MLB Player News

Bell was doing work in the outfield prior to Thursday's game against the Padres, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Bell was tracking flyballs and moved minimally from side-to-side before making routine catches. Though he hasn't appeared in the outfield since 2016 as a member of the Pirates, Bell came through the team's minor-league system as a right fielder. It's unclear if he'll appear there in game action, though the Nationals have gotten thin on the depth chart with both Kyle Schwarber (hamstring) and Andrew Stevenson (oblique) currently sidelined.

Cron is doing okay after being hit in the head by a pitch Thursday, and he cleared the concussion protocol, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Cron exited the game in the seventh inning, though manager Bud Black stated it was as a precaution. It appears he could be able to return to the lineup Friday against San Diego as a result. If not, Joshua Fuentes figures to see an uptick in playing time.

Cron was removed from Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks in the top of the seventh inning with an apparent head injury, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Cron was hit in the head by a pitch in the top of the seventh inning, but the ball appeared to hit his helmet. The 31-year-old was able to walk to first base, but the Rockies chose to remove him from the game following the incident. Prior to his departure, he went 0-for-2 with a run and a strikeout. It's not yet clear whether the injury will limit his availability going forward.

Hoskins is not in the lineup Thursday against the Cubs, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins started the past six games and will receive a day off after going 8-for-21 with three homers, four doubles, three walks, nine RBI and four total runs during that stretch. Brad Miller will start at first base in his place.

Walker isn't starting Thursday's game against the Rockies.

Walker drew starts in each of the last seven games, but he'll get a breather after he hit .250 with a double, three RBI, a run and 10 strikeouts during that time. Pavin Smith will start at first base and bat third.

Cooper went 3-for-3 with a walk and two solo home runs in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the Dodgers.

He took Jake Reed deep in the first inning and Phil Bickford in the sixth, feasting on the lesser names in the Los Angeles bullpen. Cooper is batting a dizzying .483 (14-for-29) in 11 games since returning from the IL while slugging four of his nine homers on the year.

Rizzo went 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Phillies.

Rizzo played a key role in a badly needed win, as the Cubs had lost 11 games in a row before Wednesday's contest. The first baseman missed three games during the skid with back tightness, and since returning Friday, he's gone 6-for-22 with two extra-base hits. If Chicago has any chance of getting back into the NL Central race, it'll need Rizzo to stay healthy and get hot at the plate in a hurry.

Wade's exited Wednesday's game with a left hand strain, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Apparently Wade's foot is fine after being spiked, and he is instead dealing with the hand injury. It's unclear when in the game he suffered the strain, but more details should become available Thursday.

Wade left Wednesday's game against the Cardinals with an apparent foot injury after being stepped on at first base, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

The 27-year-old went 0-for-1 with a pair of walks before being replaced by Darin Ruf at first base. Wade should be considered day-to-day and may be able to play Friday against the Nationals.

Cronenworth is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The second baseman sits following an 0-for-3 showing Tuesday night. Cronenworth has hit .211 in the last 10 games following a four-game home-run streak June 21-25. Ha-Seong Kim is playing second base and batting seventh Wednesday.