MLB Player News

Bell went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double Wednesday against the Twins.

Bell was one of the few Pirates' hitters able to solve Randy Dobnak, as he smacked a double deep to left field in fourth inning. However, the highlight of his performance came in the final frame, when he caught up to a fastball up in the zone and drove it out of the park to straightaway center field for his second home run of the campaign. Bell has reached base just 11 times in 47 plate appearances to begin the season, though Wednesday's performance showcases the power he is capable of providing.

Freeman will be on the bench Wednesday against Toronto.

Freeman missed most of summer camp while battling COVID-19 but was immediately thrust into an everyday role at the beginning of the regular season, starting each of the Braves' first 12 games. He understandably hasn't been performing up to his usual standards, hitting just .195/.353/.317. Austin Riley will slide to first base in his absence, with Johan Camargo starting at third.

Bell went 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Twins.

He has just one extra-base hit in 43 plate appearances thus far in 2020. Furthermore, Bell is batting .224 in his last 459 at-bats, dating back to July of 2019. He's a streaky hitter and could be primed for a strong run, but fantasy owners looking for consistency have been let down by the switch hitter.

Cronenworth is likely to earn more time at second base once Eric Hosmer returns from the injured list, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in his newsletter. "That's safe to say," manager Jayce Tingler said. "He's earning his time. He's earning it with his glove and his at-bats ... He continues to play like that, he's going to play quite a bit."

Cronenworth impressed the Padres with his work ethic during the shutdown and has continued to do so in this short season. He's been playing first base while Hosmer has been out, with Jurickson Profar and Greg Garcia sharing the second base duties, but he'll slide over and still get starts at second once Hosmer returns.

Naylor went 1-for-2 with a stolen base and a hit-by-pitch in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Naylor was plunked by Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen in the eighth inning and promptly stole second, but Treinen was able to prevent him from scoring. It's the first steal of the year for Naylor, who isn't known for his speed. The 23-year-old has mostly seen time off the bench this year -- he's batting .231 with no RBI and one run scored in 14 plate appearances.

Cronenworth went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Cronenworth's first homer of the year gave the Padres a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. The 26-year-old has filled in admirably at first base while Eric Hosmer (illness) has been out. Cronenworth is batting .333 with three RBI and five runs scored in six games this season, but he'll likely return to a bench role when Hosmer is able to return.

Solano isn't in the lineup Tuesday against the Rockies.

Solano has been on a tear at the plate this season, riding a nine-game hitting streak while logging a 1.163 OPS with a home run and 13 RBI during that time. However, he'll get a breather Tuesday with Mauricio Dubon starting at the keystone, batting eighth.

Votto went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run homer in Monday's 3-2 win over Cleveland.

Votto choked up on the bat and muscled a Zach Plesac pitch into the right-field seats of Great American Ball Park for his third home run of the season. The 36-year-old reported symptoms over the weekend but tested negative for COVID-19, leading to a quick turnaround from the IL. He's walked six times and struck out only once this season.

Votto (illness) was activated by the Reds and is in the lineup Monday against Cleveland, batting second.

Votto was away from the team as a precautionary measure in recent games, but he was officially activated by the Reds after testing negative for COVID-19. The 36-year-old will replace Christian Colon in the starting nine in the series opener against Cleveland. Aristides Aquino was optioned to the team's alternate training site in a corresponding move.

Votto (illness) will remain out of the lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland.

Votto tested negative for COVID-19 and is able to rejoin his teammates, but he won't be back in the lineup just yet. He's yet to be activated from the COVID-19 injured list, though that move could still happen in time for him to fill a bench role. Christian Colon starts at first base in his absence.