MLB Player News

France went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and a pair of runs scored in Sunday's victory over the Diamondbacks.

France hit his seventh homer of the year in the fourth inning against Robbie Ray, cutting Arizona's lead to two. He later scored the game-tying run in the sixth inning after being hit by a pitch. France has now hit .286/.375/.667 in the month of September, though his season slash line still sits at a poor .238/.302/.413 through 65 games.

General manager Neal Huntington said during his Sunday radio show that Bell (groin) could return before season's end, 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reports.

"He's making progress, it was going to be a multi-week injury anyway," Huntington said. "He's putting in the work. He wants to be healthy going into the offseason but ideally he'd like to finish the season healthy." Bell, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2020, has already set career highs in doubles (37), homers (37) and RBI (116).

Freeman will stay in Atlanta for further treatment on his injured right elbow and will miss the Braves' two-game series in Kansas City that begins Tuesday, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Freeman was removed from Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Giants in the eighth inning after experiencing some discomfort in his elbow, which has been bothered by a bone spur in recent weeks. Since the Braves already have the division locked up, they'll err on the side of caution and withhold Freeman from action for a few days before he rejoins the big club in New York over the weekend for the season-ending series with the Mets. Though he'll head to New York, Freeman isn't guaranteed to rejoin the starting lineup before the postseason. Francisco Cervelli replaced Freeman at first base in Sunday's contest, but rookie Austin Riley could also be asked to make some appearances at the position while Freeman is out.

Freeman was removed from Sunday's game against the Giants in the top of the eighth inning with an apparent right arm injury, Fox Sports South reports.

After receiving a maintenance day Saturday, Freeman checked back into the lineup at first base for the series finale, going 0-for-3 with an RBI before bowing out of the contest. Since Atlanta has already punched its ticket to the postseason, Freeman's late removal could've been for precautionary purposes, but expect the Braves to provide clarity on the matter.

Naylor is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After starting in the first two games of the series and going hitless with four strikeouts in seven at-bats, Naylor will cede his spot in the corner outfield to Hunter Renfroe. The two will likely continue to split time in the final week of the season with neither player having performed well enough at the plate lately to justify a full run of playing time.

Cabrera (ankle) is not in the lineup Sunday but could be available off the bench, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.

While Cabrera will not start Sunday, manager Dave Martinez does not believe his injury is serious enough to sideline him entirely. Assuming that's the case, Cabrera could return to the lineup as soon as Monday.

Hiura (wrist) is in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Hiura was removed from Saturday's game after being struck by a pitch in his final at-bat, but he appears no worse for the wear Sunday morning. Hiura will start at second base and hit cleanup for the Brewers on Sunday afternoon.

Cabrera (ankle) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Cabrera left Saturday's game with a sore ankle, and the injury will prevent him from starting at least one game. Brian Dozier will enter the lineup at second base in Cabrera's place.

Rizzo went 3-for-5 with a double in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.

Somewhat surprisingly, Rizzo didn't cross the plate despite the three-hit effort as the leadoff hitter in a high-scoring game. It's still good to see the slugging first baseman productive after suffering a sprained ankle on Monday, which kept him out of the lineup for a few games.

Hiura went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 10-1 rout of the Pirates but was removed from the game in the eighth inning after being hit by a pitch.

Given the score, the move was likely precautionary, but Hiura's status for Sunday's game should become clearer once the Brewers' trainers have a chance to check him out. The rookie has hit safely in six straight games and is slashing .316/.381/.684 over 21 plate appearances since returning to the lineup from a hamstring strain.