MLB Player News

Hoskins was reassigned to minor league camp Sunday, Meghan Montemurro of the Wilmington News Journal reports.

Hoskins was 5-for-18 with two home runs in 10 games this spring. He will open the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and could get a look with the Phillies later this year if Tommy Joseph fails to build on his 2016 season.

Smith was sent back to the Mets' minor league camp Saturday, The New York Daily News reports.

While he hit only .185 in 27 at-bats, Smith made a good first impression on manager Terry Collins. "I thought he didn't hit like he normally does. I think he's always hit. The most thing I was impressed with is he came into camp in great shape. That's impressive for a young guy," Collins said. "It probably hit me more than anything that he was willing at his age. 'Hey look I am going to come into camp and show everybody I can get ready to play.' I think he's going to be a big league player. He's got great hands. I do think, I do believe he's going to hit. I always think those guys will learn how to hit the ball out of the ballpark." Smith is still only 21, but if his power stroke continues to develop at Triple-A Las Vegas this season, don't be surprised if he makes his big league debut sometime in the second half.

Rizzo went 2-for-3 and hit his first home run of spring training in Thursday's loss to the Mariners.

After missing some time with a back injury last week, it's good to see Rizzo look healthy at the plate. Rizzo took Seattle lefty James Paxton deep in the first inning. The Cubs slugger only hit eight of his 32 home runs against lefties last season, so any gains he makes in that department only enhance his fantasy value.

Bell (knee) made his spring debut Monday, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout against the Yankees.

While he didn't run the bases much or get a chance to show that his knee is feeling better, he also didn't suffer any setbacks. The switch-hitter played five innings at first base and appears on track to start Opening Day.

Rizzo (back) returned to action Monday, going 1-for-3 with a run scored in an exhibition win over the Angels.

Rizzo had been held out the past few days with lower-back tightness, so it's good to see him back on the field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon relayed Sunday that Rizzo would play Monday and Tuesday, so assuming he has no setbacks, the star slugger should be right back out there for the exhibition game against Team Italy.

Walker was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Monday, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Walker was claimed by the Braves last week, but they were apparently unable to send him through waivers themselves, as Cincinnati snatched him and designated Jumbo Diaz for assignment in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old carries some intrigue with his power potential, as he slashed .264/.321/.437 with 18 homers in 504 at-bats with Triple-A Norfolk last season. He'll try to catch on as a reserve for the big league club, but Walker could find himself as organizational depth in 2017.

Bell (knee) will bat third and man first base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bell was slowed earlier in the spring after requiring arthroscopic surgery in February to remove a loose body in his knee, but following some simulated games, the Pirates have cleared him to make his Grapefruit League debut. Despite his limited at-bats in the big leagues, the 24-year-old already boasts advanced plate discipline, though he hasn't yet showcased the premium power most teams value from their corner infielders.

Cubs skipper Joe Maddon confirmed that Rizzo (back) will play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been out the last couple of days with lower-back tightness, but the first baseman was never at much risk of a long-term absence. Maddon indicated that in addition to playing Monday, Rizzo will also take the field in Tuesday's exhibition with Team Italy in their preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

Rizzo (back) says he expects to play in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past few days, but says that it is nothing serious. His return to action will be a welcome sight for the Cubs.

Rizzo (back) is expected to play in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Italy, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.

Rizzo has been battling tightness in his lower back for the past several days, but it appears to be nothing of serious concern. That said, Rizzo's condition should still be monitored throughout the WBC, which runs through March 22.