MLB Player News

Cron went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and three runs scored in a win over the Royals on Wednesday. He was also hit by a pitch.

Cron's torrid stretch continued Wednesday, one that's now seen him homer in three of the past five games -- including two straight -- while also reaching safely in 22 consecutive contests overall. The 28-year-old is hitting an impressive .327 in May, boosting his season average 20 points to .289 during the month.

Votto (back) struck out to end the game in a pinch-hitting appearance Tuesday night.

The Reds suggested that this wasn't a serious injury for Votto, and his appearance in Tuesday's game backs that up.

Alonso went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI for Double-A Binghamton in Tuesday's win over Erie.

His ninth-inning solo shot was the game-winner in a 6-5 victory. Alonso now leads the Eastern League in OPS (1.173) and is tied with Cavan Biggio for the league lead in homers with 11, putting the Mets' No. 1 fantasy prospect on the fast track for a big-league debut potentially in the second half of 2018.

Bell is out of the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox.

With a lefty (Hector Santiago) on the mound for Chicago and the Pirates playing a day game after a night game, Pittsburgh skipper Clint Hurdle decided it was a good time to give the lefty-hitting Bell a breather. Jose Osuna will take over at first base and hit cleanup Wednesday.

Cron went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer and a pair of strikeouts in Tuesday's win over the Royals.

Cron's homer got the Rays on the board in the first inning, as he extended his hitting streak to eight -- including four straight with an extra-base hit. The 28-year-old's current career-high in the home run department is 16, which he's reached in each of the last three seasons. He's already gone deep nine times in just 39 games this year to go along with a .284/.331/.503 slash line.

Bell went 2-for-4 with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored Tuesday against the White Sox.

Bell got off to a slow start this season but seems to finally be heating up. He held a .232 average at the end up April but has worked that figure up to a more respectable .258 mark after Tuesday's two-hit performance. Through 12 games in May, the first baseman is hitting .333 (13-for-39) with four doubles, two homers and eight RBI.

Walker was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Walker will make his way back to the majors following A.J. Pollock's placement on the 10-day disabled list with a left thumb fracture. Walker went 2-for-15 with a home run in his numerous pinch-hit appearances earlier this season. He'll maintain a reserve role again following his promotion.

Gurriel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel will head to the bench with right-hander Jaime Barria on the mound for the Angels on Tuesday. Marwin Gonzalez will step in at first base for the Astros with Derek Fisher getting the start in left field.

Votto (back) is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Giants.

Votto left Monday's game with back tightness, and while the issue isn't considered serious, he'll miss at least one start. Adam Duvall will start at first base in his place Tuesday.

Votto, who left Monday's game with back tightness, might get Tuesday off as well, although the injury is not considered serious, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto let manager Jim Riggleman know before the game that he was dealing with some nagging discomfort in his back, but convinced the skipper to put him in the lineup. He hit a single that was misplayed by the Giants' left fielder, and Votto looked really uncomfortable jogging into second base, and the Reds got him out of there shortly thereafter. Adam Duvall replaced Votto at first base, and would likely get the start if the Reds opt to hold their star out of Tuesday's contest.