MLB Player News

Goldschmidt, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI single, a run-scoring double and a bases-loaded walk in a win over the Pirates on Saturday, went into Sunday's series finale with 22 RBI in 24 August games and a .333 average with runners in scoring position on the season.

The slugger has been raking throughout the second half of the season and has served as one of the best clutch hitters in all of baseball of late. Goldschmidt's RBI career high is a lofty and likely unreachable 125 (2013); however, at 77 RBI with 34 games remaining, he would appear to have a fighting chance of eclipsing the 97 runs he knocked in back in 2019, which currently serves as his best tally over the last four campaigns.

Smith is not in the lineup Sunday against Washington, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Smith is 2-for-27 in his past eight appearances and will take a seat for the second consecutive game. Kevin Pillar, who homered twice in Saturday's victory, will receive the start in left field for the Mets.

Rivas will start at first base and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the White Sox.

The 24-year-old Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa before Saturday's game but did not appear in the contest. He'll now make his MLB debut Sunday after slashing .284/.405/.411 with four home runs, 32 RBI and 35 walks in 237 plate appearances for Iowa. Rivas will give the Cubs some depth at first base, though Frank Schwindel has emerged as the starter there in the wake of the Anthony Rizzo trade.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Tampa Bay will roll with Jordan Luplow and Joey Wendle at the corner-infield spots while Diaz retreats to the bench. Diaz had started each of the past four games at either first or third base, going 6-for-16 with a double, three runs and two RBI.

Wade went 1-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 5-0 win over Atlanta.

The third-inning theft was Wade's first steal since July 22. Despite hitting leadoff against right-handed pitching, Wade hasn't provided much of a speed threat this year with four stolen bases and two triples through 269 plate appearances. He's added a solid .245/.315/.510 slash line with 17 home runs, 43 RBI and 38 runs scored.

Smith isn't starting Saturday's game against the Nationals, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News

Smith went 0-for-6 with a walk and two strikeouts across the last two games and will get a breather with left-hander Sean Nolin starting for the Nationals. Jeff McNeil will shift to left field while Jonathan Villar enters the lineup at third base.

The Cubs selected Rivas' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong offensive season in Iowa, hitting .284/.405/.411 with four home runs, 32 RBI and 35 walks in 237 plate appearances. With the Cubs, Rivas will be primed to make his major-league debut. He'll provide depth at first base and in the corner outfield for however long he remains on the major-league roster.

Santana was scratched from Saturday's lineup against Seattle with lingering soreness from his recent hip flexor injury, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Santana exited Monday's game and was out through Thursday with the hip issue, and apparently he isn't totally over it despite starting Friday. It's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench Saturday, and he should be considered day-to-day until further notice. Emmanuel Rivera entered the lineup to play first base.

Lowe will be on the bench Saturday against the Astros.

Even with an impressive five-hit performance Tuesday against Cleveland, Lowe is still hitting a poor .259/.300/.376 for the month of August. Andy Ibanez starts at first base in his absence.

Goldschmidt went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple in a win over the Pirates on Friday.

There seems to be no end in sight to Goldschmidt's second-half surge, much to the delight of fantasy managers. The veteran slugger has been especially lethal during the latter portion of August, as he's compiled a .404 average, 1.227 OPS and 11 extra-base hits (seven doubles, Friday's triple, three home runs) while striking out at a minuscule 6.0 percent clip over 50 plate appearances.