MLB Player News

France isn't starting Monday's game against the Phillies.

France will take a seat for the second time in the last three days, as Greg Garcia draws the start at the hot corner and is set to lead off in the series opener.

Hiura was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio on Monday.

Hiura will head back to the minors to free up a spot on the roster for Travis Shaw (wrist), who is slated to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Marlins. The well-regarded prospect fared well in his first taste of the majors, slashing .281/.333/.531 with five homers and a stolen base in 17 games for the Brewers, and should be back with the big club at some point this summer. Look for Mike Moustakas to shift back to second base in the meantime, with Shaw reclaiming his spot at the hot corner.

Bell went 1-for-4 with an RBI double against the Brewers on Sunday.

Despite his decent performance Sunday, his strong season has showed a few signs of slowing recently. Bell has struck out six times in the last two games as it appears opponents are looking to pitch away from the slugger. It will be up to Bell to show discipline and take more walks -- he's walked just six times in his last 86 plate appearances. Overall, the first baseman's numbers are terrific -- he's slashing .332/.395/.681 with 18 homers and 53 RBI -- and he figures to compete for NL Player of the Month honors in May.

Walker went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 7-1 win over the Mets.

Walker's bat has come alive with three multi-hit efforts in his last four starts. He's 7-for-17 with two home runs, five RBI and five runs scored during that stretch. Just as it looked like his hold on the first base job was flagging -- he hit .127 over 20 games -- Walker's responded. With Jake Lamb (quadriceps) nearing a rehab assignment, the Diamondbacks will have options if Walker's slump returns.

Cooper went 1-for-4 with a home run and another run scored in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Padres.

Cooper hit his fourth home run of the year, this time a two-out solo shot off starter Matt Strahm in the third inning. He then scored another run in the fifth after getting hit by a pitch. Cooper has now hit safely in four straight games and has the potential to become one of Miami's top hitters if he can stay healthy. Through 23 games this season, the 28-year-old is batting .256/.337/.423 with 14 runs scored and 13 RBI.

Beaty is dealing with a minor left hip injury and may be able to play Monday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Beaty spoke to reporters after exiting Sunday's action early and clarified that he is dealing with a minor left hip injury. Though there's been no formal announcement or diagnosis from the team, Beaty appears to believe the injury is minor.

Updating an earlier report, Smith is dealing with a hyperextended thumb, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith was scratched from Sunday's lineup with the injury, but he and the team seem to be downplaying its severity. He's scheduled for an MRI Monday, which should clarify his status going forward.

Smith (thumb) will have an MRI after hurting himself on a backswing in Saturday's contest against Arizona, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith was scratched from Sunday's lineup with the injury but was available to pinch hit. That's at least some indication that the injury isn't serious, though the MRI may reveal otherwise. Smith has swung the bat well through 75 plate appearances, hitting .365/.467/.571.

Beaty was removed from Sunday's game against the Phillies with a mild hip flexor that he suffered on a swing, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Beaty exited the game in the top of the fifth inning and was relieved by David Freese at first base. The injury is not believed to be serious, so Beaty could return to begin the team's series at Arizona on Monday. He's hit well for average since being called up May 16 but for little power, slashing .286/.286/.310 through 42 plate appearances.

Smith was scratched from Sunday's lineup at Arizona with right thumb soreness, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Smith was slated to start in left field and bat second in the series finale, but Aaron Altherr will instead enter the lineup. Smith is apparently still available off the bench, so it doesn't appear to be a serious issue.