MLB Player News

Votto (illness) struck out in the ninth inning in a pinch-hitting appearance Thursday against the Padres.

Votto is close to getting back to action after missing three starts with an illness. This week might have extended the buy-low window in your league.

Howard went 2-for-5 with a solo homer, his 11th of the year, in Thursday's win against the Twins.

Thursday marked Howard's first multi-hit game since April 29. The 2005 NL Rookie of the Year and 2006 MVP is having an embarrassing year, becoming one of the most expensive bench players in the history of the sport. He's making $25 million this season while slashing .150/.204/.350 and obliterating his career lows in practically every meaningful category. At 36-years-old, the writing is on the wall for Howard, and he's sadly become irrelevant in most fantasy formats.

Votto (illness) could play Thursday against San Diego, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto is not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to a stomach virus but the Reds announced that he would be available to play if needed. The 32-year-old slugger is having a fantastic June, slashing .338/.482/.508 over 18 games. He's also stole four bases this month.

Flores is not in the starting lineup Thursday as the Mets face the Braves.

Taking the day off may help Flores as he has just one hit in his last 14 at-bats. During that stretch, his batting average has dropped from .250 to .228. Kelly Johnson gets the start at third base Thursday and will bat fifth.

Votto (illness) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

Votto has missed the past two games with an illness and Thursday will be a third as Adam Duvall will get the nod at first base. He had been playing well recently, going 8-for-22 with a five-game hitting streak during the previous five contests.

Rizzo (back) is out of the lineup against Miami on Thursday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo left Wednesday's game early with back stiffness and will get an off day Thursday to rest up. With left-hander Wei-Yin Chen on the mound for Miami, the Cubs don't lose much by starting righty Willson Contreras at first, who's hit two homers and driven in five RBI since his call up last week. Rizzo continues to be day-to-day as he nurses his stiff back.

Bour is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Bour has seen action in six of the last seven games and so will get a rest as Chris Johnson makes a start at first base. Bour has been on a roll recently, going 10-for-20 in his last seven games to go along with two homers and six RBI.

Joseph (illness) has been scratched from Thursday's lineup, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The young first baseman came down with a case of the cold Thursday, and although he was initially listed on the lineup card, the Phillies have since opted to leave him out for their series finale against the Twins. Andres Blanco will slide over to take Joseph's place at first base Thursday while Cesar Hernandez takes over at second base.

Goldschmidt reached base four times in Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jays, going 2-for-2 with two walks.

Goldschmidt entered June batting .269, but he's now got the average up to .290. A career .298 hitter, Goldschmidt figures to keep the hot hitting going and produce counting stats at an elite level.

Rizzo left Wednesday's game against the Cardinals due to back stiffness, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo was scratched from a start earlier this month with back stiffness but returned after missing just one game. The 26-year-old has been scorching hot in June, hitting .287/.473/.758 with six home runs, 17 RBI and 13 runs in 18 games.