MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-3 in Friday's win over the Phillies.

He was removed as part of a double switch in the sixth inning, but overall it was a successful big-league debut for Smith. The sweet-swinging lefty is still only 22 years old, and while his power stroke has begun to emerge over the last two seasons in the high minors, he's more likely to be a contributor in batting average in his first taste of the majors.

Franklin was traded to the Braves to complete the Brandon Phillips deal from February.

Franklin was a 2013 draft pick with Cincinnati, but by his fifth season of professional ball he was only able to advance to High-A Dayton in the Reds' system. He only spent 13 games with Dayton before the trade but had failed to impress after the promotion, going 6-for-40 with only one extra-base hit. He'll look to reestablish himself with Atlanta and change his fortunes.

Manager Terry Collins said Cabrera has been hindered by a left hand injury over the past few days, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

The ailment explains Cabrera's absence from the starting lineup over the past three days, though it's unclear as to the severity of the injury at this point. Consider the veteran infielder to be day-to-day heading into the weekend, meaning Neil Walker will likely continue starting at the hot corner while Jose Reyes or Wilmer Flores takes over at second base.

Smith will make his big-league debut Friday against the Phillies.

Smith, a 22-year-old first baseman, is considered one of the top prospects in the Mets' system and will get his first chance to show his power against major-league pitching. He has 16 home runs and is slashing .330/.386/.519 this season with Triple-A Las Vegas, so it was only a matter of time until he got his chance with the big-league squad. He'll be batting sixth in the lineup Friday, but will have the chance to move up in the lineup if he can show the pop in his bat he's been displaying throughout the minors.

Cabrera is out of the lineup Friday against the Phillies.

It marks the third consecutive game in which the veteran infielder retreats to the bench in favor of Neil Walker at third base. Cabrera hasn't been hitting terribly this season, slashing .277/.324/.383 since the All-Star break, but appears to be in jeopardy of losing out on playing time as the season enters its homestretch.

Flores went 3-for-5 with a double and a three-run home run in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

The homer was his 14th of the season and third in five games, but despite his current hot streak Flores could be spending a lot of time on the bench beginning Friday after top first-base prospect Dominic Smith was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas. Flores' best hope for a starting spot over the remainder of the season might come at third base if Asdrubal Cabrera gets dealt to a contender.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Hoskins will see the majority of his playing time in left field until Aaron Altherr (hamstring) returns from the disabled list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Altherr is not expected back until September. When he returns, Mackanin will start to give Hoskins more time at first base. He will have to split time at first base with Tommy Joseph, but if he performs well in his left field trial this month, he will also be able to make some outfield starts in September. Hoskins made his major-league debut Thursday, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout.

Smith was called up by the Mets on Thursday.

The club designated reliever Fernando Salas for assignment in order to clear room on both the 25 and 40-man rosters for Smith. The 22-year-old first base prospect is considered one of the gems of the Mets' organization and has shown excellent pop from the left side of the plate with 16 home runs and 52 total extra-base hits at Triple-A Las Vegas this season.

Bell went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Tigers.

It was his first home run of August and 20th of the year. The pop has been surprising for a player who was better known for his hit tool as a prospect and managed only three homers in 45 games last season. This level of power may not be sustainable, but there is room for growth with the batting average, and improvement there would help offset any power decline.

Votto went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three walks and two runs scored in Thursday's win over the Padres.

He continues to hit and get on base at an elite clip -- Votto has hit safely in 15 straight games, with 16 walks over that stretch -- and he's hitting for more power than ever before in his age-33 season. Votto's 1.051 OPS is the best in baseball.