MLB Player News

Freeman (elbow) is starting at first base and batting third Friday against the Mets.

Freeman sat three of the past four games to receive treatment for a bone spur in his right elbow, but he's good to go for the beginning of the final series of the regular season. According to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves want the veteran first baseman to play two games this weekend, but Freeman hopes to be in the lineup for all three contests.

Rizzo (ankle) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals.

There were some indications earlier in the week that Rizzo could be shut down after the Cubs were eliminated from playoff contention, and he'll now sit for the second straight game after leaving Wednesday's contest early. The 30-year-old suffered a right ankle sprain in mid-September that wasn't allowed to fully heal since he played through the injury, so it makes sense for the team to remain cautious. Victor Caratini receives another start at first base in his place.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians.

Cabrera started the last three games and will head to the bench after going 4-for-8 with five runs scored, two RBI, a home run and three walks over that stretch. Howie Kendrick will cover the keystone while Matt Adams starts at first base.

Votto is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Pittsburgh.

Votto started the last eight contests but will head to the bench after going 0-for-10 with five strikeouts in the last two games. Alex Blandino receives the start at first base in the series opener.

Cabrera went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, two RBI, a double, a walk and another run scored in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Cabrera cracked open the scoring with a sacrifice fly RBI in the first inning. He then walked in the third, doubled and scored in the fifth, and the veteran finished off his successful night at the plate with a 393-foot homer in the seventh. In 36 games with the Nationals this season, Cabrera is slashing a solid .317/.397/.558. He has 18 home runs overall with 24 doubles.

Smith (foot) was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Thursday.

Smith will join the Mets for the final four games of the season after missing two months with a stress reaction in his left foot. Prior to landing on the shelf, the 24-year-old hit .278 with 10 home runs and an .858 OPS through 88 games. Jeff McNeil (wrist) was shifted to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move. According to Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record, manager Mickey Callaway said Smith will likely serve as a bench option.

Rizzo (ankle) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Pirates.

The Cubs are resting most of their starters for Wednesday's series finale, with Victor Caratini starting at first base in place of Rizzo. With Chicago eliminated from playoff contention, Rizzo -- who is still nursing a right ankle sprain -- may be withheld from the lineup over the team's final four games.

Alonso went 1-for-4 with a walk and a three-run home run in Wednesday's 10-3 win over the Marlins.

While the Mets were eliminated from postseason contention by a Brewers win Wednesday, Alonso will still have plenty to play for over the final few games of the season. The rookie slugger not only leads the majors with 51 homers, two ahead of Eugenio Suarez, but he's one more long ball away from tying Aaron Judge's all-time rookie record of 52. Alonso will have four more games to try and match, or even pass, Judge in the history books.

Rizzo could be held out of the final four games of the regular season due to his right ankle sprain, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Rizzo exited Wednesday's game following the third inning and may not return for the final four games of the season with the Cubs now eliminated from playoff contention. The 30-year-old suffered a moderate right ankle sprain Aug. 15 but ended up missing only three games as he decided to fight through the issue for the stretch run. Rizzo is 8-for-20 with one home run and one double in the six games since rejoining the lineup, but it would make sense for the team to remain cautious if he's still less than 100 percent.

Hiura went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored Thursday against the Reds.

Hiura took Tyler Mahle deep in the second inning to record his 19th home run of the season. He now has three home runs in 10 games since coming off the injured list Sept. 14, also recording at least one hit in eight of those contests. The 23-year-old continues to show plenty of promise at the plate, maintaining a .300/.365/.576 line while also chipping in nine steals across 80 games this season.