MLB Player News

Cabrera is out of Sunday's lineup against the Marlins.

He has started the last nine games, hitting .303 with two doubles and zero home runs over that stretch. Gavin Cecchini will start at second base and hit eighth.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Saturday's win over Miami.

The rookie is now 5-for-29 (.172 batting average) with two homers, three RBI and a .579 OPS since being promoted from the minors. Smith should continue to see regular playing time and offers admirable upside after posting a .330/.386/.519 slash line with Triple-A Las Vegas this year. However, it's still probably a little early to look his way in the majority of seasonal settings.

Flores went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Saturday's win over Miami.

Flores is now up to eight homers, 15 RBI, 12 runs and a .292/.350/.667 slash line through his past 24 games. He's locked into full-time at-bats moving forward and also offers lineup flexibility because of his eligibility at multiple positions. Flores has the potential to be a game changer down the fantasy stretch drive.

Hoskins went 1-for-3 with a homer, two walks, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's win over the Giants.

The 24-year-old is now up to four home runs this week. He's done most of his damage against lefties -- three of his four homers have come against southpaws -- but Hoskins was even better against right-handers than he was against left-handed pitching with Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to his promotion. Hoskins is expected to play more at first base once Aaron Altherr (hamstring) is ready to go.

Joseph is not in the lineup Saturday against the Giants.

Joseph has struggled over his last five starts, going just 1-for-19 with a walk, so he'll get the day off to clear his head. Jorge Alfaro is starting at first base in his stead, batting sixth.

Hiura landed on the 7-day disabled list with a mild left hamstring strain Friday, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports.

Although any sort of injury for a top prospect is concerning, Hiura's issue seems minor. The 21-year-old has been playing at Low-A Wisconsin for the past month and tearing it up for the Timber Rattlers, hitting .347/.385/.484 with 15 RBI and 13 runs in 24 games.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against Miami.

Smith will get a breather following seven straight starts to begin his major-league career. During his first week of action, the first baseman went 4-for-25 at the plate, adding one home run and a pair of RBI. In his place, Wilmer Flores draws the start at first base.

Flores (ribs) is back in the lineup Friday against the Marlins.

Flores was able to avoid landing on the disabled list following a left rib injury that has forced him out of the lineup for the past two games. He will take over at first and bat in the cleanup spot for the series opener, but don't be surprised if he receives a couple days off here and there while fully recovering from the rib soreness. Since the All-Star break, Flores is hitting .292/.342/.625 with seven home runs and 13 RBI.

Rizzo went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's loss to the Reds.

Rizzo has been on a tear over the last four games, as he's gone 9-for-17 with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI. He figures to continue providing outstanding fantasy value the rest of the way from the heart of a strong Cubs lineup.

Votto went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run during Thursday's win over the Cubs.

The first baseman just continues to pad his fantasy stats and boasts an elite .316/.448/.601 slash line with 32 homers, 86 RBI and 84 runs. Votto's final numbers might fall short of his dominant 2010 showing when he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, but this has been his best season since earning that honor.