MLB Player News

Flores will not play the rest of the season due to a broken nose, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Flores suffered a broken nose after fouling a ball off his face over the weekend, and while there was hope that he would be able to play before the season ends, Thursday's visit with a specialist confirmed otherwise. The 26-year-old utility infielder will end his season with 18 homers and a respectable .271/.307/.488 line in 110 games for the Mets. Jose Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Matt Reynolds are all expected to help fill in for Flores around the infield down the stretch.

Goldschmidt (elbow) believes he could return to the lineup Friday against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo indicated that Goldschmidt prodded him to play Wednesday against the Dodgers, but the All-Star ultimately sat out a fourth straight contest with inflammation in his right elbow. In spite of the MVP candidate's absence, the Diamondbacks have been able to extend their winning streak to 13 games to further solidify their playoff positioning, so there isn't any impetus to rush Goldschmidt back into action at less-than-full health. Goldschmidt will likely be evaluated at batting practice Friday morning before his status for the series opener with San Diego is determined.

Bour (oblique) is a candidate to rejoin the Marlins as early as Friday, MLB.com reports.

Bour has been on the DL since July 25 due to an oblique strain, but recently began a rehab assignment with High-A Jacksonville. He's since played three games for the Jumbo Shrimp, going a combined 3-for-9 at the plate. Bour even homered in the Double-A playoffs Sunday, and intends to be back in the lineup Thursday. Should he play a full nine innings without issue, a Friday activation is possible, and it should occur at some point in the four-game series in Atlanta regardless.

Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs in a rain-shortened win against the Phillies on Wednesday.

He's been stringing plenty of hits together -- 16 of them over his last 13 games, a stretch in which Cabrera's hit .348 with three homers and 12 RBI. It's rather surprising to see him playing out the season with the Mets, who've sold off just about all their other useful veterans, but Cabrera's likely to continue providing steady (if relatively low-end) middle-infield production down the stretch.

Goldschmidt (elbow) is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Dodgers.

Goldschmidt will miss a fourth straight game while recovering from an elbow injury, but should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener against San Diego. He is likely available off the bench during Wednesday's contest, but Daniel Descalso will draw another start in his stead.

Bell is out of the lineup against the Cubs on Wednesday.

Bell heads to the bench following 14 straight starts, hitting .269/.345/.481 with three home runs and nine RBI during that span. In his place, Jose Osuna takes over at first base, while batting fifth in the order.

An MRI on Goldschmidt's injured elbow revealed no structural damage Tuesday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Goldschmidt stated that he's dealing with some inflammation in his injured elbow but that he's fortunately avoided any significant damage. He's available off the bench Tuesday and could conceivably be back in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Goldschmidt (elbow) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Goldschmidt lobbied to continue playing through the elbow issue, but the Diamondbacks decided to send him back to Phoenix for an MRI. The results of that exam have not yet been disclosed. Daniel Descalso is starting at first base in place of Goldschmidt against lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Flores (nose) is still experiencing swelling and will be re-examined Thursday, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Flores was examined Tuesday, three days after he suffered a broken nose as a result of a foul ball to the face, and the Mets will continue to gauge his progress. There was some talk that Flores could return at some point this week; even if he can't return to action before the end of the homestand, Flores seems to stand a strong chance to play again before the season concludes.

Rizzo is out of Tuesday's lineup against the Pirates.

The Cubs will give Rizzo his first day off in almost a month. Victor Caratini, a catcher by trade, gets a start at first base, hitting seventh. Look for Rizzo to play almost every day over the rest of the season.