MLB Player News

Cabrera (leg) is in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

He was lifted late Friday night with leg cramping, but it seems the move was largely precautionary as Cabrera is right back in there for Saturday's contest. Cabrera has logged 41 career at-bats against Ervin Santana, Saturday's starter for Minnesota, managing nine hits (one homer) and 10 RBI with four walks and six strikeouts.

Howard went 1-for-2 with a solo homer and two walks in an extra-inning victory over the Marlins on Friday.

Though his average remains firmly below the Mendoza Line at .193, the 36-year-old Howard does have a pair of homers and five RBI over his last six games. His average is a career low by far, a dubious distinction that Howard has managed to offset somewhat with a third consecutive season of 20-plus homers.

Rizzo is not in the lineup Saturday against Milwaukee.

As was the case Friday, Rizzo will get the day off as the Cubs continue to rest a number of regulars after clinching the division. Kris Bryant will get the start at first base and hit in the No. 2 spot Saturday.

Freeman (personal) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.

Freeman had been away from the team since Wednesday following the birth of his child, but he'll return to his usual spot at first base Saturday. The 27-year-old will bat third against the Nationals' Gio Gonzalez.

Cabrera exited Friday's contest with leg cramping, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

The veteran infielder made it through eight innings Friday before Matt Reynolds came on to replace him at shortstop. Prior to exiting Friday's game, Cabrera went 1-for-2 with a home run and a pair of walks. Given that he left Friday's game with cramping, there's a decent chance he'll be able to get back into the lineup Saturday.

Bell is back in the lineup batting second and playing right field Friday against Cincinnati.

With Starling Marte still nursing a back injury, Bell continues to get opportunities in the outfield. Marte is expected to return Saturday, so Bell will probably move back to first base shortly, but his bat has been too good for the Pirates not to find him a place in the lineup. He carries an .877 OPS into Friday's action.

Freeman will return from his unofficial paternity leave Saturday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Freeman was never placed on the paternity list thanks to expanded rosters, but he has been with his wife for the birth of their child since Wednesday. Expect him to return right to the heart of Atlanta's lineup on Saturday.

Flores received a cortisone shot in his injured wrist Friday, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.

Flores said he still wasn't feeling great after receiving the shot but that he still hopes to return to play shortly. He is still expected to miss at least another couple of days, with a return early next week looking most likely.

Freeman (personal) is out of the lineup Friday against the Nationals.

He left the team Wednesday to be with his wife for the birth of the couple's first child, but was not officially placed on paternity leave -- there was really no need to do so with expanded rosters. It's uncertain when Freeman will return to the lineup but chances are he will be back before the end of the series.

Rizzo is out of the lineup Friday against the Brewers.

Manager Joe Maddon is resting his star players, as the team plans to celebrate, win or lose, after Friday's day game. Chris Coghlan will get the start at first base and hit fifth Friday.