MLB Player News

Flores went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Flores was part of the Giants' early rally in the first inning and added his solo shot in the third. This was his second multi-hit effort in a row, and he continues to have a regular spot in the lineup versus southpaws while also playing against some right-handers. Flores' playing time versus could drop with Bryce Eldridge now on the major-league roster, however. For the season, Flores has a .243/.310/.385 slash line with 16 homers, 70 RBI, 43 runs scored and one stolen base over 119 contests.

Del Castillo went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Giants.

Del Castillo has an extra-base hit in each of his last two games after going a stretch of 14 contests without one. The 25-year-old continues to strike out too much, posting a 2:12 BB:K over his eight games in September. For the season, he's logged a .241/.278/.380 slash line with three homers, 14 RBI, eight runs scored and six doubles over 115 big-league plate appearances.

Suzuki (illness) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

Suzuki will sit for a fifth consecutive game as he continues to deal with an undisclosed illness. Manager Craig Counsell said previously that the outfielder traveled with the team to Pittsburgh, so he should continue to be considered day-to-day until more information is available. Moises Ballesteros will receive another start at designated hitter Tuesday.

Bell is not in the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against Atlanta.

Bell will get some rest in the first game but should be back in there for the nightcap. Andres Chaparro will cover first base and bat third in the first game of the twin bill.

Ozuna is not in the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Atlanta will go with Ronald Acuna in the designated-hitter spot and Eli White in right field for the first game of the twin bill. Ozuna will likely be back in the lineup for the nightcap.

Schwarber went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Dodgers.

Schwarber has homered in three straight games, and he has four long balls during a seven-game hitting streak. The slugger is up to 53 homers this season, one back of Cal Raleigh for the major-league lead with just under two weeks left in the regular season. Schwarber has added a .244/.371/.572 slash line, 128 RBI, 105 runs scored and 10 stolen bases over 151 contests. Schwarber, Raleigh and Aaron Judge are the only three players in the majors this season to exceed 100 in both RBI and runs through Monday's action.

Ballesteros will serve as the Cubs' designated hitter and cleanup batter in Monday's game against the Pirates.

Ballesteros will be awarded his fourth straight start after he went 5-for-10 with one home run, one triple, two walks, two RBI and three runs during the Cubs' series versus the Rays over the weekend. Though he's made the most of his opportunities since being called up from Triple-A Iowa last Tuesday, Ballesteros' playing time could be squeezed once Seiya Suzuki (illness) makes his return to the lineup.

Suzuki (illness) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game, Suzuki is apparently dealing with something more than a mild illness, but the Cubs haven't shed light on the nature of his ailment. Manager Craig Counsell revealed Sunday that Suzuki traveled with the team to Pittsburgh, so the expectation remains that the 31-year-old will avoid a stint on the injured list and return to the lineup at some point later in the series. Moises Ballesteros will serve as the Cubs' designated hitter once again Monday while Suzuki sits.

Suzuki (illness) is not expected to play in Monday's series opener against the Pirates, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Suzuki will travel with the team to Pittsburgh, but he appears to be on track to miss a fourth consecutive game Monday. The 31-year-old is dealing with some sort of illness, and Moises Ballesteros has drawn the start at designated hitter in Suzuki's place for the last three contests.

Flores will start at first base and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

Flores has mostly occupied the short side of a platoon with Dominic Smith (hamstring) since the All-Star break, but with Smith landing on the injured list Saturday, Flores should get the chance to play on a near-everyday basis. The 34-year-old heads into Sunday's contest having produced a .238/.306/.375 slash line with 15 home runs, 67 RBI, 41 runs and one stolen base in 444 plate appearances on the season.