MLB Player News

France was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Fernando Tatis (hamstring) was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move, pushing Manny Machado back to an everyday role at third base and leaving little-to-no playing time for France. As such, he'll head back to the minors to see consistent at-bats with the Chihuahuas. During his time with the Padres, France slashed .235/.290/.357 with two homers and 10 RBI in 34 appearances (107 plate appearances).

Smith (thumb) will start in left field and bat second Thursday against the Giants, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith hyperextended his right thumb Saturday, but he avoided a trip to the injured list after an MRI cleared him of any structural damage. The injury nonetheless limited Smith to a bench role for the previous three contests, with the 23-year-old logging a sole pinch-hitting appearance during that span. With the soreness in his thumb apparently having subsided, Smith will enter the lineup in the series finale for what will be his fourth outfield start of the season. Smith could be pressed into more regular action in the event Robinson Cano (hamstring) needs to return to the IL, in which case Jeff McNeil would likely pick up more starts at second base rather than the outfield.

Beaty (hip flexor) has been placed on the 10-day injured list, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Beaty's injury wasn't initially thought to be serious, as manager Dave Roberts said he was feeling better and that he was available off the bench Tuesday. However, it's apparently worse than the club thought, as the issue has forced him to the 10-day IL, retroactive to Monday. Outfielder Kyle Garlick has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Alonso went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to the Giants.

His sixth-inning blast off Madison Bumgarner got the Mets on the board, and gave Alonso an even 20 homers on the year. The rookie is heating up again, slashing .364/.400/.788 over his last eight games with three long balls and seven RBI, and with the lineup getting healthier around him, Alonso's run-producing opportunities should increase heading into the summer.

Freeman went 3-for-6 with a home run, two RBI and two runs in a 12-5 victory against the Pirates on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has been one of the hottest power hitters in the league over the last few weeks, as he has eight home runs since May 16. He's also on a modest four-game hitting streak. The power surge has Freeman's slugging percentage up to .578, and he is batting .310 with 15 home runs, 37 RBI and 43 runs in 232 at-bats this season.

Cooper went 4-for-5 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and four runs scored Tuesday against the Brewers.

Cooper delivered the highlight of his performance in the third inning, popping a solo home run to center field. It was his fifth homer of the season, though that was far from his only production, as he scored a run four of the five times he reached base. It was his second consecutive multi-run game, and his fourth in 24 games for the campaign. In limited playing time, Cooper has shown both the ability to get on base and hit for power with his .289/.368/.482 line.

Beaty (hip flexor) is feeling better and is available to pinch hit Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Beaty has been dealing with a minor hip flexor injury, but manager Dave Roberts said he's available off the bench if needed for the Dodgers' tilt with the Diamondbacks, adding that he expects Beaty to slot into the starting lineup for Friday's road game against the Giants. The 26-year-old is hitting .286 over 42 at-bats so far this season.

Smith will sit with a sprained right thumb Tuesday against the Giants, Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports reports.

Smith's injury had previously been reported as thumb soreness and as a hyperextended thumb, but the diagnosis has been changed to a sprain following Monday's MRI. Smith still hopes to be available off the bench for Tuesday's contest.

Bell sits for the first time this season Tuesday against the Braves.

Bell has been a fixture in the Pirates' lineup this season, and deservedly so, as he's broken out to a remarkable .332/.395/.681 line with 18 homers in 58 games. Jose Osuna will handle first base in his absence.

Walker went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Walker launched his 11th home run for Arizona's lone tally. He continues to emerge from a slump, bashing his third homer in the last five games. He's batting .400/.429/.900 during that stretch.