MLB Player News

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Miami.

Smith has tallied a base hit in each of his last four starts, but the Dodgers will keep him on the bench to begin Saturday's contest and instead start Hunter Feduccia at catcher.

Freeman (knee) will start at first base and bat second Saturday against the Marlins.

Freeman sat out the Dodgers' last two games while battling a knee injury, but he seems to be feeling well enough to play after a couple days of rest. The veteran first baseman has struggled at the plate since the beginning of September, going just 3-for-22 with nine strikeouts in seven games this month.

Oviedo (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Oviedo has been out since early April due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, but after building up gradually over the course of the season, he's now ready to test his elbow in a game setting. The 28-year-old will likely require multiple rehab outings before rejoining Boston's bullpen, but the door is open for him to return before the end of the regular season.

Suzuki isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Suzuki will get a chance to catch his breath Saturday after going 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored during Friday's win. Tyrone Taylor will fill in as Chicago's right fielder and bat ninth.

The Pirates recalled Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Simon was sent down to Triple-A on Friday following Ryan O'Hearn's return from the injured list, but the former will turn around and rejoin the big club with Esmerlyn Valdez (hamstring) landing on the IL. Simon logged just one plate appearance during his previous week-long stint with the Bucs and will likely continue to serve as bench depth until Valdez is healthy.

The Pirates placed Valdez on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained left hamstring.

Valdez made an early exit from Friday's contest after injuring himself while running out of the batter's box, and he'll now officially remain out of action until at least Sept. 23. Jake Mangum is set to start in right field Saturday against the Cubs and could see regular playing time until Valdez returns. Meanwhile, Ronny Simon will come up from Triple-A to replenish Pittsburgh's outfield depth.

Basabe isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Basabe will retreat to the bench Saturday after starting six of the Giants' last seven games and going 3-for-19 with seven strikeouts in that span. Jonah Cox will fill in at the keystone and bat fourth.

Collins isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Collins will pick out a seat on the bench after going 1-for-2 with a walk, a run and a steal during Friday's contest. Matthew Lugo will start in left field and bat eighth.

Caglianone (elbow) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Boston.

Saturday marks the sixth straight game that Caglianone will miss as he continues to recover from a left flexor strain, and there's still no telling how far away he is from returning to action. John Rave will start in right field and bat seventh.

The Cubs placed Thornton on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left ankle soreness, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Thornton has been one of the more reliable members of a shaky Cubs bullpen this season, but his move to the IL will prevent him from pitching in a game until the final day of the regular season. Edward Cabrera (finger) was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move and will join Chicago's bullpen to fill the void left by Thornton.