MLB Player News

Votto went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Friday's loss to Arizona.

Votto continues to be a pillar of consistency this season and is now up to 25 bombs, 64 RBI, 64 runs and a .315/.427/.627 slash line. He's taking a run at posting career-best totals in a number of categories (homers, RBI, runs, slugging percentage and OPS) and projects to remain an elite asset.

Joseph went 2-for-2 with a solo homer and two walks Friday against the Padres.

Joseph launched his 15th homer of the campaign to put the Phillies on the board in a home loss. Although he's batting a mediocre .251, he's a solid asset for fantasy owners in need of some pop from the corner infield position.

Freeman went 2-for-4 with a homer, a walk and three RBI on Friday against the Nationals

Freeman left the yard for the 15th time this year off Max Scherzer to break up a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning of a losing effort. He's been raking in his four games since returning from the disabled list, and continues to be one of the best hitters in the majors this season, as he's slashing .349/.459/.743.

Rizzo went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer Friday against the Pirates.

Rizzo blasted his 20th homer of the campaign as part of a three-run fourth inning that led to a divisional victory. Although his batting average is far from elite, he's been a major source of power for fantasy owners, as evidenced by his excellent .518 slugging percentage.

Manager Terry Collins said that Flores is currently dealing with leg cramps, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

This doesn't seem like an issue that would keep him out for an extended period of time, although it is possible that he sits out most of the weekend given that he'll effectively get a week off with the All-Star break coming up. Flores will likely continue to act as a reserve bench player even when he is healthy, however.

Shaw is slashing .299/.322/.549 in 37 games since being promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on May 24.

The slugging outfielder has produced nearly identical numbers for Sacramento following his promotion to that of his time with Double-A Richmond (.301/.390/.511 in 37 games). Giants general manager Bobby Evans stated that a 2017 appearance in the majors is unlikely because Shaw isn't required to be placed on the 40-man roster until next season, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. That said, he didn't rule out a possible promotion if his bat forces the issue. The 2015 first-round draft pick is trending in the right direction offensively, making him an appealing asset in dynasty formats.

Gurriel is not in Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Gurriel will get the day off following six straight starts. In that span, he has gone 11-for-26 with two home runs and 10 RBI at the plate, including four multi-hit games. Marwin Gonzalez draws the start at first in his stead.

Voit went 2-for-4 with three RBI from a two-run double and a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Marlins.

The rookie was a veritable one-man wrecking crew in the win, opening the Cardinals' scoring with a mammoth 446-foot shot in the first and following up with a timely two-bagger in the third that erased a 2-1 deficit. The 26-year-old has looked right at home early on against major-league pitching, and he's already racked up seven RBI over six July contests. That caliber of production is simply an extension of the excellent season Voit was enjoying at Triple-A Memphis, where he'd notched 36 extra-base hits (23 doubles, one triple, 12 homers) in 70 games.

Santana remains away from the team while on paternity leave for Friday's game.

This will mark the third and final game that Santana will be out of the lineup, since a player can only spend three days on the paternity list. In his place, Edwin Encarnacion will man first base while Abraham Almonte takes over the designated hitting duties against the Tigers.

Cron was called up by the Angels on Friday.

Cron has spent 34 games with the Angels this season, hitting .212/.266/.297 with two home runs and 14 RBI. The 31-year-old went just 6-for-35 during his time with Triple-A Salt Lake over the last 10 games, but will provide additional depth to the big-league roster behind Luis Valbuena at first base. Cron could see a few starts in the near future when left-handers take the mound, especially with Valbuena's struggles continuing at the plate.