MLB Player News

Walker went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Dodgers.

Walker's two-run blast in the fourth inning off Clayton Kershaw, his 24th, helped erase the Dodgers' 3-0 lead, then his diving stop initiated a 3-6-1 double play in the ninth inning to help preserve the win. The 28-year-old native of Pennsylvania has enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 with 24 home runs and an .828 OPS. Some may have wondered if the hot start he showed in March and April would sustain, but more than 500 plate appearances into the season, he has grabbed hold of the everyday job at first base.

Freeman was removed from Saturday's game against the White Sox after being hit by a pitch in the foot, though manager Brian Snitker indicated he made the move to provide a "better chance" for him to remain in Sunday's lineup, 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Freeman was hit by the pitch to start the second inning but didn't exit the contest until the sixth. The veteran first baseman has started the last 24 contests and all but two games for the entire season, so it wouldn't be a major surprise to see the Braves take the opportunity to provide him with a well-deserved off day.

Beaty is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Beaty had two hits in five trips to the plate Friday, raising his line for the month of August to .317/.411/.524. He seems to have secured the primary job at first base and has hit as high as second in the order in recent days, but he will still sit against most lefties. Jedd Gyorko gets the nod Saturday against Robbie Ray.

Hiura was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained left hamstring.

Hiura exited Friday's game against the Cubs with a hamstring injury, and after further evaluation it was determined that the second baseman is dealing with a Grade 2 strain, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next two weeks, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. This is a tough blow for the playoff-hopeful Brewers, as Hiura has done nothing but produce for the big club, slashing .301/.369/.571 with 16 home runs and nine stolen bases across 70 games. Travis Shaw was recalled from Triple-A San Antonio in a corresponding move and is a candidate to see time at the keystone in Hiura's absence.

Rizzo (back) is starting at first base and hitting cleanup Saturday against the Brewers.

Rizzo felt good during batting practice Friday, clearing the way for him to rejoin the starting nine after missing the past five games with a back injury. The first baseman, who is slashing .324/.465/.529 with four home runs and a 13:9 BB:K this month, will face righty Zach Davies in his first game back.

Flores did not play in Friday's game against the Dodgers.

It's not surprising that Flores sat against a right-hander -- it's been standard practice since he returned from a foot injury in July -- but he's been the team's hottest hitter (17-for-30, 1.673 OPS) over the past two weeks. His defensive limitations may be part of manager Torey Lovullo's reasoning behind not having him in the lineup daily, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. Lovullo would not acknowledge Piecoro's theory, but the manager said he doesn't want to ask too much of Flores and wanted to keep him fresh for the days that he plays, suggesting that Flores will remain on the bench most days against right-handers despite what has been a dominant stretch of hitting.

Rizzo (back) has "an outside shot" to play Saturday against Milwaukee, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo reportedly fared well while hitting before Friday's game, so it's possible he could be back in the starting nine for the second game of the series if he responds well. The first baseman has been out since last Saturday with a back injury.

Naylor isn't starting Friday's game against the Giants.

Naylor will take a seat with a left-hander scheduled to pitch for the opposition. Wil Myers gets the call in left field and will bat second.

Hiura (hamstring) will travel back to Milwaukee for further examination, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

After exiting Friday's series opener against the Cubs with hamstring discomfort, Hiura will have his injury examined by team doctor William Raasch in Milwaukee. The Brewers are expected to make a roster move Saturday with both Hiura and Moustakas (wrist) nursing injuries.

Hiura was removed from Friday's game against the Cubs with left hamstring discomfort.

Hiura looked shaken up after a collision with Kyle Schwarber at second base while turning a double play, but he remained in the game only to come up limping when running out a groundball in a later at-bat. Corey Spangenberg has taken over at the keystone for the Brewers.