MLB Player News

Bell (groin) will not return this season, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bell was hoping to return before the end of the season, but the Pirates opted to play it safe and shut him down with just five games left and no chance at making the playoffs. The first baseman will be eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2020 after slashing .277/.367/.569 with career highs in doubles (37), home runs (37) and RBI (116).

Manager Mickey Callaway said Smith (foot) could be activated from the injured list Thursday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Smith went through a workout on the field Wednesday, which included hitting and running the bases. If he's still feeling good Thursday, it sounds like the 24-year-old could be cleared to return for the final four games of the season. He's been sidelined since the end of July with a stress reaction in his left foot.

Smith (foot), who is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Marlins, took live batting practice prior to the game, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

Smith is eligible to return from the 60-day IL on Wednesday, though the Mets are waiting on results from his most recent CT scan before deciding whether to activate him. Even if the team is eliminated from the playoffs in the coming days, Smith could still see a handful of at-bats over the final week of the season, assuming he checks out OK.

Walker sits for the second straight game Wednesday against St. Louis.

Walker didn't start Tuesday's game but wound up receiving six plate appearances in the 19-inning epic, going 0-for-4 with a pair of walks. Kevin Cron gets the start at first base Wednesday.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

The Cardinals are resting most of their starters following Tuesday's 19-inning loss, during which Goldschmidt went 2-for-8 with a solo home run. Rangel Ravelo is starting at first base and hitting third in this one.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-8 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 19-inning loss to the Diamondbacks.

Goldschmidt launched a 405-foot shot to left center field in the 13th inning to give the Cardinals a short-lived lead. The 32-year-old has gone deep 33 times this year while driving in 95 runs; however, his first season in St. Louis has been a mild disappointment, as both his batting average (.259) and stolen-base total (two) are well below his career norms.

Freeman (elbow) is trending toward rejoining the starting lineup Friday against the Mets, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. "It's been very, very positive so far, so I've got a feeling when he shows up on Friday he's going to be really good to go," manager Brian Snitker said.

Freeman is in Atlanta receiving treatment on his bothersome right elbow, which has been causing him discomfort in recent weeks thanks to a bone spur. The first baseman is apparently feeling much better following a couple days of rest and rehab, suggesting he could be ready to return to action when he meets up with the Braves in New York later in the week. Austin Riley and Francisco Cervelli are candidates to see time at first base while Freeman remains sidelined.

Hoskins won't start the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hoskins went 0-for-3 with a walk in the afternoon contest. The Phillies' loss in that game eliminated them from playoff contention, so Hoskins will sit in favor of Logan Morrison for the nightcap.

Diaz (foot) fielded grounders Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Diaz, who has been sidelined since late July with a foot contusion, said he initially dealt with some pain but ultimately felt OK. While this is a step in the right direction for the third baseman, he still isn't expected to return this season unless the Rays make a deep run in the playoffs.

Voit is not starting Tuesday against the Rays, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Voit is slashing .232/.338/.391 with two home runs and a 28.7 percent strikeout rate in 20 games since returning from the injured list. DJ LeMahieu is starting at first base in Tuesday's series opener, with Gio Urshela getting the nod at third base.