MLB Player News

Rizzo went 0-for-4 against the Reds yesterday, his fourth hitless game in a row.

Rizzo drove in six runs on Apr. 7, but since then he's just 1-for-22 with the lone hit a single. On the plus side, he's drawn five walks in that span. There's absolutely no reason to worry about him right now.

Howard went 1-for-2 with his third home run of the season in Thursday's win over the Padres.

Now in his 13th season, the veteran is off to a concerning start. Over the past three seasons, April has typically been one of Howard's best months. There are many factors working against the 36-year-old, including his age and lack of talent around him. Howard has had a great career, but at this point there are plenty of better options at first base.

Howard went 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk in Thursday's win over the Padres.

The home run was notable because it came off a lefty. Howard would not have been in the lineup if Darin Ruf (shoulder) had been available to start. Manager Pete Mackanin told Evan Webeck of MLB.com that Ruf will return to starting against lefties this weekend despite Howard's performance on Thursday.

Freeman is getting the day off Thursday against the Nationals.

He will make way for Kelly Johnson to get the start at first base and hit cleanup, presumably against Stephen Strasburg, although he is a little under the weather and has not yet been confirmed as the Nationals' starter. Look for Freeman to be back in the lineup Friday in Miami.

Carter is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cardinals, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.

Carter has an extra-base hit in three straight games, and tallied six extra-base hits over his last six contests, but manager Craig Counsell decided it was time for Carter's first day off of the season. Regular catcher Jonathan Lucroy will get the start at first base Thursday in Carter's place.

Freeman is 1-for-20 since hitting a home run in the first inning on Opening Day.

The good news is the Braves first baseman is still finding a way on base, as he has seven walks through the first seven games. Freeman also has a favorable matchup Wednesday against Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg. He is 12-for-31 (.387) with three homers in his career against the right-hander.

Flores is in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Flores will make his second start of the season Wednesday, and he will get the nod at first base for the first time in the big leagues, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. Flores will hit fifth against Marlins starter Adam Conley.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-5 with a solo homer and two RBI Tuesday at the Dodgers.

Goldschmidt's third bomb of the year broke an eighth inning tie before he grounded out in the ninth to give the Diamondbacks an insurance run. He now has homered in back-to-back games, and he also has five extra-base hits in eight games this season.

Howard will start against a left-handed pitcher Tuesday due to Darin Ruf being out with shoulder soreness.

Howard typically only starts against right-handed pitching, while Ruf receives most of the work against lefties. However, Ruf is experiencing shoulder soreness, which means Howard will likely become the everyday first baseman until Ruf is fully healthy.

Bour is out of the lineup Monday against the Mets.

Bour has gotten off to a decent start this season, belting three doubles in the first week, but he'll get the day off with left-hander Steven Matz going for New York. Chris Johnson will slot in at first base in his place.