MLB Player News

Hoskins went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a solo home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Mets.

The 28-year-old slugged his first homer of the season in the first inning before adding two-baggers in his next two trips to the plate, with all three extra-base hits coming off Mets starter David Peterson. Hoskins has been on fire to begin the season, collecting a hit in six straight games and posting three straight multi-hit performances to give him a .417 batting average and .792 SLG.

Rizzo went 0-for-3 with a walk in Wednesday's loss to the Brewers and is slashing just .105/.250/.158 through six games.

Rizzo delivered an RBI double on Opening Day and had another hit in the Cubs' second game, but he's gone hitless since then. The Chicago lineup is struggling across the board, which was a trend during the 2020 season as well. Rizzo is clearly talented enough to get hot in a hurry, but so far he hasn't provided much to fantasy managers.

Freeman went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals.

The first baseman launched one of four solo homers off Max Scherzer on the afternoon, taking the veteran right-hander deep in the first inning. Freeman's blast was his first hit this season, but there's little reason for concern with a player who hasn't posted an OPS below .893 since 2015.

Smith went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Phillies.

He got the Mets on the board by taking Chase Anderson deep in the fourth inning. Smith wasn't in the starting lineup for the team's belated season opener with a lefty on the mound for the Phillies, and if manager Luis Rojas continues to use him in a strict platoon, it will put a ceiling on Smith's fantasy value despite the upside he showed with the .993 OPS he posted in 2020.

Alonso went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Phillies.

He took David Hale deep in the ninth inning to give the Mets some extra cushion. It was Alonso's first homer of the year after a 1-for-4 showing in the team's belated season opener, and already the 70th of his career in only 220 games.

Calhoun (knee) will play 3-to-5 innings of full-speed defense Tuesday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 33-year-old continues to ramp up his participation in baseball activities as he works through his recovery from the right knee surgery he underwent in early March. Calhoun could return from the injured list this weekend if he can avoid any setbacks.

Cooper (COVID vaccine reaction) is batting third and starting at first base Tuesday against the Cardinals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He missed Monday's game due to his reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, but it was a very brief absence. Cooper is 3-for-9 with one home run this year and has primarily been seeing time as the Marlins' right fielder.

Hiura will be on the bench Tuesday against the Cubs.

Hiura's numbers took a nosedive last season following a very promising rookie campaign, and he hasn't done anything to suggest he's climbing out of his downward spiral so far this season. Through four games, he's gone 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts. Tuesday's benching doesn't seem to be anything other than a day off to clear his head, but if he continues to struggle this badly for several more games, his role could certainly be threatened. Daniel Vogelbach will start at first base in his absence.

Hoskins is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

On the heels of the Phillies' come-from-behind victory in Monday's series opener, manager Joe Girardi is extending rest to a few regulars. In addition to Hoskins, Adam Haseley and Andrew McCutchen are also receiving days off. Hoskins has yet to hit a home run or draw a walk through the Phillies' first four games, but he's hitting .294 with three runs and two RBI.

Cronenworth went 3-for-5 in Monday's loss to the Giants.

Cronenworth has started each of the Padres' first five games this season, registering a .412/.545/.647 slash line in 22 plate appearances. There was some expectation that he would bounce around some this season due to the arrival of Ha-Seong Kim, but so far, Cronenworth has looked like San Diego's everyday second baseman. With Fernando Tatis potentially missing substantial time due to a shoulder injury, Kim is likely to fill in at shortstop, further cementing Cronenworth's regular spot in the lineup.