MLB Player News

Cooper (calf) is starting the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cooper didn't start Friday's series opener against Atlanta, but he appeared off the bench and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout. He'll start at first base and bat third during Saturday's matinee.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-1 win over the Brewers.

Goldschmidt's first-inning blast was ultimately all the Cardinals needed for the win. For the month, the first baseman is cruising, going 12-for-34 (.353) with four homers, 11 RBI, nine runs scored and three doubles through 10 contests. He's quickly closing in on another 30-homer campaign -- Goldschmidt had 28 this year, putting him a realistic position to challenge his career high of 36. He's added a .331/.414/.619 slash line, 89 RBI, 78 runs scored, five stolen bases and 31 doubles through 106 games.

Cooper (calf) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cooper's removal from Thursday's contest due to calf tightness was labeled precautionary, but he'll still end up being held out of the lineup for at least one more game. Jesus Aguilar will serve as the designated hitter while Lewin Diaz starts at first base.

Tellez isn't starting Friday against the Cardinals.

Tellez will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game with southpaw Jordan Montgomery on the mound for the Cardinals. Keston Hiura is starting at first base and batting sixth.

Goldschmidt went 3-for-5 with a homer, a double, two runs scored and three RBI in an 8-6 loss Thursday in Colorado.

Goldschmidt doubled and scored in the fourth and smacked a two-run homer in the eighth as the Cardinals attempted to mount a comeback. The 34-year-old didn't homer until the 19th game of the season, and Thursday's knock was his 27th of the season to go along with 31 doubles. Since the All-Star break, he's posted a .339/.424/.768 line with seven homers and 17 RBI in 15 games.

Cooper was removed from Thursday's win over the Phillies as a precautionary measure due to calf tightness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cooper's calf tightened up while running to first base in the sixth inning Thursday, and he was replaced by a pinch hitter in the eighth. Although manager Don Mattingly called Cooper's exit precautionary, the team will monitor the 31-year-old ahead of Friday's series opener against Atlanta.

Smith (ankle) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday and was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

After missing three weeks with a right ankle sprain, Smith will remain with Syracuse after going 4-for-17 with an RBI and two runs scored over five games during his rehab assignment. The 27-year-old will likely be a top option to get called up to the big leagues down the stretch, though his .194/.276/.284 slash line over 134 at-bats in 58 games with the Mets this year leaves much to be desired.

Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to serve as the 27th man for Thursday's Field of Dreams Game against the Reds.

Rivas was demoted to Iowa in late July but will rejoin the big-league club Thursday. The 25-year-old has a .232/.313/.316 slash line in 201 plate appearances this season and is likely to return to Triple-A after the contest.

Cron isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Cardinals.

Cron is riding a five-game hitting streak in which he's slashed .318/.375/.682 with a home run, a triple, three doubles, eight RBI and four runs. He'll get a breather while Elehuris Montero starts at first base and bats sixth.

Bell went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two walks in Wednesday's victory over the Giants.

Bell has seen some struggles at the plate since being traded to San Diego at the deadline. His OPS since then sits at .644 over 32 plate appearances. However, when playing in his new home stadium his OPS jumps up to .851. Time will tell how significant these trends are as Bell settles into his new home, but it's reasonable to expect him to bounce back eventually.