MLB Player News

The Dodgers placed Smith on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to a right hand contusion.

Smith initially suffered the injury Sept. 3, when he took a foul tip off his hand. He was able to return to the lineup for Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Rockies, but Smith hasn't played since and will now go on the IL after manager Dave Roberts noted that the backstop wasn't making much improvement, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. With Smith's IL stint being backdated to Wednesday, he'll be eligible to return Sept. 20, and Roberts suggested that the backstop could be ready to go by that date. In the meantime, Ben Rortvedt will likely serve as the team's primary backstop.

The Padres recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Rodriguez has spent the vast majority of the season in the minor leagues, though he already has one MLB outing under his belt -- a 1.2-inning scoreless appearance against the Pirates on May 31. Since then, he's posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 14.1 frames at El Paso, and he'll now provide the Padres with some extra bullpen depth for the final few weeks of the regular season. JP Sears was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Padres optioned Sears to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

The Padres turned to Sears to make a spot start Friday against Colorado, during which he surrendered four earned runs on five hits and a walk while fanning eight batters in 4.1 innings. Now that they no longer need a sixth rotation arm, the Friars will send the 26-year-old back to the minors and bring up reliever Bradgley Rodriguez to round out the pitching staff.

Fermin isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Colorado.

Fermin will give way to Elias Diaz behind the plate after going 1-for-5 with a run scored through the first two games of the series.

McLain isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics.

McLain will get a breather Saturday after going 9-for-32 (.281) with a homer, four RBI and six runs scored through his first 10 games of September. Gavin Lux will start at the keystone instead, moving TJ Friedl into the DH spot and opening up center field for Will Benson.

Steer isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics.

Steer will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 1-for-4 with a steal and two strikeouts in Friday's series opener. Sal Stewart will fill in as Cincinnati's first baseman and bat sixth.

The Giants reinstated Encarnacion (hamstring) from the injured list Saturday.

A Grade 2 strain in Encarnacion's right hamstring has kept him on the shelf since early August. After playing in five rehab games and going 2-for-17 with two RBI, a run scored and a steal, the 27-year-old outfielder will return to San Francisco and replace Dominic Smith (hamstring) on the 28-man roster. Encarnacion will start in right field and bat seventh Saturday but isn't expected to receive regular starts down the stretch.

The Giants placed Smith on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right hamstring strain.

Smith injured himself while doing the splits to catch a throw from Matt Chapman during Friday's contest, and it will now cause him to miss at least 10 days while on the injured list. Rafael Devers will start at first base Saturday against Los Angeles and figures to do so more often until Smith returns. Meanwhile, Jerar Encarnacion (hamstring) will come off the IL to claim the open spot on the active roster.

Vargas isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Minnesota.

After collecting a base hit in each of his last four games, Vargas will receive a day to rest while Tim Tawa starts at first base for the Diamondbacks.

Marte (foot) will start at second base and bat second Saturday against the Twins.

Marte was able to get through pregame activities without any problems, so he'll receive the green light to return to Arizona's lineup Saturday. The 31-year-old will aim to break out of a slump after going 3-for-26 with an RBI and two runs scored over his last seven games.