MLB Player News

Flores went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Saturday's win over Miami.

Flores is now up to eight homers, 15 RBI, 12 runs and a .292/.350/.667 slash line through his past 24 games. He's locked into full-time at-bats moving forward and also offers lineup flexibility because of his eligibility at multiple positions. Flores has the potential to be a game changer down the fantasy stretch drive.

Hoskins went 1-for-3 with a homer, two walks, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's win over the Giants.

The 24-year-old is now up to four home runs this week. He's done most of his damage against lefties -- three of his four homers have come against southpaws -- but Hoskins was even better against right-handers than he was against left-handed pitching with Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to his promotion. Hoskins is expected to play more at first base once Aaron Altherr (hamstring) is ready to go.

Joseph is not in the lineup Saturday against the Giants.

Joseph has struggled over his last five starts, going just 1-for-19 with a walk, so he'll get the day off to clear his head. Jorge Alfaro is starting at first base in his stead, batting sixth.

Hiura landed on the 7-day disabled list with a mild left hamstring strain Friday, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports.

Although any sort of injury for a top prospect is concerning, Hiura's issue seems minor. The 21-year-old has been playing at Low-A Wisconsin for the past month and tearing it up for the Timber Rattlers, hitting .347/.385/.484 with 15 RBI and 13 runs in 24 games.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against Miami.

Smith will get a breather following seven straight starts to begin his major-league career. During his first week of action, the first baseman went 4-for-25 at the plate, adding one home run and a pair of RBI. In his place, Wilmer Flores draws the start at first base.

Flores (ribs) is back in the lineup Friday against the Marlins.

Flores was able to avoid landing on the disabled list following a left rib injury that has forced him out of the lineup for the past two games. He will take over at first and bat in the cleanup spot for the series opener, but don't be surprised if he receives a couple days off here and there while fully recovering from the rib soreness. Since the All-Star break, Flores is hitting .292/.342/.625 with seven home runs and 13 RBI.

Rizzo went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's loss to the Reds.

Rizzo has been on a tear over the last four games, as he's gone 9-for-17 with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI. He figures to continue providing outstanding fantasy value the rest of the way from the heart of a strong Cubs lineup.

Votto went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run during Thursday's win over the Cubs.

The first baseman just continues to pad his fantasy stats and boasts an elite .316/.448/.601 slash line with 32 homers, 86 RBI and 84 runs. Votto's final numbers might fall short of his dominant 2010 showing when he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, but this has been his best season since earning that honor.

Abreu went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's 9-8 loss to Texas.

Abreu doesn't get as many RBI opportunities as most middle of the order hitters due to the subpar lineup around him, but he came up in a dream situation with the bases loaded and nobody out in the third inning. The Cuban first baseman didn't waste his chance, driving in two runs with a single through the left side. He led off the ninth inning with a solo homer to make it a one-run game, but Chicago was unable to push the tying run across. If he fails to pick up 25 more RBI in the season's final 44 games, Abreu will come up short of 100 for the first time in his four-year career.

Freeman went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a double during Thursday's win over Colorado.

The only thing to slow Freeman down this season was a fluky wrist injury that cost him 44 games. Even with the missed time, he's racked up 22 homers, 49 RBI and 58 runs with an elite .321/.421/.636 slash line. 2018 could be the season Freeman puts it all together and posts his true breakout campaign, so it's not out of the question to consider ponying up in keeper/dynasty settings now.