MLB Player News

The Reds are hopeful first baseman Joey Votto can avoid a return trip to the disabled list, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

"We hope so," Jocketty said Thursday "He thinks he can. He's certainly made a difference."

Votto was placed on the disabled list with a quad injury in May before returning in mid-June, and he hasn't looked 100 percent at the plate, and manager Bryan Price noted recently that the first baseman had some "fatigue and tenderness" in his knee. Votto has hit .263/.374/.355 with no home runs and 10 RBI in 76 at-bats since his return.

Joey Votto hasn't slugged a home run for the Reds since May 10 - and he won't blast off Wednesday either unless he does so as a pinch-hitter. He's out of the lineup in San Diego.

Votto, who has not had a multi-hit game since June 21, boasts a stat line of .261/.399/.417. He has 22 RBI in 211 at-bats this season.

First baseman Justin Bour, who was demoted by the Marlins last week, has been promoted by the same team.

Bour spent much of June with Miami, but played sparingly and managed just one hit in his last nine at-bats.

One would assume that if Braves slugger Freddie Freeman achieved the first four-run game of his career that he would manage at least one hit in the process.

Well, one would assume wrong. Freeman indeed crossed the plate four times Saturday in Philadelphia, but did it without a hit. He walked three times and got on base on a fielder's choice. His strange numbers adjusted his stat line on the year to .289/.380/.503.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman clubbed his 13th home run Friday against the Phillies.

Freeman wasted no time getting to work. In the first inning, Freeman stepped to the plate with two men on. On the first pitch he saw, Freeman hit a three-run shot out to center. He would also double and single during the game. Freeman finished 3 for 5, with one run scored and four RBI.

The Marlins have promoted left-hander Brian Flynn from Triple-A New Orleans and demoted first baseman Justin Bour to the same team.

Flynn hasn't pitched in the majors this season, but did start four games a year ago, compiling an 0-2 mark and 8.50 ERA with 27 hits and 13 walks in 18 innings.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was in the team's starting lineup Thursday against the Astros. 

Freeman left Wednesday's game after being hit with a pitch, but the injury isn't considered serious. He'll hit third and play first base. 

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will play Thursday, according to MLB.com.

Freeman let Wednesday's game after being hit on the elbow with a pitch. Freeman will wear a pad above his right elbow, but is otherwise good to go. He's hitting .286/.375/.495 over 297 at-bats.

The Mets optioned infielder Wilmer Flores to Triple-A Las Vegas Wednesday, to make room on the active roster for the return of Juan Lagares from the disabled list Thursday.  

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Astros, but he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution he shouldn't miss much time.

Freeman left the game in the top of the eight, after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch. Fortunately, he told the Constitution he hopes to return to action Thursday, after doctors told him he would not need an X-ray.

Freeman finished the game 1 for 3 with two strikeouts prior to the injury. The Braves close out the series against the Astros Thursday.