MLB Player News

Freeman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Nationals.

After seeing his eight-game hit streak snapped Sunday, Freeman bounced right back with another bushel of base knocks. The first baseman is slashing .298/.423/.439 in 16 games since the All-Star break with two homers, 11 runs and 13 RBI, numbers which count as a bit of a slowdown compared to his .957 OPS on the year.

Bell (hand) is starting at first base and hitting cleanup Monday against the Reds.

Bell's absence Sunday against the Mets was apparently planned -- and not due to the apparent hand injury he suffered Saturday -- a notion supported by his inclusion in the starting nine for Monday's series opener. The switch hitter is slashing just .184/.310/.245 in 15 games since the All-Star break and will look to get back on track against right-hander Sonny Gray on Monday.

Walker (elbow) will start at first base and bat cleanup Monday against the Marlins.

Walker developed some swelling in his left elbow after he was struck twice by pitches Saturday, resulting in the Diamondbacks holding him out of Sunday's 5-1 loss. Since X-rays cleared Walker of any further damage to his elbow, the slugger merely needed just a day off to recover from the issue. He'll draw back into his usual spot in the heart of the order while Jake Lamb shifts to the bench with lefty Caleb Smith twirling for Miami.

Solano went 2-for-3 with a pair of walks, a pair of RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Padres.

Solano got to start and lead off as he usually does against opposing southpaws. The 31-year-old infielder has been raking in a semi-regular role this month, slashing .381/.412/.587 through 19 games (67 plate appearances) in July. Joe Panik continues to see the bulk of playing time at the keystone against righties, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Solano eat into his playing time even further if the former continues to struggle at the plate (.232/.306/.313 for Panik this year).

Walker (elbow) believes his injury is nothing more than a contusion, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

On Saturday, Walker was plunked on the left forearm, which led to swelling in his elbow. "It's better, a little bit better," Walker said. "It's still pretty stiff and sore. I think if it keeps progressing, I should be good to go tomorrow." He sat out Sunday's game and is hopeful that once the inflammation goes down, he'll be ready to play.

Bell's absence from Sunday's game was not related to the apparent left hand/wrist injury he suffered Saturday, general manager Neal Huntington told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.

Bell remained in Saturday's game following the collision with baserunner Steven Matz after Matz swung at a third strike in the dirt. The pitcher hustled up the first base line and Bell leaped to catch the throw from catcher Jacob Stallings. When he applied the tag to Matz, Bell dropped his glove and clenched his left hand in pain. Fortunately, the first baseman was healthy enough to appear in the on-deck circle Sunday before Adam Frazier made the final out. Bell is slashing .216/.324/.462 in his last 204 plate appearances since the end of May.

Hoskins went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Sunday against the Braves.

Hoskins tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the seventh inning, clubbing a two-run homer to extend his team's lead to four. The 26-year-old has now hit safely in five of his last six contests, registering three extra-base hits and five RBI during that stretch. He's now slashing .260/.397/.520 with 22 home runs and 66 RBI over 104 games this season.

Walker was hit twice by pitches Saturday and still has some swelling on his left elbow as a result, leading to him being out of the lineup Sunday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The second plunking was by a 98.6 mph fastball from Tayron Guerrero, which briefly led to the benches clearing in the game. X-rays on the elbow were negative, and Walker is day-to-day.

Freeman went 1-for-1 with a double, four walks and three runs in Saturday's 15-7 win over the Phillies.

Though he hasn't homered since July 15, Freeman still appears to be locked in at the dish. He's reached base in each of the past nine contests, producing a .949 OPS over that stretch. He'll look to keep rolling in Sunday's series finale, as he'll start at first base and occupy his usual spot in the three hole.

Walker is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Miami.

Walker is mired in a 4-for-28 slump over his last nine games, so he'll head to the bench for the series finale. Jake Lamb will start at first base and bat sixth Sunday for the Diamondbacks.