MLB Player News

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.

Beaty (undisclosed) will begin the 2018 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

The 2017 Double-A Texas League MVP is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but it sounds like it isn't of the serious nature. Once ready, Beaty will join Triple-A after proving his worth at the Double-A level with a .326/.378/.505 triple-slash in 481 plate appearances.

Bell went 1-for-4 with his first homer of the season Wednesday against the Twins.

The first baseman is batting .400 in 20 at-bats and has at least one hit in each of Pittsburgh's first five games. Bell has also shown a willingness to run on the basepaths, though he's been thrown out on both of his stolen-base attempts. As a rookie last year, he hit only .255 in 159 games. Bell batted .303 in five minor-league campaigns, however, and could provide fantasy owners with a healthy boost in batting average in 2018.

Cooper was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right wrist contusion, retroactive to April 2, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

He was hit on the wrist by a pitch March 30, and while he saw three at-bats in the games following, it sounds like this move did not come as a surprise to the Marlins beat writers. It was already confirmed that he did not suffer a fracture, so he may be able to return when first eligible April 13 (the Marlins are off April 12). Braxton Lee was recalled from Triple-A as a corresponding move. Lee will serve as the fourth outfielder while Cooper heals up.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said prior to Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers that Goldschmidt will receive occasional rest days in 2018, Jack Magruder of MLB.com reports. Specifically, Lovullo said he's targeting a games total "in the mid-150s" for Goldschmidt if the first baseman stays healthy for the full season.

Lovullo's pronouncement shouldn't alter Goldschmidt's fantasy outlook, as the slugger has played between 155 and 159 games the last three seasons, with a handful of his seven absences in 2017 due to a September elbow injury. The Diamondbacks' current schedule calls for the team to play no more than six consecutive games until the beginning of May, so it seems unlikely that Goldschmidt will be rested any time in the near future, especially with two of the team's top power bats (Steven Souza and Jake Lamb) on the disabled list. After an 0-for-3 showing Wednesday, Goldschmidt is batting just .059 with only one extra-base hit through six contests, though he has displayed a keen eye at the plate with a 9:6 BB:K.