MLB Player News

Alonso went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two runs scored Friday against the Braves.

Alonso cranked his 52nd home run of the 2019 campaign in the bottom of the first inning, tying Aaron Judge for the all-time rookie record. The 24-year-old slugger is slashing .260/.359/.582 over 159 games this season, and he'll have two more contests to take sole possession of the home-run record.

Solano (calf) isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Los Angeles, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Solano was called on to pinch hit Thursday, his first action since Sept. 17. He's been battling a right calf injury, and while he doesn't appear ready to return to the lineup yet, he'll likely be available off the bench again Friday evening.

Freeman (elbow) is starting at first base and batting third Friday against the Mets.

Freeman sat three of the past four games to receive treatment for a bone spur in his right elbow, but he's good to go for the beginning of the final series of the regular season. According to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves want the veteran first baseman to play two games this weekend, but Freeman hopes to be in the lineup for all three contests.

Rizzo (ankle) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals.

There were some indications earlier in the week that Rizzo could be shut down after the Cubs were eliminated from playoff contention, and he'll now sit for the second straight game after leaving Wednesday's contest early. The 30-year-old suffered a right ankle sprain in mid-September that wasn't allowed to fully heal since he played through the injury, so it makes sense for the team to remain cautious. Victor Caratini receives another start at first base in his place.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians.

Cabrera started the last three games and will head to the bench after going 4-for-8 with five runs scored, two RBI, a home run and three walks over that stretch. Howie Kendrick will cover the keystone while Matt Adams starts at first base.

Votto is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Pittsburgh.

Votto started the last eight contests but will head to the bench after going 0-for-10 with five strikeouts in the last two games. Alex Blandino receives the start at first base in the series opener.

Cabrera went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, two RBI, a double, a walk and another run scored in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Cabrera cracked open the scoring with a sacrifice fly RBI in the first inning. He then walked in the third, doubled and scored in the fifth, and the veteran finished off his successful night at the plate with a 393-foot homer in the seventh. In 36 games with the Nationals this season, Cabrera is slashing a solid .317/.397/.558. He has 18 home runs overall with 24 doubles.

Smith (foot) was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Thursday.

Smith will join the Mets for the final four games of the season after missing two months with a stress reaction in his left foot. Prior to landing on the shelf, the 24-year-old hit .278 with 10 home runs and an .858 OPS through 88 games. Jeff McNeil (wrist) was shifted to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move. According to Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record, manager Mickey Callaway said Smith will likely serve as a bench option.

Rizzo (ankle) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Pirates.

The Cubs are resting most of their starters for Wednesday's series finale, with Victor Caratini starting at first base in place of Rizzo. With Chicago eliminated from playoff contention, Rizzo -- who is still nursing a right ankle sprain -- may be withheld from the lineup over the team's final four games.

Alonso went 1-for-4 with a walk and a three-run home run in Wednesday's 10-3 win over the Marlins.

While the Mets were eliminated from postseason contention by a Brewers win Wednesday, Alonso will still have plenty to play for over the final few games of the season. The rookie slugger not only leads the majors with 51 homers, two ahead of Eugenio Suarez, but he's one more long ball away from tying Aaron Judge's all-time rookie record of 52. Alonso will have four more games to try and match, or even pass, Judge in the history books.