MLB Player News

Freeman (wrist) was activated from the disabled list and is starting at third base Tuesday against the Astros.

While Freeman was originally scheduled to play in a final rehab game for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, he was apparently feeling ready to return to the Show after just a pair of minor-league tune-up games. His return should provide a massive boost for the Braves and fantasy owners alike, as Freeman was slashing an impressive .341/.461/.748 with 14 homers in 37 games before fracturing his wrist. He'll face Brad Peacock in his return to the lineup. Jace Peterson was optioned to Triple-A to clear room for him.

Bell is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Phillies.

Bell hasn't had a day off since June 20, so he was likely overdue for a maintenance day. He's also hitless in his last two games, so the day of rest will give him an opportunity to hit the reset button. John Jaso will man first base in his stead, giving the Pirates an extra lefty bat in the lineup.

Voit will bat cleanup in the order Tuesday against the Marlins.

Voit is in line for his fourth MLB start, but it will be the first time he's batted higher than the six spot in the order. Out of the seven spot Monday, the 26-year-old launched his first major-league home run en route to a four-RBI effort. The sample size is small, but Voit now owns a 1.238 OPS during his tenure with the team. The cleanup role is unlikely to be a regular thing, however, as regular four hitter Jedd Gyorko is getting the day off Tuesday.

Smith went 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs and four RBI for Triple-A Las Vegas in Monday's loss to Salt Lake.

The sweet-swinging lefty's now hit safely in 19 straight games for the 51s, pushing his slash line on the season to .325/.380/.485. Smith remains the Mets' first baseman of the future, a future which could begin as soon as 2018.

Voit went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, four RBI and two runs scored during Monday's win over Miami. It was his first career homer.

Voit has shown well since being promoted to the majors. He's gone 6-for-15 at the dish with four extra-base hits and could push for more playing time if he continues to handle the bat well. He's posted a rock-solid .322/.406/.561 slash line with Triple-A Memphis this season, so there's definitely some upside. It's still likely wise to take a wait-and-see approach in most fantasy settings at this point, though.

Freeman (wrist) went 0-for-1 with a walk and had no difficulty fielding his only chance at third base Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett as he began his rehab assignment, Bob Sutton of MLB.com reports. "I think the hardest thing for me is going to be all the different arm angles. I think that's going to be my biggest challenge ... [along with] charging balls and balls in the hole," Freeman said after the game.

He got Sunday off but will be back at third for Gwinnett on Monday. Freeman acknowledged that it will likely be another couple of weeks before his wrist feels 100 percent when he swings a bat, but he could be back in Atlanta's lineup -- and starting at third base for the first time in his MLB career -- later this week if all goes well over the next few rehab games.

Flores is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Flores -- who is currently hitting .285 with a .313 OBP -- will be stationed on the bench for the third time in the past four games. The hot-hitting T.J. Rivera will take his place at third base, batting sixth.

Votto went 2-for-2 with a pair of solo homers and a walk in Thursday's 11-3 loss to Milwaukee.

The veteran first baseman ended up being pulled early with the outcome not in question, but not before Votto increased his homer total to 23 -- the second-highest total in the National League. Even though the Reds are going nowhere fast with a 33-45 record, Votto's turning in another incredible fantasy campaign, offering high-end production in every category but steals.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Thursday's loss to St. Louis.

The set-and-forget first baseman is turning in another sterling campaign with 19 homers, 66 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 69 runs and a .323/.439/.596 slash line. Goldschmidt's numbers put him among the most valuable fantasy hitters, and he remains on pace to post career-high marks in home runs, RBI, runs and batting average.

Freeman (wrist) said his return date depends on how he's hitting during his upcoming minor-league rehab assignment, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports. If he feels ready, he could be back in the lineup for next Friday's matchup against the Nationals, otherwise he may wait until after the All-Star break to return.

Freeman is scheduled to begin a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. He's set to play Saturday, Monday and Tuesday before ultimately making a decision regarding his next step.