MLB Player News

Freeman was removed from Friday's game against the Nationals due to right elbow soreness.

The Braves announced that Freeman's removal was precautionary, but he's likely headed for further evaluation to ensure the issue isn't serious. Charlie Culberson replaced Freeman at first base.

Bell left Friday's game against the Cubs with an unspecified injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Bell appeared to suffer the injury while on the basepaths, and he walked off the field slowly, per Berry. Jose Osuna moved to first base following Bell's removal from the contest.

Alonso is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Alonso started the last 35 games and posted a .967 OPS with 13 home runs and 31 RBI in that stretch, but he'll take a seat for the series opener. The rookie slugger is 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts in his last three contests, so it seems to be a good time for a day off. Todd Frazier will start at first base and bat sixth in his absence.

Votto went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and a stolen base while scoring three times in a win over Seattle on Thursday.

Votto served as the DH in the interleague battle and responded with his seventh game of three or more hits in 2019. The 36-year-old is suffering through perhaps the poorest full season of his major-league career, hitting only .267 with 14 homers, 44 RBI and 110 strikeouts in 130 games.

Smith (foot) hopes to be ready to be activated when first eligible Sept. 25, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He took a big step in his recovery Wednesday running and hitting off a tee for the first time since suffering a stress fracture in his left foot in July. It will be all about whether Smith can work his way into game shape over the next two weeks. At best, he would be available for the final five games of the regular season.

Goldschmidt is not in Thursday's lineup against the Rockies.

He is hitting .281/.452/.469 with zero home runs, 10 walks and six strikeouts in 10 games this month. Rangel Ravelo will start at first base and hit sixth.

Flores is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mets.

Flores has started six of the last eight games, with five of those starts coming against righties. He is hitting .250 with one home run in 24 at-bats over that stretch. Jake Lamb draws the start at third base against righty Marcus Stroman while Eduardo Escobar slides over to the keystone.

Naylor is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Cubs.

He will miss his second game in a row. Naylor is hitting .227 with zero home runs, five strikeouts and four walks in nine games this month. Wil Myers starts in right field while hitting cleanup.

Hiura (hamstring) won't play in Wednesday's game and won't return to the lineup until Monday at the earliest, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It sounds like he could get some pinch-hit opportunities in this weekend's series in St. Louis but won't be able to take the field until the upcoming homestand. With Christian Yelich (fractured kneecap) done for the season, the Brewers will lean on Hiura to help carry the offense as they look to win the second wild-card spot in the National League.

Beaty is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Orioles.

He heads to the bench with southpaw John Means on the hill for Baltimore. David Freese starts at first base while hitting second.