MLB Player News

Howard went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and two strikeouts in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Nationals.

Howard's homer provided all of Philadelphia's offense in this one, as the rest of the lineup managed just two hits against Nationals ace Max Scherzer. The veteran first baseman reached the 20-homer mark for the third straight season, but his 31.3 percent strikeout rate makes him an extremely hit-or-miss option.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's win over the Pirates.

Rizzo's first-inning blast was his 26th of the season, but just his second this month and first since Aug. 14. Despite the dip in power, the first baseman has been racking up the hits this month, going 36-for-108 (.333) in August to raise his season's average to .294.

Gurriel is out of Tuesday's lineup against Oakland, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gurriel had been starting to find his rhythm at the plate recently, as he's gone 6-for-14 over the last four games. The 32-year-old rookie will get the night off as Alex Bregman starts at third base and Evan Gattis serves as the DH.

Cabrera (knee) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

After getting the day off Monday to rest his sore knee, Cabrera returns to the lineup for Tuesday's divisional matchup. Cabrera will bat second in the order and start at shortstop. His return to the lineup will slide Jose Reyes back over to third base and bump Kelly Johnson back to the bench.

Cron went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, two runs and two RBI in Monday's 9-2 win over the Reds.

Cron was one of four Angels to leave the yard against Reds starter Dan Straily. The 26-year-old has strung together consecutive three-hit games, and is beginning to solidify himself as the clean-up hitter in Los Angeles. That's a valuable role with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols occupying the two preceding lineup spots.

Bell homered, walked twice and scored two runs in a 1-for-2 game in Monday's extra-innings loss to the Cubs.

Bell is on fire since returning August 20, with a 7:2 BB:K and three extra-base hits in 10 games. Sean Rodriguez has done well this year, with a .252/.333/.486 batting line, but Bell has been too good for the Pirates to keep him out of the lineup. His season line is now up to an absurd .407/.541/.704.

Calhoun went 3-for-5 with a double, a homer and two runs scored Monday against the Reds.

Calhoun was one of four Angels to hit both a double and a home run, as their lineup teed off on Reds starter Dan Straily in a 9-2 victory. The leadoff man has put together a six-game hitting streak following a cold stretch in which he managed just a lone single in five games. There's still much room for improvement considering the long ball was only Calhoun's third since Jun. 25.

Votto went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Monday's 9-2 loss to the Angels.

Votto opened the scoring in the top of the first, but that was all the offense Cincinnati would muster against Matt Shoemaker. The veteran first baseman has been remarkably consistent with at least 22 homers in seven of the past nine years. He's as locked in as any player in baseball with 15 RBI in his last 10 games.

Gurriel is in the lineup Monday, manning third base and batting sixth against the A's.

Gurriel has played in six games since joining the Astros, but until Monday, he had been relegated to either pinch-hitting or DH duties. He figures to see more time at both third base and in the outfield down the stretch run of the season, though it's also possible he continues as the club's preferred DH option.

Cabrera (knee) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com.

Cabrera was expected to start Monday despite his early exit from Sunday's contest, but he will get at least one day to rest and recover. Given that Cabrera had a shot to play Monday, he should have a chance to get back on the field for the Mets' next game Tuesday.