MLB Player News

Freeman (wrist) was able to take batting practice on the field before Wednesday's game against the Padres, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman said he felt good after, giving him confidence that he'll be able to return for next Thursday's series opener against the Nationals. "Obviously that was what I wanted to do and now I think it's going to happen," the corner infielder said when asked about him coming off the DL next week. He'll still wait to see how he does during his rehab assignment before returning to action, but barring any setbacks, it seems like Freeman could be back with the Braves when they head to Washington on July 6.

Joseph went 1-for-4 with a home run and walk in Wednesday's 5-4 win in Seattle.

After working a full count, Joseph turned on a 98-mph fastball from Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, clubbing a game-tying home run over the left field fence. The Phillies eventually won on an Andrew Knapp RBI single later in the inning. Joseph offers good power numbers - he has 13 home runs and 12 doubles - but he's lacking in the other categories. He has just 38 RBI and is hitting .250 for the season. Until he improves on his 25 percent K rate, Joseph will be a single-category fantasy asset, especially at first base.

Freeman (wrist) will participate in on-field batting practice Wednesday and Thursday with hopes of beginning his minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman is entering the final stages of his extended rehab program after being placed on the disabled list May 18 with a fractured left wrist. If he is indeed able to begin his minor-league assignment Saturday, then the slugging corner infielder could be on track to rejoin the Braves prior to the All-Star break that begins July 10.

Rizzo is starting at first base and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Nationals.

Rizzo is back in the leadoff spot after hitting second in Monday's series opener against the Nationals. Manager Joe Maddon said he dropped Rizzo from the top of the order because of his unimpressive career numbers against southpaw Gio Gonzalez, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. Rizzo will likely stick in the leadoff spot for the time being, as he is slashing .333/.400/.714 with four homers and 11 RBI in 11 games atop the order this season.

Rizzo is starting at first base and batting second Monday against the Nationals.

Manager Joe Maddon is looking for anything to get the Cubs going at the plate, so he'll again switch up the batting order as lefty-throwing Gio Gonzalez is set to take the mound for the Nationals. Willson Contreras will bat leadoff for the first time in his career as Rizzo slides down to the two hole.

Joseph is not in the lineup Monday against the Diamondbacks, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Joseph's absence is a rare occurence, as the first baseman has started every game this month and missed only four games all season. However, in light of his 1-for-9 slump over the past three games, Monday's matinee appears to be an ideal time for a mental break. Brock Stassi will fill the void at first base.

Voit is starting at first base and batting sixth for Monday's game against the Reds.

This will mark Voit's first major-league start following his call-up from Triple-A Memphis earlier this week. The 26-year-old made a painful debut appearance as a pinch hitter Sunday, getting hit in the back by a Jhan Marinez offering before being taken out of the game. Voit has slashed .322/.406/.561 in the minors this season and will likely act to spell Matt Carpenter at first base going forward.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

It's a rare absence for Goldschmidt -- just his third of the year and first since May 28. He will be replaced by Daniel Descalso at first base for the series finale. Goldschmidt has yet to slow down at the plate this year, as evidenced by his .332/.447/.606 line and MLB-leading 65 RBI.

Cabrera went 2-for-5 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Giants.

The reluctant second baseman for the Mets has come off the DL firing on all cylinders, collecting seven hits in three games with four runs scored. If the team does follow through with trading Cabrera, the 31-year-old is doing everything he can to increase his value to a contending team looking for infield depth.

Voit had his contract purchased Sunday from Triple-A Memphis.

With the callup, Voit is now on the precipice of making his debut in the majors. However, it's unlikely he will see a solid bit of playing time given his inexperience and the Cardinals' depth already there. The 26-year-old slashed .322/.406/.561 in 255 at-bats at Triple-A this season.