MLB Player News

Flores went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Flores went deep off reliever Kevin Ginkel in the ninth inning to give the Giants extra insurance. The defensively versatile Flores is slashing .280/.312/.517 with eight homers, 21 RBI and 18 runs scored through 31 games this season. He's carved out an everyday role by being able to play first, second and third base as necessary.

Votto was ejected during Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The benches cleared during the fourth inning after the two sides traded apparent purpose pitches, with Votto, Jesse Winker and manager David Bell all getting tossed for the Reds. Votto entered the day hitless in his past 18 at-bats, but he broke out and went 3-for-6 with a solo homer and a double during the twin bill before getting ejected.

Solano isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Diamondbacks.

Solano has gone 1-for-7 with two strikeouts over the past two games, and he'll take a seat Saturday. Wilmer Flores will start at second base.

Votto is starting the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Votto missed the Reds' last three games in the midst of an 0-for-18 slump, but he'll lead off for the team in Saturday's matinee. Whether he'll be in the lineup for Game 2 remains to be seen.

France went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI in a win over Colorado on Friday.

France got the start at DH and came through with a run-scoring single to tie the game in the fifth inning. He produced again in the following frame, lacing a bases-loaded double to knock in three more. France has been productive when given the opportunity this season, slashing .320/.382/.520 with two homers and 10 RBI in 55 plate appearances.

Alonso went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and two strikeouts in Friday's Game 1 win against the Yankees.

Alonso had gone hitless with two strikeouts over his past nine at-bats, but he gave the Mets a boost with a three-run blast in the sixth inning. He now has a .779 OPS with six home runs and 16 RBI this year.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Reds.

His first-inning long ball off Tyler Mahle snapped a 12-game homerless streak. Rizzo's walk and strikeout rates have held up throughout his recent cold stretch, and Statcast has him close to career norms in terms of xwOBA and xwOBA on contact. Rizzo has not sat yet this season and may be due for some time off soon, though he will likely lobby manager David Ross to play both ends of Saturday's twin bill.

Manager David Bell said the plan is for Votto to start at least one game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs, and most likely the first game, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Bell would not rule out Votto starting both games of the twin bill. Votto was benched again Friday, making it three straight games out of the starting lineup amidst an 0-for-18 slump. "I've never experienced -- I've been benched before for a single game," Votto told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I don't think I've ever been benched for multiple games. It's important for ... my tone may sound frustrated, but I'm responsible for that. We're in the performance business. We're in it to win. I've been a part of too many losses, and I need to be better for sure. It's a new experience for me." Votto has put together a strong case for the Hall of Fame, but he is almost 37 and his days as a true everyday player may be over.

Naylor is not in the lineup Friday against the Rockies.

Naylor doesn't have a hit since Aug. 19 and will stick on the bench Friday with southpaw Kyle Freeland on the mound for Colorado. Ty France will bat seventh as the designated hitter.

Calhoun is not in Friday's lineup against the Giants.

Tim Locastro will get the nod in right field while batting leadoff against lefty Tyler Anderson. Calhoun has cooled off a little, hitting .194 over his last 10 games, but he also has a .375 OBP and a pair of home runs over that stretch.