MLB Player News

Hoerner is not in the lineup Thursday against the Pirates.

The Cubs are trotting out mostly reserves for Thursday's series finale after getting eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday. Addison Russell is starting at shortstop and hitting seventh in place of Hoerner.

McNeil (wrist) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

This move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Dominic Smith (foot), who was activated from the 60-day IL on Thursday. According to Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record, McNeil will likely undergo surgery to repair his fractured right wrist Tuesday. The procedure typically carries a six-week recovery timeline, so he should be ready to go by the start of spring training.

Lux is not starting Thursday against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Lux will head to the bench Thursday with a left-hander in Joey Lucchesi starting for the Padres. In his place, Max Muncy is starting at second base and hitting fourth.

Dubon appeared to suffer an injury in Wednesday's contest against the Rockies, but he just had the wind knocked out of him and stayed in the game, Hank Schulman of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

There was an initial scare that Dubon took a shot from Tony Wolters' knee to the head/neck area, but he ended up absorbing the blow with his chest and simply had the wind knocked out of him. The rookie second baseman was able to stay in the game and finished with two hits in three at-bats. Perhaps manager Bruce Bochy will give Dubon the day off with an early start for Thursday's series-finale against the Rockies.

McNeil was diagnosed with a distal ulnar fracture in his right wrist Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

McNeil will see his season come to an end four games early after being hit by a pitch during the sixth inning Wednesday against the Marlins. It's unclear if surgery will be necessary, but it's a tough way to end a spectacular season for the 27-year-old. McNeil will finish 2019 with a .318/.384/.531 slash line with 38 doubles, 23 home runs and 75 RBI in 133 games.

McNeil was removed from Wednesday's game against the Marlins after being hit by a pitch around his right hand, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

McNeil appeared to be in significant pain and left the contest after being examined by the athletic trainer. The 27-year-old went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI to help the Mets build a 9-0 lead before being removed.

Albies went 3-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 9-6 loss to the Royals.

He took Kansas City closer Ian Kennedy deep in the ninth inning for his 24th homer of the year, tying the career high he established last year. Albies is slashing .364/.405/.662 through 20 games in September, and the heater has the 22-year-old on the brink of hitting .300 for the season.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's 9-2 loss to the Pirates.

The Cubs have seen their playoff chances evaporate with a seven-game losing streak, but a silver lining has been the emergence of Hoerner. The rookie shortstop is slashing .295/.328/.492 through the first 15 games of his MLB career. Heading into 2020, a healthy Javier Baez will lock down one of the middle infield spots, but Hoerner has made a strong case for ample playing time.

Dubon led off and went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Braves.

Dubon played the role of leadoff hitter well, singling off of Dallas Keuchel to begin the sixth frame, nabbing his third steal of the season, then coming around to score on an Evan Longoria double to get the Giants on the board. The rookie middle infielder has now led off against a southpaw in consecutive contests, a role he could keep over the final week of the regular season and potentially into the 2020 campaign.

Albies is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Albies has been on fire of late, but with the Braves clinching the division title Friday, manager Brian Snitker is giving his regulars a chance to rest up in advance of the postseason. Albies will get a two-day break heading into a team off day. Adeiny Hechavarria will start at second base Sunday for the second day in a row.