MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-2 win over Atlanta.

Smith has been a consistent offensive threat in his first season with Washington, but he hasn't provided much power, which isn't surprising given he's never had more than 11 long balls in a season. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has already appeared in 61 games this season, the third most of his seven-year career, so as long as he stays healthy, he figures to have a regular spot in the Nationals' lineup.

Olson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Nationals.

Olson opened the scoring with a two-run home run off Trevor Williams in the first inning, but that was all Atlanta's offense could muster Sunday. It was the slugger's first long ball since May 29, and he'd gone just 7-for-40 with 14 strikeouts across his previous 10 games. Olson started the season on fire but has cooled off significantly of late, so it's encouraging to see him back on the board with his first extra-base hit in June.

Wade is not in the starting lineup Sunday versus the Cubs.

Wade will take a seat after he went 0-for-6 with two walks and a run scored while striking out once over the first two games of the series versus Chicago. Wilmer Flores will take over at first base and bat fifth as the Giants look to avoid the sweep Sunday.

Singleton is not in the starting lineup Sunday versus Oakland.

Singleton will head to the bench as the Brewers face off with southpaw JP Sears on Sunday. Singleton has gone 3-for-22 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored while drawing a walk and striking out six times since being promoted from Triple-A Nashville on June 3. Christian Yelich will slot in at designated hitter while Blake Perkins enters the lineup in left field and will bat eighth as Milwaukee looks to avoid the sweep.

Tellez is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Athletics.

Tellez will take a seat as the Brewers square off with left-hander JP Sears on the mound Sunday. Owen Miller will slide over to first base while Andruw Monasterio takes over at second base and bats ninth in the series finale with Oakland.

Philadelphia optioned Ellis to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Ellis was booted off the 26-man active roster to make room for Alec Bohm (hamstring), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday's game against the Dodgers. During his recent stay with the Phillies, Ellis logged 22 plate appearances and slashed .222/.364/.556 with a pair of home runs and three RBI.

Philadelphia reinstated Bohm (hamstring) off the 15-day injured list Sunday. He'll start at third base and bat fifth in the Phillies' series finale with the Dodgers.

Bohm missed just over the minimum 10 days while recovering from a mild hamstring strain. Though he's moved between first and third base when healthy this season, Bohm will likely see most of his time at the hot corner moving forward while Kody Clemens fills in at first base until Darick Hall (thumb) is ready to return from the 60-day IL. The Phillies optioned Drew Ellis to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Bohm.

Gurriel is not in the starting lineup Sunday versus the White Sox.

Gurriel will take a seat for the second time in three days after he went 0-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored while striking out twice in Saturday's victory. Garrett Cooper will draw the start at first base and bat fifth in Sunday's rubber match with Chicago.

Mervis went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Giants.

Mervis was in quite the rough patch over his last nine games, going just 1-for-26 with a 3:11 BB:K. He at least put an end to his power drought with a third-inning solo shot off Jakob Junis that ended up being all the offense the Cubs needed. Mervis has three homers over his first 24 big-league games, but he's struggled to a .173/.247/.309 slash line with 10 RBI and eight runs scored through 89 plate appearances. He is likely to remain in a strong-side platoon role while learning on the job against major-league pitching. Trey Mancini figures to play first base against most lefties.

Smith will sit Saturday against Atlanta, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Michael Chavis takes over at first base for Smith, who sits for the first time since late April. Smith probably wouldn't have anything close to an everyday role on many other teams, as he's homered just once while slashing .265/.347/.301. That's good for just an 84 wRC+, marking the third straight season he's been below 90 in that category.