MLB Player News

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.

Olson is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Orioles, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Olson will head to the bench for a breather as the Orioles send out southpaw Wade Miley. Ryon Healy will take over for him at first base for the contest, though the 23-year-old is expected to start most games at first base against righty pitchers.

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.

Smith will be called up by the Mets prior to Friday's game against the Phillies, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports.

Smith has been knocking on the door of his major-league debut for quite some time now, and with Lucas Duda and Jay Bruce on other clubs, the No. 2 prospect in New York's system will finally get his opportunity. In 114 games with Triple-A Las Vegas this season, Smith is hitting .330/.386/.519 with an OPS of .905. Additionally, he's swatted 16 home runs and plated 76 runners while providing a viable glove at first base. He will be plugged into the lineup for Friday's contest upon his arrival, and is likely to maintain an everyday role with the Mets throughout the rest of the season.