MLB Player News

Freeman (finger) is expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Freeman has been dealing with a hairline fracture in his finger since Aug. 17 and has missed the Dodgers' last three games. His availability moving forward is dependent on pail tolerance, so Freeman may bow out of the lineup more often than typical down the stretch.

Beck (arm) made the fifth start of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Sacramento, striking out five over three innings while giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk.

After retiring just five batters while giving up seven runs (six earned) his last time out with Sacramento on Friday, Beck bounced back nicely Wednesday, giving up just one extra-base hit (a solo home run) and spotting 29 of his 41 pitches for strikes. He's now thrown exactly three innings in four of his rehab outings and hasn't thrown more than 56 pitches on any occasion, so the Giants may envision him serving as a multi-inning reliever in September rather than being an option for the rotation. Beck has been on the injured list all season with an upper right arm aneurysm that he addressed through surgery March 4.

Smith isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's game against the Orioles, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

After starting seven of the Dodgers' last eight games, Smith will get a chance to rest Thursday as Austin Barnes (toe) starts behind the dish in his first game back from the injured list.

Muncy isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's game against the Orioles, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

With southpaw Cade Povich set to take the mound for Baltimore, the Dodgers will keep the lefty-hitting Muncy in the dugout to begin Thursday's contest. Chris Taylor will cover the hot corner instead while batting seventh.

Freeman (finger) isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's game against Baltimore, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Freeman will miss his third start in a row as he continues to recover from a hairline fracture in his right middle finger that he sustained Aug. 17. His absence will allow Enrique Hernandez to pick up another start at first base and bat sixth Thursday.

Matz (back) is traveling with the Cardinals and is expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

If activated as expected, it seems Matz will be added as the extra pitcher when rosters are expanded Sunday. The southpaw completed his sixth rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Memphis during which he gave up two earned runs on five hits over three innings. It remains to be seen if he will return as a starter or long reliever.

Cronin was removed from Thursday's game against the Rockies due to an apparent injury, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Cronin was able to remain in the game after his first visit from the Marlins' training staff, though the decision was eventually made to pull him after he had trouble fielding a groundball in the sixth inning. It's not immediately apparent what is bothering the 26-year-old righty, but the team should have more information on his status sometime after the game.

The Dodgers optioned Feduccia to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Feduccia was brought up from the minors Aug. 19 to serve as extra catching depth while Austin Barnes (toe) was on the injured list. Now that Barnes has returned to the active roster, Feduccia will head back to Triple-A after appearing in one game, during which he went 1-for-2 with a walk.

Mitchell went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and stolen base in a 6-0 win over the Giants on Thursday.

Mitchell gave the Brewers a 1-0 lead with a solo homer off Hayden Birdsong. The outfielder picked up his third home run of the season, while the stolen base was the fifth. Mitchell has had a decent campaign when available with a .738 OPS in 44 games, though he's been unable to maintain an everyday spot in the lineup.

The Dodgers reinstated Barnes (toe) from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Barnes landed on the injured list Aug. 19 due to a fracture of his left big toe, though he will now return to the active roster following a minimum-length stay. The 34-year-old backstop has slashed .241/.318/.284 with eight RBI across 131 plate appearances while serving as Will Smith's backup, and his return will push Hunter Feduccia back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.