MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a hit-by-pitch in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Reds.

Smith has struggled at the plate since returning from a nearly three-month-long absence due to a neck injury. He's gone 3-for-20 (.150) with two extra-base hits and five RBI over eight contests since he was activated. Smith has been eased back into action, and the homer could spark his offense. On the year, he's batting .238 with a .710 OPS, seven homers, 28 RBI, 27 runs scored, six doubles and no stolen bases over 60 contests.

Goodman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Yankees.

The Rockies' bats were held in check by Yankees ace Cam Schlittler, but Goodman reduced the deficit to two runs by taking Tim Hill deep for a two-run homer in the ninth inning. It was Goodman's first home run since Aug. 26 and 37th of the season, tied with Matt Olson for fifth in the majors. Goodman has an .848 OPS with five steals, 78 RBI and 56 extra-base hits over 513 plate appearances this season.

Rortvedt cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Alex Freedman of okccomets.com reports

The Dodgers designated Rortvedt for assignment Sept. 1 to make room for Will Smith's return from a neck injury. Rortvedt is expected to start In Oklahoma City's game Wednesday.

Ruiz isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The Nationals have fallen into a pattern of alternating between Ruiz and Harry Ford behind the plate, and Tuesday will mark the latter's turn to handle catching duties.

Cavanaugh is not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Cardinals, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The Cardinals have southpaw Quinn Mathews taking the mound Tuesday, so the left-handed bat of Cavanaugh will take a breather on the bench. Andrew Knizner is starting behind the dish and is batting sixth.

Salas isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Nationals.

Salas will move to the bench Tuesday after going 0-for-10 with four strikeouts across his first four games in the big leagues. Freddy Fermin will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth.

The Giants optioned Morgan to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Morgan was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sept. 1 but did not appear in a game before getting sent back down Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Giants recalled Brett Harris.

Kelly is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Kelly was behind the dish the previous two days for the Cubs, so he'll take a seat Tuesday. Miguel Amaya will do the catch and slot into the No. 9 spot in the batting order.

Mack is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets.

The left-handed-hitting Mack's days off typically come when the opposition has a southpaw on the mound, and that's the case here with Sean Manaea slated to toe the rubber for the Mets. Brian Navarreto will handle the catching duties for the Marlins.

The Pirates outrighted Bethancourt to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.

Bethancourt did not appear in a game during his brief time on the Pirates' 40-man roster, but he's slated to remain in the organization as experienced catching depth. The 35-year-old is a career .229/.259/.362 hitter over parts of eight big-league seasons.