MLB Player News

Diaz (foot) will play in an instructional league game Saturday with the goal of being activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Diaz has been out with a foot contusion since late July and had seemingly been ruled out for the year, but he's finally making good progress. He'll have a shot to play in one final regular-season game and he could be a factor in the playoffs, should the Rays qualify.

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.

Diaz (foot) worked out at Tropicana Field on Thursday in his ongoing attempt for a potential postseason return, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz is also slated for instructional league at-bats Saturday as he continues a quest that may have seemed a bit farfetched just a few weeks ago. Diaz has been sidelined by a left foot fracture since mid-July, and his activation would require the clearing of a spot on the 40-man roster.

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.

Gurriel isn't in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

As anticipated, Gurriel will get the night off. Aledmys Diaz starts at first base and is set to bat fifth.

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.