MLB Player News

Abreu is absent from the White Sox lineup as they host the Blue Jays Friday.

Todd Frazier will start in place of Abreu at first base. Abreu is hitting .308 over his last 10 games with three home runs and 13 RBI. Assuming this is just a routine day off for Abreu, expect him back in the lineup as the White Sox face R.A. Dickey Saturday.

O'Hearn, 22, is batting .296/.362/.503 with seven home runs and 24 RBI through 49 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

After a slow start at this level, O'Hearn has really turned up the heat. He has been even better of late, batting .351 with three home runs and eight RBI over his last 10 games. O'Hearn is often overlooked because he strikes out too much, but his average has actually improved since last season. O'Hearn should be getting more publicity.

Rizzo (back) remains out of the lineup Friday against Miami.

Rizzo is missing a second straight game with back stiffness as Kris Bryant takes his place at first base. Rizzo dealt with a back injury earlier this month, but he told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com that his current issue is different.

Votto (illness) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres, Jamie Ramsey of the Reds reports.

Votto did not start the last three days due to his illness, but he was able to pinch hit in Thursday's game and will be back at his regular spot at first base Friday night. Votto will second in the Reds' batting order against Padres starter Colin Rea.

Votto (illness) struck out in the ninth inning in a pinch-hitting appearance Thursday against the Padres.

Votto is close to getting back to action after missing three starts with an illness. This week might have extended the buy-low window in your league.

Howard went 2-for-5 with a solo homer, his 11th of the year, in Thursday's win against the Twins.

Thursday marked Howard's first multi-hit game since April 29. The 2005 NL Rookie of the Year and 2006 MVP is having an embarrassing year, becoming one of the most expensive bench players in the history of the sport. He's making $25 million this season while slashing .150/.204/.350 and obliterating his career lows in practically every meaningful category. At 36-years-old, the writing is on the wall for Howard, and he's sadly become irrelevant in most fantasy formats.

Abreu went 2-for-4 with three-run homer in Thursday's 10-inning loss to the Red Sox.

For a time, it looked as though he'd be this game's hero, as Abreu's shot in the top of the seventh turned a 5-4 deficit into a 7-5 lead. Unfortunately, the Red Sox chipped away at the Chicago bullpen and ended up with the win. Nonetheless, after two cold months to start the year, Abreu's been looking much more Abreu-like in June -- he's sitting on a .333 average with five homers and 20 RBI in 20 games.

Votto (illness) could play Thursday against San Diego, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto is not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to a stomach virus but the Reds announced that he would be available to play if needed. The 32-year-old slugger is having a fantastic June, slashing .338/.482/.508 over 18 games. He's also stole four bases this month.

Flores is not in the starting lineup Thursday as the Mets face the Braves.

Taking the day off may help Flores as he has just one hit in his last 14 at-bats. During that stretch, his batting average has dropped from .250 to .228. Kelly Johnson gets the start at third base Thursday and will bat fifth.

Votto (illness) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

Votto has missed the past two games with an illness and Thursday will be a third as Adam Duvall will get the nod at first base. He had been playing well recently, going 8-for-22 with a five-game hitting streak during the previous five contests.