MLB Player News

Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and a stolen base Thursday in a 3-2 win in Atlanta in extra innings.

Goldschmidt doubled in the first inning and walked and stole a base in the eighth. He struck out twice and has seen an uptick in his strikeout rate with 23 punchouts in his last 82 plate appearances. Despite the increase in strikeouts, the first baseman continues to have a hot bat and has a .324/.415/.563 during that span.

Votto (back) isn't starting the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Votto has been dealing with back tightness recently and will remain out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game. He didn't appear in the first game of the twin bill, and it's not clear whether he'll be available off the bench during the nightcap. Mike Moustakas is starting at first base and batting sixth.

Vaughn isn't starting Thursday against the Tigers due to an illness, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Vaughn started in the last six games, but manager Tony La Russa revealed prior to the game that the 24-year-old is out of the lineup since he's feeling under the weather. Vaughn should be considered day-to-day as long as he doesn't test positive for COVID-19.

France (elbow) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

France sustained a Grade 2 flexor strain in his left elbow in late June but will rejoin the Mariners after spending just over the minimum of 10 days on the IL. The 27-year-old has posted strong results early in the year, slashing .316/.390/.476 with 10 homers, 45 RBI and 32 runs. He should reclaim an everyday role while Abraham Toro and Justin Upton see a decrease in playing time.

Torkelson isn't in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Torkelson started in the last three matchups and went 2-for-11 with two runs, an RBI, a walk and five strikeouts. Kody Clemens is taking over at first base and batting eighth Thursday.

Vaughn isn't starting Thursday against Detroit, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Vaughn is getting a day off after he hit .222 with a homer, a double, five RBI and four runs over the last six games. Gavin Sheets is serving as the designated hitter, while AJ Pollock starts in right field.

Rizzo (back) isn't starting Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

Rizzo will be out of the lineup for a third consecutive game after he was scratched Tuesday due to lower-back stiffness. He hasn't appeared in either of the last two games, but it's not yet clear whether he could be available off the bench for Thursday's series opener in Boston.

Smith is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins.

After going 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, two runs and an RBI in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Reds, the lefty-hitting Smith is beginning to make a case for playing more regularly against right-handed pitching. However, he'll head to the bench Thursday with southpaw Daniel Castano on the hill for Miami, affording J.D. Davis an opportunity to serve as the Mets' designated hitter.

Mountcastle (illness) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's game against the Angels, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

He'll be back in action after a two-game absence caused by a sinus issue. With Mountcastle returning to the lineup, Ryan McKenna will move back to a bench role after starting in four of the previous six contests.

Bohm is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Nationals.

Bohm will get a breather after he went 5-for-16 with a triple, three RBI and two runs over the last four games. Matt Vierling will take over at third base and bat eighth in the series finale.