MLB Player News

Rizzo will bat atop the order and man first base against the Nationals on Thursday.

Manager Joe Maddon is looking to shake things up with the Cubs' offense in a little bit of a rut, as the team only managed six runs versus the Brewers during a three-game set this week. In addition, Daniel Murphy went 0-for-11 as the leadoff hitter, so Maddon will attempt to jolt him out of his mini-slump by placing the second baseman in the three hole while Rizzo hits first.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a double, stolen base and a run in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rockies.

Goldschmidt reached base for the 48th consecutive road game, extending the franchise record he already held. Though the Diamondbacks have seen their playoff hopes take a major hit after dropping four of their last five games, Goldschmidt has been even more excellent than usual in September, hitting .395/.500/.711 with as many walks (eight) as strikeouts. While Goldschmidt is on pace to finish with his typically stellar marks in the batting average and power-production categories, his involvement on the basepaths has taken a hit in his age-30 campaign. The stolen base he notched Wednesday was just his sixth of the season and first in nearly a month.

Shaw is out of the lineup versus Atlanta on Wednesday, Kerry Crowley of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Shaw will take up a spot on the bench for the fourth time in the past five games after going 0-for-3 on Tuesday. Alen Hanson will man left field and bat second during the series finale.

Dixon is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Dixon will hit the bench after four consecutive starts, each of which came at different positions. Despite having no direct line to an everyday role at any spot, the 26-year-old's versatility should continue to help him earn steady work throughout September. Dixon has yet to do much with his opportunities, however, as he's slashing just .194/.223/.389 across 112 plate appearances in the big leagues this season.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Cabrera will head to the bench for the second half of Tuesday's twin bill after going hitless in four at-bats during Game 1. Scott Kingery will cover shortstop in his stead, hitting eighth.

Smith (groin) is starting at first base and hitting sixth Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Smith picked up a groin injury over the weekend, but he was able to make a pinch-hit appearance in Sunday's series finale against the Phillies, doubling and eventually coming around to score. He's been cleared to rejoin the starting nine following Monday's off day, with Jay Bruce getting a breather as a result of Smith's inclusion in the lineup.

Votto is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Votto will retreat to the bench after going 1-for-4 with a walk and a two-run double in Monday's series-opening win. He had started 12 consecutive games, slashing .262/.407/.452 with two homers and 11 RBI over those contests. Brandon Dixon will take over at first base and bat seventh.

Bell went 3-for-5 with an RBI double against the Cardinals on Monday.

He's homered twice in the last three games and has reached base eight times in his last 13 plate appearances. Bell nearly went deep Monday, doubling in the ninth inning off the left-field fence. The first baseman is 2-for-9 with a walk and an RBI against Tuesday's starter, Miles Mikolas.

Votto went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a walk and a run scored Monday in the win over Los Angeles.

Votto put the Reds on the board in the first inning, driving in a pair of runs on a double to right field. The 35-year-old is slashing .282/.421/.422 through 130 ballgames in what has turned out to be a disappointing 2018 campaign.

Shaw is not in the lineup Monday against the Braves, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Shaw will stick on the bench for a third straight game with the Braves sending out a left-handed starter in Sean Newcomb. The rookie is just 1-for-17 through his first eight games with the big club, albeit his one hit is a homer. Hunter Pence will start in left field in this one.