MLB Player News

Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores drove in six runs during a 2-for-5 performance Monday, smacking a two-run double in the sixth inning and slugging a ninth-inning grand slam in his team's 11-2 win over the Phillies.

Flores hadn't recorded an extra-base hit in 45 at-bats coming into Monday's game, and the grand slam was just the second home run of his career. Flores has hit .240/.283/.320 with seven RBI in 50 at-bats.

Indians manager Terry Francona indicated that third baseman Carlos Santana could be back as soon as Friday, MLB.com reports. Santana fielded ground balls on the field prior to Monday's game against the Red Sox as he continues to work his way back from a concussion.

"He went out and did some progressive running [Sunday]," Francona said. "Today, he went out and took some ground balls. He's actually doing pretty well. His [eligibility] date is Wednesday. I don't think that's realistic with the medical staff. They think Friday is realistic. To me, that's a pretty good sign."

The White Sox reinstated first baseman Jose Abreu from the disabled list, and he should be in Monday's lineup against the Dodgers. Abreu was hitting .260 with 15 homers and 42 RBI before suffering the ankle injury and going on the DL on May 18.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been working out in Cincinnati and could start a minor-league rehab assignment at some point this week, MLB.com reports. He has been sidelined since May 15 because of a quad injury.

"We discussed the importance of it," manager Bryan Price said. "His situation -- with the soreness and the strength deficit he had when we went on the road to Philly and Washington -- was pretty significant. The only way really to have any understanding of if this is behind him is to play."

Indians third baseman Carlos Santana is hoping to return Wednesday, according to MLB.com.

The team feels more comfortable using Friday as a possible return date for Santana. He was placed on the seven-day disabled list with a concussion. Santana is hitting just .159 in 176 at-bats.

Indians catcher Carlos Santana "still has a ways to go," according to the Plain Dealer.

Santana was placed on the seven-day disabled list, but will need more time to fully recover. He's hitting .159/.327/.301 over 176 at-bats.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard went 2 for 6 with a three-run home run in his team's 5-4 loss to the Mets Saturday.

Howard knocked his home run in the seventh inning to reduce his team's deficit from four to one. It was his third home run and third multi-hit performance in the past week, giving him a .230/.304/.425 line with 10 home runs and 37 RBI in 200 at-bats.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was able to get through a simulated game Saturday.

Abreu took a few at-bats, and was able to run out a single. He also connected on at least two doubles, and was hit by a pitch. Abreu was seen limping slightly after the game, but it doesn't seem serious. The team expects him to go through another simulated game Sunday in preparation to be activated Monday. He's expected to be activated Monday as long as he does not experience a setback.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (ankle) remains on track to return from the disabled list on Monday, ESPN Chicago reports.

"I'm hopeful," manager Robin Ventura said. "We're going to get him some workouts here (Saturday) and Sunday and see how he does. It's some simulated stuff that he can do that we wouldn't have to send him out on a rehab assignment. So, that's a part of the evaluation to make sure he's going to be ready to go, hopefully, Monday."

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was not in the team's starting lineup Friday against the Brewers.

Rizzo is mired in a bit of a slump, collecting six hits over his last 10 games. He's also struggled against Brewers starter Marco Estrada. Over his career, Rizzo has picked up just one hit in 21 at-bats against Estrada. It's assumed to be a normal day of rest for Rizzo, and he should return to the lineup soon.