MLB Player News

Stassi was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Stassi heads to Lehigh Valley with the return of Howie Kendrick (hamstring) to the big-league club. During 51 games with the Phillies this season, Stassi has hit just .167/.278/.295 with two home runs and seven RBI. He will continue to serve as organizational depth while looking to bounce back at the Triple-A level.

The Indians have shown interest in acquiring Cabrera, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports.

As Crasnick notes, the Tribe is looking for a utility player if it can't land a star. The Mets had planned to have Cabrera take groundballs at third base to increase his versatility to them and, more importantly, potential trade partners. Cabrera started his major-league career with Cleveland, and a homecoming could rejuvenate his performance a bit, especially in its often dangerous lineup. A new opportunity could make him more useful in fantasy leagues, especially if he moves to the AL and can help single-universe clubs.

Freeman (illness) is in the starting lineup Thursday against the Dodgers, playing third base and batting third, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Freeman left Wednesday's bout with flu-like symptoms, but it seems like that was a minor blip on the radar in the grand scheme of things. He'll resume his normal spot in the heart of Atlanta's order looking to get the Braves in the thick of the playoff race.

Cabrera will start taking groundballs at third base, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets want to build versatility among their infielders with the impending arrival of top prospect Amed Rosario, who may show up around the trade deadline and will prompt more shuffling among Cabrera, Jose Reyes and, when he returns, Neil Walker (hamstring). Even with diminished playing time, Cabrera, who may wind up eligible at second base, third base and shortstop by season's end, can help many deep mixed fantasy clubs with his sometimes standout power. If another club trades for him and provides him with a more concrete opportunity, he'll get a boost.

Voit will start at first base and bat cleanup Thursday against the Mets.

Voit has seen his playing time cut back considerably since the return of Kolten Wong, but with Wong getting the day off and Matt Carpenter moving over to second to cover, first base will open up for Voit. He'll also be tabbed for the cleanup spot for the third time this season, as regular four hitter Jedd Gyorko will be getting the day off as well.

Cabrera went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Multi-hit games haven't exactly been raining down for the Mets' reluctant second baseman, as he'd managed such a feat only once in his prior 11 contests -- a span in which he hit a brutal .132. Obviously, the Mets have yet to honor the trade request that followed his position change from shortstop to the keystone, but with the deadline approaching, his days in the Big Apple could be numbered.

Bell is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers.

Bell is beginning to find his stroke at the plate in July with a .288/.362/.519 slash line. Nonetheless, he'll head the bench for his first night off since July 4. Jose Osuna will man first base in his place.

Freeman was removed from Wednesday's game against the Cubs with flu-like symptoms.

Freeman went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before he was replaced at first base by Matt Adams, though it seems he simply wasn't feeling well enough to keep playing. Consider the slugger day-to-day going forward and look for Johan Camargo to fill in as the third baseman if he's forced to miss extended time. The team would certainly miss Freeman's bat, as he owns a .304/.347/.587 slash line since returning from the disabled list.

Goldschmidt doubled and walked four times in five plate appearances in Tuesday's 11-2 win over the Reds.

The four walks moved Goldschmidt up to fourth in the majors with 62 on the season, with the first baseman's 11 intentional free passes tying Bryce Harper for the league lead. Opposing pitchers may not have the luxury of working around Goldschmidt for much longer, as the Diamondbacks' acquisition Tuesday of slugger J.D. Martinez will provide another power threat in the heart of the order. Goldschmidt is projected to stick in his normal position in the three hole, while Martinez presumably settles into the cleanup spot.

Hiura was promoted to Low-A Wisconsin on Tuesday.

While it was not surprising to see him make quick work of the AZL, his .435/.500/.839 slash line with four home runs and five triples in 15 games was still pretty preposterous. The Midwest League will provide a much more legitimate test for the No. 9 overall pick in this year's draft. Hiura was considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the class, so if he continues to rake over the season's final six weeks, his dynasty-league stock will be sky high this winter.