MLB Player News

The Nationals placed Bell on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Bell is one of nine Nationals players on the 40-man roster who will begin the campaign on the IL as a result of the team's recent COVID-19 outbreak. Prior reports have suggested that only four of the players in question tested positive for the virus, but it's uncertain whether Bell is one of the infected players or merely a close contact. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, players who tested positive will be eligible to return after 10 days in quarantine, while those ruled out through contact tracing can return after a week. With Bell on the shelf for at least the next 7-to-10 days, Ryan Zimmerman is projected to serve as the Nationals' primary option at first base.

Bell was not on the field for the Nationals' workout Monday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Eleven players in total are reported to be in quarantine for the Nats due to positive COVID-19 tests or being designated a close contact, and Bell's absence from the workout suggests he's probably in one of those groups. If he's one of the latter, he could still be cleared to play in time for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, but assuming Bell isn't in the lineup, Ryan Zimmerman would get the nod at first base against southpaw Drew Smyly.

Solano went 2-for-4 with two singles and a stolen base in Monday's 3-2 win over the Padres.

Solano continued his hot start, as he's recorded at least two hits in all four games this season. The stolen base may end up being his only one this year, as he attempted exactly one steal in his last four seasons, with his last MLB swipe coming way back in 2014. With the 33-year-old making quality contact, it's been hard for manager Gabe Kapler to sit him. However, there's a chance he sits Tuesday in favor of Tommy La Stella with right-hander Yu Darvish on the bump.

Votto's RBI-single Sunday against the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez was measured with a 113.6 mph exit velocity, just his second ball over 110 mph according to Statcast since 2015, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Votto hasn't benefited from the livelier ball the last few years, in no small part because he frequently hasn't been at full strength, but he appears healthier now. With him batting in the third spot in the order, the Reds need a far better season from him Votto than they've received the last few seasons.

Smith is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

The Mets had to wait four days to start their season due to the Nationals' COVID-19 outbreak, and Smith will have to wait at least one more day to make his first start. He'll be on the bench against lefty Matt Moore, with Brandon Nimmo sliding to left field and Kevin Pillar leading off and playing center field.

Cooper was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday due to his reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Per Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com, Cooper's absence isn't expected to be a long one, and he could return as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. League rules allow a team to call up an additional player when someone is sidelined for even a brief period due to COVID-19-related issues, however, so the Marlins will add Jordan Holloway to the roster in his absence.

Walker (facial laceration) is in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

There was some concern that Walker might have to sit as a result of a laceration and swelling under his right eye after a low throw to first base bounced up and struck him in the face Saturday. Apparently he's fine, and Walker will get a chance to improve upon his 1-for-9 career mark against right-hander Chris Paddack.

Walker is considered day-to-day after suffering a bruise and laceration under his right eye during Saturday's loss to Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old sustained the injury when a low throw from Josh Rojas bounced up and struck him in the face, forcing him to leave the contest. Walker's availability for Sunday's season finale is up in the air due to the injuries, though it appears he avoided any serious issues.

Walker was hit in the face by an errant throw at first base and left Saturday's game against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old exited the contest during the fifth inning after a low throw from Josh Rojas bounced and struck him under the right eye. Walker went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before the incident and should be considered day-to-day.

Hoskins went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Saturday's 4-0 win over Atlanta.

His two-run double in the fifth inning tacked on a couple insurance runs for a dominant Zack Wheeler. Hoskins is hitting second for the Phillies, which could limit his RBI opportunities overall this season, but having Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto behind him in the order could allow him to challenge the career-high 89 runs he scored in 2018.