MLB Player News

Freeman is hitting second and playing first base against the Yankees on Friday, but he is dealing with some neck stiffness, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Freeman was outstanding in May, posting a .400/.462/.722 slash line along with six homers over 132 plate appearances. The first baseman will play through the neck issue for now, but Freeman could get extra rest days if it continues to bother him.

Rizzo (neck) is hitting third and playing first base versus the Dodgers on Friday.

Rizzo missed missed three consecutive games while dealing with his neck issues, but the veteran first baseman is back in the middle of the lineup to begin the three-game set against the Dodgers. Jake Bauers retreats to the bench with Rizzo back in the fold.

Rivas had his contract selected from Triple-A El Paso by the Padres on Friday.

Rivas will join the Padres in San Diego ahead of their four-game series with his former team, the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old has produced a .319 average with eight homers, 33 RBI, 40 runs and four stolen bases over 163 at-bats with El Paso this season. In a corresponding move, Jose Azocar was sent down to Triple-A on Friday.

Mountcastle is not in the starting lineup Friday at San Francisco.

Ryan O'Hearn will take a turn at first base and bat seventh versus the Giants and right-hander Logan Webb. Mountcastle carries an ugly .233 batting average and .269 on-base percentage through 56 games (245 plate appearances) this year, though he has managed to tally 11 home runs and 38 RBI.

Naylor (wrist) is starting at first base Friday against the Twins, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Naylor was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to a sore wrist, but the problem seems to have subsided. He'll bat fourth and look to continue his hot stretch at the plate -- he's slashing .385/.439/.750 over the last three weeks.

The Guardians placed Bell on the paternity list Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Bell is allowed to spend a maximum of three days on the paternity list while he tends to far more important matters. Brayan Rocchio was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take Bell's place, and David Fry and Gabriel Arias figure to see more time at first base while Bell is out.

Santana (back) is starting at first base Friday against the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Santana was forced to miss three games after exiting Sunday's game against Seattle with back tightness, but the 37-year-old first baseman will return to action Friday. Santana has been struggling at the plate as of late, slashing .176/.288/.294 over the past three weeks.

Tellez is out of the lineup Friday against the Reds.

Darin Ruf will cover first base and bat leadoff with left-hander Brandon Williamson getting the start for Cincinnati. William Contreras is taking a DH day while Victor Caratini catches.

Cooper isn't starting Friday against Oakland, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Friday will mark the third consecutive game Cooper has missed as a result of his cold stretch at the plate. Meanwhile, Yuli Gurriel will make his fifth consecutive start at first base, indicating that the starting job may be his for now.

Votto (shoulder/biceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Votto started his initial rehab assignment in early April, but it quickly became obvious his surgically repaired left shoulder and bicep weren't ready. The veteran first baseman has been ramping up his workouts in recent weeks and now feels ready to give it another shot. How many games he might need isn't yet clear, but a lengthy rehab stint seems probable. Once he's deemed ready, Votto figures to be used both at first base and designated hitter.