MLB Player News

Rizzo (back) is again not in the lineup Monday against the Pirates.

Rizzo has been out of the lineup since Friday while dealing with back tightness. The issue isn't thought to be a major one, but he'll now have missed four games. The Cubs have an off day Tuesday and it sounds as though Rizzo may be back in the lineup Wednesday against Pittsburgh. Ben Zobrist starts at first base in his place Monday.

Goldschmidt went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals.

Thanks to strong performances from its pitching staff and more unheralded players in the lineup, Arizona has raced off to a 7-2 start to the season despite getting very little from Goldschmidt, a five-time All-Star. Sunday's hitless showing dropped Goldschmidt's season average to .100, with the first baseman's contact woes fueling his demise. Goldschmidt has struck out in 26.8 percent of his plate appearances this season, nearly five points above his career rate.

Rizzo (back) may remain out of the lineup Monday against the Pirates, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs are being patient with Rizzo, so it's entirely possible that he'll be withheld from the lineup for the fourth consecutive game. The team has Tuesday off, which would give Rizzo an additional day to rest before potentially returning Wednesday. If Rizzo sits out Monday, look for Victor Caratini to start at first base.

Rizzo (back) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

The Cubs are proceeding cautiously with the star first baseman and will hold Rizzo out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The team hosts the Pirates on Monday but has a scheduled off-day on Tuesday, so it may hold Rizzo out until Wednesday. Victor Caratini will handle first base duties Sunday while Rizzo remains a day-to-day case.

Hoskins went 2-for-3 with two walks, a double, three RBI and three runs scored Saturday against the Marlins.

Hoskins has opened the season with four multihit games and 12 combined runs and RBI, doing his best to prove that his impressive major-league debut last season wasn't a fluke. Even more encouraging has been his plate discipline, as he has walked five times compared to seven strikeouts. He has only one home run but has provided value in all other categories, even chipping in two steals.

Santana went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Marlins.

Santana has only five hits in his first 26 at-bats as a member of the Phillies, but he has made them count with four being for extra bases. He has continued to walk -- his signature skill beside hitting for power -- so there isn't reason to have major concern about his sluggish start.

The Diamondbacks recalled Walker from Triple-A Reno on Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was optioned to Reno on March 20 after a strong spring training but will now have a major-league opportunity. The 27-year-old is likely to serve as first base and outfield depth for the Diamondbacks, but Steven Souza (pectoral) and Jake Lamb (shoulder) being on the disabled list could create some additional opportunities.

Rizzo could remain out Sunday against the Brewers, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo's back tightness doesn't appear to be a major issue, but the Cubs see no reason to rush one of their star players. He's missed games Friday and Saturday and may miss Sunday as well, though there haven't been any reports suggesting that a trip to the disabled list will be necessary.

Rizzo (back) is not in the lineup against Milwaukee on Saturday.

Rizzo will be held out for a second straight game due to back tightness. Manager Joe Maddon acknowledged that the first baseman might need at least two days off when describing Rizzo's injury prior to Friday's affair, so this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Victor Caratini will draw another start at first in his stead.

Rizzo was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Brewers with lower back tightness, Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com reports.

It appears as though Rizzo was removed for precautionary reasons, as the first baseman has dealt with this same minor issue in previous years at random points throughout the season. Consider Rizzo day-to-day ahead of Saturday's contest. In his place, Victor Caratini will man first base and bat sixth in the order.