MLB Player News

Freeman went 4-for-5 with two home runs, two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.

The Braves were swept in dramatic fashion, but it was due in no part to the performance of Freeman, who stole a base and scored in the first inning before launching solo homers in the fifth and seventh. He entered the game with a .238 average and no home runs or RBI, but perhaps this outburst can get him going as he looks to carry a large burden for what was last year one of baseball's worst offenses and could continue that weakness in 2017.

Bell is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.

After starting the first three games of the season, Bell will head to the bench as John Jaso takes over for him at first base. With a righty (R.A. Dickey) on the mound, it appears this is just a regular day of rest for the 24-year-old, who hit .211 against southpaws while batting .284 against righties in 2016.

Bour went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Friday's win over the Mets.

The 28-year-old has yet to get things going with his bat, as he has just two hits through four games and is still looking for his first homer, but Bour is at least flashing some improved plate discipline in the early going. The Marlins are counting on the first baseman to take a step forward this season and plan on giving him more at-bats against left-handed pitchers, but if he continues to struggle, Tyler Moore could move into a full platoon with him.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with two RBI, two runs scored, two walks and a double in a 7-3 win over the Indians on Friday.

Goldschmidt walked in his first couple of plate appearances before ripping a two-run double to deep center in the fifth inning to give his team a lead it would not relinquish. The ever-productive first baseman is already off to a terrific start to the campaign with five RBI on the back of a 1.200 OPS through five games.

Joseph has returned to the Phillies' lineup Friday against the Nationals, playing first base and batting sixth.

He probably needed a breather to correct his 0-for-8, five-strikeout start to the season. Joseph will not have an easy matchup this time, facing Nats ace Max Scherzer.

Bell is hitting second in the Pirates' Friday lineup against the Braves.

The first baseman hit seventh and eighth, respectively, over Pittsburgh's first two games, but those came with the designated hitter in Boston's Fenway Park. This may wind up as Bell's normal spot in the order against right-handed hurlers in National League stadiums. Considering the questions surrounding his power, adding as many plate appearances as possible to his otherwise disciplined skills at the dish will work toward maximizing his value.

Flores went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Braves.

Starting in place of Lucas Duda at first base, Flores picked an excellent time to get his first hit of the young season. The utility man parked a 2-2 offering from Jaime Garcia in the left-field seats to open up a lead the Mets wouldn't relinquish. Flores isn't expected to be an everyday player, but this performance along with his versatility should give him a decent amount of usage throughout the season.

Bour is in the lineup Thursday, hitting seventh and playing first base, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It's promising that Bour is not riding the pine with a left-handed pitcher, the Nationals' Gio Gonzalez, taking the hill. Bour has power for days but failed to leave the yard against a southpaw in 30 at-bats last year. This assignment, however, may signal that the Marlins want to expose him more to lefties in order to facilitate his growth.

The Braves signed Howard to a minor-league deal Thursday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Howard will participate in extended spring training before reporting to Triple-A Gwinnett.

With Freddie Freeman locked in as a franchise player at first base, Howard didn't exactly join a spot that puts him on the fast track to the bigs. Still, Atlanta could have worse organizational depth pieces than someone who hit 23-plus home runs in the previous three seasons. The 2006 National League MVP must wait for an opportunity, though it may come as a bench bopper or as a designated hitter in interleague play at American League parks. The latter avenue could serve as a teaser before Atlanta uses him as trade bait for AL clubs later in the season.

Joseph is out of the lineup Thursday against the Reds, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports.

It's been a rocky start to the year for Joseph, who is 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in his first two games. He'll take a seat Thursday in favor of Brock Stassi, who will be making the first start of his MLB career.