MLB Player News

Manager Don Mattingly said that Cooper didn't play in Saturday's loss to the Pirates due to back stiffness, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Mattingly didn't go into depth on the extent of back issue, but at this point it doesn't appear to be a major issue that could sideline Cooper for an extended period. It's unknown at this point if first baseman will be available Sunday and for the time being he can be considered day-to-day.

Flores (hamstring) will sit for the second straight game Saturday against the Cubs, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Flores left Thursday's game with a tight hamstring and didn't start Friday's contest, though he did appear off the bench. That suggests he's likely available off the bench Saturday as well, but it remains to be seen when he'll return to the lineup.

Solano isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Solano has recorded hits in each of his last three games, and he went 4-for-11 with two RBI, a run and a strikeout during that time. Jason Vosler will start at second base and bat seventh.

Hiura isn't starting Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Hiura will be out of the lineup for a third straight game with right-hander Merrill Kelly starting Saturday. Daniel Vogelbach will start at first base.

Walker is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Brewers.

Walker returned from an oblique injury last Saturday. He's since been in the lineup against all three lefties the Diamondbacks have faced but has started against just two out of five righties, including Saturday's starter Brandon Woodruff. Pavin Smith will be the first baseman in his absence.

Blandino won't require surgery to repair his broken right hand, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Blandino was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday after he was hit on the right hand by a pitch in Friday's contest. Manager David Bell said that the infielder could miss 3-6 weeks, but it's encouraging that he won't need surgery.

Wade went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 8-5 win over the Cubs.

Wade added some insurance for San Francisco with his fourth-inning solo shot. He's homered twice in his last four games, and he's seeing fairly consistent playing time at first base with Brandon Belt (oblique) sidelined. Wade is slashing .267/.371/.500 with two homers, three RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base in 35 plate appearances.

Blandino was placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken right hand Saturday.

Blandino was hit by a pitch on his right hand in Friday's game against the Cardinals, and he'll now be sidelined after he was diagnosed with a broken hand. Mike Freeman could see a slight uptick in playing time while the 28-year-old is sidelined. Right-hander Ashton Goudeau was recalled from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move.

Freeman went 1-for-5 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 9-5 loss to the Dodgers.

The first baseman took Julio Urias deep in the first inning, but he also struck out three times. Freeman snapped a 12-game drought without a homer and his .226/.353/.452 slash line reflects his inability to sustain any momentum at the plate, but he's salvaged some fantasy value with 13 home runs, 30 RBI and 36 runs through 54 contests.

Walker went 0-for-4 in Friday's 5-1 loss to Milwaukee.

Walker was in the starting lineup for first time in three games when Arizona faced a right-handed starter. Manager Torey Lovullo had inserted Pavin Smith at first base against the previous two righties, which had not been a normal practice. Walker is down to .167 (12-for-72) with a .447 OPS against same-sided pitchers in 2021, although he has not exhibited worrisome splits in the past.