MLB Player News

Flores is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Ketel Marte's ability to play both second base and center field has left Flores and Jarrod Dyson to contend for one spot in Arizona's everyday lineup throughout the season. The playing-time distribution has mildly favored Flores thus far, but he'll head to the bench for the second time in the series after an 0-for-4 showing in Tuesday's 6-2 loss.

Rizzo (back) said he'll most likely rejoin the lineup Thursday against the Reds or over the weekend against the Nationals, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Rizzo didn't rule out a return to the lineup Wednesday, though he suggested it was unlikely. The first baseman has been sidelined since Sunday due to back tightness, but it doesn't sound like the issue will force him to spend time on the IL.

Bell went 2-for-4 with a pair of homers, four RBI and a walk in a 6-2 victory against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

It's still early, but Bell is in the National League MVP conversation right now. With this pair of homers -- one of which was another massive shot more than 450 feet -- he has already matched his 12 home runs from last season in just 167 plate appearances. Bell is also currently on a 14-game hitting streak, during which he's hit .421 with 13 extra-base hits. Overall, Bell is batting .329 with a .692 slugging percentage, 12 home runs, 39 RBI and 27 runs in 146 at-bats.

Votto was responsible for the Reds' only run in Tuesday's loss to the Cubs, hitting a solo homer against Kyle Hendricks.

The homer was Votto's fourth of the season, and he's still hitting a mere .207/.323/.357 during the campaign. He entered the game with an average exit velocity of 87.8 mph, which is right around his average in the Statcast Era. But he's striking out at a far greater pace than he has in previous seasons.

Hiura went 2-for-3 with a walk Tuesday against the Phillies.

Hiura collected his first major-league hit in the second inning, hitting a line drive that deflected off pitcher Jerad Eickhoff. He also found his way on base twice in the remainder of the game, drawing a free pass in the fourth inning and singling to left field in the eighth. He's off to a good start with the big-league club after managing a .333/.408/.698 line in 37 games at Triple-A San Antonio.

Smith went 1-for-1 with a home run Tuesday against the Nationals.

Smith appeared as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning and added insurance to the Mets' lead with a solo home run. It was his first of the season, though he's fared well in limited at-bats, racking up 11 hits in 32 at-bats with three extra-base hits. However, so long as Pete Alonso remains healthy, playing time is likely to remain minimal for Smith.

Freeman (illness) struck out in both of his at-bats in Tuesday's 14-3 loss to the Cardinals.

Freeman missed one game with a head cold. With the score already favoring the Cardinals 11-0, Matt Joyce pinch hit for Freeman in the fifth inning. The move gives the first baseman more rest, with the hope he'll be 100 percent within a couple of days.

Rizzo (back) still needs "a couple days" before returning to the lineup, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo sat Sunday and will do the same Tuesday as he continues to get treatment for his back. It doesn't appear likely that he'll return for Wednesday's game, but a trip to the injured list also seems unlikely at this point.

Freeman (illness) is back in the lineup Tuesday against St. Louis.

Freeman was scratched Sunday due to illness, but he's ready to go following Monday's off day. He'll play first base and hit third.

Rizzo (back) isn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Reds.

Rizzo is set to miss his second straight game due to back tightness. Kris Bryant will get the nod at first base, once again opening up a spot for David Bote at the hot corner.