MLB Player News

Votto went 2-for-4 and hit his 23rd home run of the season Saturday against the Pirates.

Votto took Pittsburgh reliever Nick Mears deep for a solo homer in the eighth inning to round out the scoring at 11-3. He also picked up an RBI on a sacrifice fly back in the third. Votto has cooled off from the torrid pace he set during the back half of July, hitting just .222 over his past seven games, but he's still gone yard three times during that stretch.

Olson went 4-for-5 with a double, three runs scored and two RBI in Saturday's 12-3 win over the Rangers.

The first baseman has slugged a two-bagger in three straight games and swatted an extra-base hit in five of his last six. The power surge has boosted Olson's batting average since the All-Star break to .304 (21-for-69) with a .638 SLG thanks to eight doubles and five homers.

Freeman left Saturday's game against the Nationals due to an upper respiratory infection.

There's been no indication that Freeman has tested positive for COVID-19, an illness he battled prior to his MVP campaign last year. Health and safety protocols remain tight due to the pandemic, however, so Atlanta will have to treat Freeman's illness with caution. Ehire Adrianza entered the game in his place, playing third base and pushing Austin Riley over to first, which could be the team's default alignment if Freeman is forced to miss time.

Gurriel (neck) took grounders on the field Saturday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gurriel landed on the 10-day injured list Friday after he missed three consecutive games due to neck stiffness, and he's eligible to return as early as Aug. 13. The team hasn't yet revealed when he'll be back in action, but it's encouraging to see him resume activities shortly after his placement on the IL.

Mountcastle is still feeling concussion symptoms and may need a trip to the injured list, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Mountcastle hurt his head while attempting a steal Friday and was forced to exit the game. While he's yet to be removed from the roster, he won't start Saturday's game against the Rays and could be placed on the concussion injured list soon. Trey Mancini will start at first base in his absence, with Anthony Santander serving as the designated hitter.

O'Hearn will sit Saturday against the Cardinals.

The Royals' regular starting nine will be a man short due to the lack of the designated hitter in the National League park. O'Hearn served as the right fielder Friday, but that spot will be occupied by Hunter Dozier in the second game of the series.

Smith isn't starting Saturday against the Phillies, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Smith will get a day off as the Mets elect to stack their lineup with right-handed hitters against lefty Ranger Suarez. Kevin Pillar will take over in left field and bat eighth.

Lowe will sit Saturday against Oakland.

Lowe hasn't done much thus far in the second half, hitting.206/.296/.286 with zero homers in 19 games. Curtis Terry will be the first baseman in his absence, with Adolis Garcia resting his legs in Terry's usual spot as the designated hitter.

Hoskins (groin) isn't starting Saturday against the Mets.

Hoskins has been dealing with groin soreness recently, and he'll remain out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. Whether he's available off the bench remains to be seen, but Brad Miller will start at first base and bat fifth.

Vaughn isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Cubs, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Vaughn had started in each of the last four games, and he went 4-for-13 with a homer, three runs, two RBI and three walks. Eloy Jimenez will start in left field and bat fourth in Saturday's contest at Wrigley Field.