MLB Player News

Rizzo exited Tuesday's game against the Nationals with tightness in his lower back, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The Cubs labeled the 31-year-old's removal as a precaution, so the injury may not be a serious concern. Rizzo went 0-for-2 before leaving the contest, and he should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status.

Rizzo was removed from Tuesday's game against the Nationals with an apparent injury, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The 31-year-old was evaluated by the training staff at the start of the fourth inning, but he remained in the contest and promptly committed an error. Rizzo was then replaced in the field for the start of the following frame, and it's unclear what prompted his early exit.

Flores was diagnosed with right hamstring tightness after leaving Tuesday's game against the Reds, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury on the bases while running from first to third on a double by Alex Dickerson during the second inning. Flores could undergo some medical imaging to determine the severity of the injury. He should be considered day-to-day for now.

Flores was removed from Tuesday's game at Cincinnati with an apparent leg injury, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The 29-year-old appeared to tweak something while running the bases and was promptly removed from the contest. Flores should be considered day-to-day while the specifics of the situation remain unclear.

Votto (thumb) is expected to get a follow-up x-ray on Tuesday to check how much his broken thumb has healed, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "It's feeling better," manager David Bell said. "He continues to work out. I believe he's going to start moving around a little bit in the field. Very limited baseball activity for now, but he's getting there."

Votto's return date remains uncertain, as he hasn't yet been cleared to do significant baseball activities like hitting, let alone go on a rehab assignment -- if that's in the cards at all. Kyle Farmer has been getting playing time at first with both Votto and Mike Moustakas (heel) sitting out.

Cron (back) was activated off the 10-day injured list as expected Tuesday.

Cron's lower-back strain will wind up costing him only slightly more than the minimum 10 days. He was in excellent form at the time of the injury, hitting .388/.474/.714 over his last 15 games. The 31-year-old will start at first base and bat cleanup in his return to the lineup Tuesday at San Diego. Antonio Santos was optioned in a corresponding move.

Bell will sit Tuesday against the Cubs.

Bell finds himself benched for the second time in three games. It's hard to argue he deserves more playing time, as he's hitting .172/.239/.343 on the season, though he does have six hits in his last four games. Ryan Zimmerman starts at first base in his absence.

Cooper is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of ManOnSecondBaseball.com reports.

Cooper will head to the bench after going 4-for-12 with a pair of doubles and a walk while starting each of the past three games. Though he's beginning to heat up after a brutal start to the season, Cooper still appears to be behind Jesus Aguilar for work at first base, with Corey Dickerson and Adam Duvall also ahead of him for work at the corner-outfield spots.

Flores went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's victory over the Reds.

Flores increased his team's lead in the fourth inning with a two-run homer to right, marking his third long ball of the 2021 campaign. He's hitting .219 with seven extra-base hits, 14 RBI and one stolen base through 41 contests this year.

Cron (back) will likely be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against San Diego, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Cron is on track to return to action following a brief stint on the injured list due to a lower-back strain. He was off to a strong start at the dish prior to the injury, hitting .290 with five homers and 15 RBI in his first 29 games. Connor Joe figures to return to a bench role following Cron's activation.