MLB Player News

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.

Flores (ribs) will remain on the active roster and avoid the disabled list at the present time, Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News reports.

After testing out the left rib injury and discussing his condition with manager Terry Collins prior to Thursday's series finale against the Yankees, it was determined that Flores would stay on the active roster but likely need a couple days off to recover. It seems as though the Mets finally received some good news concerning an injury, but it's still worth keeping an eye on Flores, because if his condition doesn't improve over the next few days he could wind up landing on the DL. In his place, Matt Reynolds was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas and will start at third for Thursday's contest.

Cooper was placed on the 10-day disabled list Thursday with left hamstring tendinitis.

It's unclear when the injury cropped up on Cooper, but it could help explain the 0-for-6 stint over his last two games after he went 8-for-12 (.667) in his first three games of August. It's unclear how long the issue will keep him sidelined, but he'll be eligible to return Aug. 27 should he be ready. In the meantime, Tyler Austin was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take his place on the active roster, and will likely serve as the backup first baseman to Chase Headley for the time being. With Greg Bird (ankle) expected to return from the disabled list next week, Cooper's role when he is activated remains up in the air, but his playing time will likely take a big hit.

Flores (ribs) is not in Thursday's lineup for the series finale against the Yankees, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It appears as though Flores will test his left side prior to Thursday's game, and could wind up on the disabled list if he doesn't feel up to par. In his place, the club recalled Matt Reynolds and Gavin Cecchini from Triple-A Las Vegas to provide depth in the infield. There will likely be another update on the 26-year-old's condition before the start of Thursday's affair.

Rizzo went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and two runs scored during Wednesday's win over Cincinnati.

Rizzo hit two home runs and drove in nine runs through the first three games of the series and is up to a .265/.385/.513 slash line for the season. He remains a high-end asset in all settings, and Rizzo might even have earned second-base status in some leagues after being scored at the keystone for the 10th time Monday. It's a potentially huge fantasy boost.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Wednesday's 9-5 loss to the Astros.

Goldschmidt's eighth-inning blast cut his team's deficit to two, but the hosts promptly responded with four runs in the bottom of the frame to put the contest out of reach. The 29-year-old first baseman has strengthened his NL MVP bid with four home runs in his last eight games, giving him 29 on the year.

Flores went to the hospital to have his sore ribcage further evaluated, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

It appears Flores, who was scratched from Wednesday's game after he was unable to take swings during pregame, may be dealing with something serious. Manager Terry Collins said the Mets might need a pair of infielders for Thursday, according to Marc Carig of Newsday, so it sounds like he may ultimately require a stint on the disabled list to get over the ailment. More should be known after the results from his hospital visit are disclosed.

Cabrera will start at second base and bat second in the order during Wednesday's game with the Yankees, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

With a pair of sore left rib injuries causing Jose Reyes and Wilmer Flores to earn removals from Wednesday's lineup, Cabrera and Rene Rivera were put into their places, while Travis d'Arnaud takes on the third base assignment. Although manager Terry Collins was planning on giving Cabrera the day off after four straight starts, the 31-year-old will remain in the field, and could see increased time in the coming days if Reyes or Flores miss an extended period of time.