He finished 1 for 3 with a strikeout.

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter made his lone hit count on Sunday, launching a grand slam in a win over the Twins.

Carter took reliever Brian Duensing deep in the seventh inning for the slam. He finished 1 for 4 with two runs scored and four RBI in a 14-5 victory. He is hitting .194 with 10 homers and 27 RBI in 186 at-bats.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto will play first and hit second Sunday at Triple-A.

Votto is taking part in his first rehab game since he went on the disabled list with a knee injury. It's unclear how many games Votto will need in the minors before he's ready to return. 

Indians catcher/infielder Carlos Santana reached base four times during Saturday's contest against the Rangers in Arlington.

Santana took reliever Tanner Scheppers deep for a two-run shot in the seventh inning. He added a single and finished 2 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored and two RBI in an 8-3 victory. He is hitting .171 with seven homers and 19 RBI in 181 at-bats.