MLB Player News

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.

Hall (thumb) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Hall played two games for Single-A Clearwater, going 3-for-8 with a double and a walk. He's eligible to return from the 60-day injured list June 5, but it's possible the Phillies keep him in Triple-A past that date to ensure he completely shakes off any rust. Hall has been sidelined with a torn ligament in his right thumb since April 5, but he figures to immediately slot back into the starting lineup at first base when he returns with Alec Bohm (hamstring) now sidelined as well.

The Brewers released Voit on Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Voit earned a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster after he turned some heads during spring training, but his performance failed to carry over into the regular season. The 32-year-old first baseman holds a .549 OPS on the season through 74 plate appearances and could latch on with another team as a bench piece.

Steer isn't in the Reds' lineup for Friday's game against Milwaukee.

Steer has collected at least one base hit in 14 of his last 16 games and is slashing .388/.425/.642 in that span. He'll get a breather in Friday's series opener, allowing Kevin Newman to step in as Cincinnati's first baseman and leadoff hitter.

Cronenworth went 1-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and a steal in Thursday's victory over the Marlins.

Cronenworth is now 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts, but he's continued to struggle at the plate. The 29-year-old first baseman is 5-for-31 with 12 strikeouts over his last eight games. Cronenworth's strikeout rate is up to 24.2 percent, which would be the highest mark of his four-year career. He's slashing .206/.325/.371 with six homers, 20 RBI and 24 runs scored through 231 plate appearances.