MLB Player News

Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and two strikeouts in Friday's 6-5 win over the Nationals.

With two hits and eight strikeouts over the last three games, Goldschmidt seems to be pressing of late at the dish, but his sterling track record suggests he'll be able to turn it around before long. Fortunately for the Diamondbacks, they've remained effective as an offensive unit even as their top player has struggled, as Arizona has won two of those three contests while producing 21 runs.

Bell went 4-for-6 with a double, a triple, a run scored and four RBI in Friday's 13-5 win over the Rockies.

The 24-year-old greatly enjoyed his first game in Coors Field, as so many have before him. He now has a .333/.375/.567 slash line with a home run and eight RBI in eight games since the All-Star break, and with the Pirates' offense back at full strength following the return of Starling Marte, Bell should see plenty of run-producing opportunities down the stretch.

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.