MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Rays.

Smith blasted his homer to right field off Rays starter Tyler Glasnow in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old Smith is up to 10 homers, 42 RBI, 27 runs scored and a .314/.377/.615 slash line in 48 contests. He hit 11 homers in 89 games last season -- Smith has enjoyed a power surge in the abbreviated 2020 campaign.

Flores isn't starting Wednesday against the Rockies.

Flores will retreat to the bench once again after going 0-for-16 with six strikeouts over the last five games. Austin Slater will take over as the designated hitter, leading off.

Hoskins (elbow) is unlikely to return prior to Sunday's regular-season finale, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins took dry swings once again Wednesday, but he still hasn't hit the ball as he deals with a UCL injury in his left arm. As a result, manager Joe Girardi said that he probably won't play again. However, it's unclear whether he could be available if the Phillies qualify for the postseason. He could still require Tommy John surgery to aid in his recovery process, but there's a possibility he's still ready for Opening Day in 2021 even if he goes under the knife.

Bell is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Bell sits after going 0-for-19 with nine strikeouts in his last seven games, dragging his season slash line down to .221/.296/.354. Colin Moran starts at first base Wednesday, with Jose Osuna serving as the designated hitter.

Cronenworth will start at shortstop and will bat second Wednesday against the Angels.

With Fernando Tatis receiving his first day off of the season, Cronenworth will take his spot both in the field and in the batting order. Cronenworth, who previously hasn't hit higher than fourth, has mostly been serving as the Padres' No. 7 hitter in September while slashing .211/.308/.316 on the month.

Freeman went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and three total runs scored during Tuesday's 11-1 win over the Marlins.

With the third-highest batting average and second-highest OPS in the league, Freeman is squarely in the MVP race. He is slashing .347/.463/.643 through 199 at-bats this season.

Alonso went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Rays.

Alonso's big night at the dish helped the Mets keep their faint playoff hopes alive for another day, but any late flurry to finish the season won't be enough for him to repay fantasy managers who invested in him on draft day. A .220 BABIP and overall downturn in power production has limited Alonso to a .741 OPS this season, 200 points below his mark from his brilliant rookie campaign.

Rizzo went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Pirates.

Rizzo's 10th home run of the season was all the offense the Cubs could muster. The first baseman is having a down year by his standards with a .741 OPS, which would be his lowest mark since coming to Chicago in 2012, but he can quickly put that behind him if he performs well in the upcoming postseason.

Hiura is not starting Tuesday against the Reds.

Hiura hits the bench for the first time all season after going 2-for-16 with 10 strikeouts in his last five games. It's been a frustrating sophomore campaign for him overall, as he's hit just .215/.308/.436 after breaking into the league with a .303/.368/.570 line last year. Jace Peterson will get the nod at second base in his absence.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 with an RBI, two runs scored and a walk Monday against the Phillies.

Cabrera stayed hot at the dish Monday night, plating a run in the first inning on a single to center. He's now hit safely in eight of his last 10 contests, racking up three homers and eight RBI over that stretch.