MLB Player News

Blandino was called to Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The middle infielder will get a chance at the next level after batting .259/.374/.462 with six home runs and 31 RBI with Double-A Pensacola thus far in 2017. Although Blandino still has a decent way to go before challenging to earn time with the big-league club, this will mark another key step for the 24-year-old after spending all of 2016 at Double-A.

Freeman (wrist) is expected to resume hitting Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

This progression is dependent on the results of a CT scan later in the week, but his wrist appears to still be healthy after his cast was removed less than a week ago. Things are really looking up for Freeman, as he now could return as soon as the first game following the All-Star break barring any unforeseen setbacks. The plan is for the stud slugger to return as a third baseman in order to keep Matt Adams (the current first baseman) in the lineup, which could boost his already high value should he amass enough starts at the hot corner to gain dual positional eligibility.

Freeman (wrist) could play third base upon his return from the DL, MLB.com reports. "We can't rule out anything," manager Brian Snitker said Tuesday.

Freeman was spotted getting some work in at third base prior to Wednesday's game, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports, which further suggests this move for Freeman is a very real possibility. This is a direct result of Matt Adams' excellent play in place of Freeman -- the team wants to find a way to have both in the everyday lineup. Freeman, who last played third base in 2007 while in the Gulf Coast League, had his cast removed less than a week ago.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Rockies.

Few opposing hitters have terrorized the Rockies quite like Goldschmidt has throughout his career. After homering Tuesday, the first baseman carries a .326/.428/.571 line against Rockies pitching over 432 career plate appearances. With the Diamondbacks set to play two more games at Coors FIeld before kicking off a homestand, Goldschmidt may be worth paying up for in daily contests Wednesday and Thursday.

Rizzo went 1-for-3 with a leadoff home run and a walk in Tuesday's win over the Padres.

Rizzo set the tone for the game with a first inning blast off of San Diego starter Jhoulys Chacin. In seven games out of the leadoff spot, Rizzo is 12-for-28 with four home runs, 10 RBI and seven runs scored. The first baseman isn't a conventional No. 1 hitter, but as long as he and the team are having success, don't expect manager Joe Maddon to tinker with the order.

Flores is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Flores is just 1-for-15 (.067) over his last four starts, so he'll head to the bench to clear his head. T.J. Rivera will slide over to third base for the game, opening up a spot for Gavin Cecchini to start at the keystone.

Stassi was recalled from Double-A Reading on Tuesday.

With Jerad Eickhoff (back) landing on the disabled list, Stassi was added as an extra bench bat, though he could very well head back to the minors when the Phillies need to summon a replacement for Eickhoff on Friday or Saturday. Stassi slashed just .197/.290/.361 in 69 plate appearances (37 games) with the Phillies earlier in the season.

Bell is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Brewers.

Bell is hitless over his last two contests (0-for-8), so he'll head to the bench for a breather after starting six straight games. Jose Osuna will start at first base in his place.

Bour went 2-for-4 with a grand slam in Monday's win over the Nationals.

The Marlins fell into an early 6-0 hole, but Bour's third-inning blast kicked off the comeback in an eventual 8-7 victory. The homer, No. 18 on the year, was his second in four games since he returned from an ankle injury.

Cabrera (thumb) is expected to return from the disabled list Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports Monday.

Cabrera would be returning from the disabled list on his first eligible day if so. The thumb sprain he suffered was reportedly minor, so expect him back in the lineup as the Mets begin a weekend series with the Giants. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports he will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at High-A St. Lucie, which would put him perfectly on schedule for a Friday return.