MLB Player News

Manager Joe Maddon said he "would be surprised" if Rizzo (back) returned Friday against the Brewers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo is out of the lineup for a fourth straight game Thursday due to back tightness. While he's hoping to return against the Brewers over the weekend, he doesn't sound ready to go for Friday's series opener. Victor Caratini is starting at first base in place of Rizzo on Thursday.

Smith (foot) has been cleared to begin some baseball activities, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith is trending in the right direction, as he recently shed his walking boot and has been cleared to play catch for the first time since landing on the injured list at the end of July with a stress reaction in his left foot. The 24-year-old still hasn't been given the green light to resume running, however, leaving him without a concrete timetable for his return.

Rizzo (back) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Mets.

As expected, Rizzo will miss a fourth consecutive game as he continues to battle back tightness. The hope is that the first baseman will be able to return to action during Chicago's upcoming series against the Brewers this weekend. In the meantime, Victor Caratini is starting at first base and hitting fifth in this one.

Bell went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 12-3 loss to the Phillies.

Bell's 34th long ball of the season was an opposite-field shot off Vince Velasquez and allowed him to overtake Washington's Anthony Rendon for sole possession of second place in the National League RBI race (106). Though his power production since the All-Star break has dropped off dramatically from his boffo first half, Bell has at least started surging lately with three home runs in his last five games.

Hoskins went 2-for-3 with a triple, double, walk, RBI and two runs Wednesday in the Phillies' 12-3 win over the Pirates.

Hoskins is batting just .174 with five home runs since the All-Star break, but his performance Wednesday inspires some optimism about his prospects heading into the final month of the season. Per the Associated Press, Hoskins said that he estimated he swung at "80 percent" effort Wednesday in an attempt to gain better control of the barrel of his bat, and for at least one night, the change in approach paid dividends. Hoskins will look to carry over that success into the weekend series with the Mets, when he'll be scheduled to face a trio of tough starting pitchers in Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz and Marcus Stroman.

Hiura went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI in Wednesday's victory over the Cardinals.

Hiura went through a dry spell from July 28 through Aug. 6, collecting just four hits and no RBI over that span, but he has been hot since, hitting .320/.393/.640 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 84 plate appearances over 18 games. Hiura has started all but one game in August, and has occupied a spot in the top four of the batting order in all but two of those games.

Cabrera went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored Wednesday against the Orioles.

Cabrera delivered RBI hits in the first and fifth frames, continuing his strong production of late. Since Aug. 7 -- his first start with the Nationals -- Cabrera has gone 18-for-52 with 18 RBI, nine runs scored and two home runs. For the season, he's now slashing .251/.333/.419 across 429 plate appearances.

Freeman went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Freeman had a productive game but saved his best for last, taking Buddy Boshers deep in the final frame for his 36th homer of the season. He also played a part in the team's five-run rally in the second inning, lacing a double to left field to score Ronald Acuna. Freeman had been uncharacteristically quiet of late, failing to record a hit in each of his last three starts. His overall numbers for the season remain fantastic however, as he's hitting .297 to go along with 107 RBI and 103 runs scored across 135 games.

Beaty is not starting Wednesday against the Padres.

Beaty has started two of the past three games, going 3-for-7 with a stolen base and a pair of runs scored. Cody Bellinger is covering first base in his stead Wednesday, with Chris Taylor starting in the outfield.

Rizzo (back) is hoping to return against the Brewers over the weekend, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo has been out of the lineup since Sunday and doesn't expect to be available for the remainder of Chicago's series against the Mets, which ends Thursday. He's slated to take some swings and test out his back Wednesday, at which point a more concrete return date will come into focus. In the meantime, Ian Happ is starting at first base Wednesday.