MLB Player News

Freeman went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Phillies.

The month of July wasn't quite as spectacular for Freeman as his April or May, but he still put together a .278/.350/.511 slash line with five homers and 15 RBI in 23 games. The 27-year-old slugger's next home run will be his 20th of the season and mark his fifth time reaching that threshold in seven MLB seasons.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Monday that Smith is "not far" from earning a promotion to the big leagues, Tyler Kepner of The New York Times reports.

The writing has been on the wall for Smith's promotion since everyday first baseman Lucas Duda was traded to the Rays last week, and the Mets' decision to promote top prospect Amed Rosario to the majors Tuesday may open the floodgates for further callups in the near future. Even after accounting for the tremendously hitter-friendly environment at Las Vegas, Smith's .340/.394/.534 slash line still stands out, so he certainly seems ready for his first trial with the Mets. Once his promotion eventually comes, Smith will likely occupy an everyday role at first base, resulting in the hot-hitting Wilmer Flores either moving across the diamond or settling into a bench role.

Cooper was sent down to Triple-A Scranton following Monday's game, Pete Caldera of The Record reports.

Cooper never found a rhythm for the Yankees, as he went just 6-for-25 with one walk against nine strikeouts in his eight games for New York. Chase Headley is on a roll and has settled into regular duty at first base for the time being, leaving Cooper the odd man out as the Yankees shuffle their roster following the trade deadline.

General manager Billy Eppler said Calhoun (hamstring) won't require a trip to the disabled list, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Eppler said Calhoun is considered day-to-day, as Monday's tests revealed his hamstring injury is somewhere between spasms and a Grade 1 strain. Shane Robinson will likely man right field while the 29-year-old is on the mend, though it doesn't sound like he'll miss too much time.

Bell launched a pinch-hit solo homer in Sunday's 7-1 win over the Padres.

Bell was scratched in favor of Jose Osuna at first base with a southpaw on the mound for San Diego, but he rewarded those who had the faith or forgetfulness to leave him in their lineups by slugging a ninth-inning long ball against left-handed reliever Jose Torres in his only at-bat of the game. That was the switch-hitter's sixth homer against lefties compared to 13 when facing right-handers.

Calhoun exited Sunday's game against the Blue Jays with right hamstring soreness.

Calhoun is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday in Los Angeles, at which point we'll have a better idea as to the severity of his hamstring injury. He'll be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Flores will start at first base and bat fifth Sunday against the Mariners.

Following the recent trade of Lucas Duda to the Rays along with T.J. Rivera (elbow) hitting the disabled list with a potential season-ending injury, Flores looks like a safe bet to enjoy regular starts at first base for the foreseeable future. He's already taken advantage of the uptick in at-bats by going 8-for-26 with three home runs over the Mets' last eight games, so it may be worthwhile to keep him active in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats while he continues to sizzle.

Bell is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

Bell has gone hitless and tallied six strikeouts at the plate over his past three games. In addition, the switch hitter is batting just .218/.299/.425 in 97 plate appearances against southpaws, and San Diego will start lefty Clayton Richard. Jose Osuna will draw the start at first base in his stead.

Calhoun exited Sunday's game against the Blue Jays early with an apparent injury, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Calhoun was 0-for-2 at the plate before being replaced by Shane Robinson in right field in the third inning. The reason for Calhoun's early departure is not yet known, but that information should become available following the conclusion of Sunday's contest.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners.

Cabrera has picked up 10 hits over the previous six games but went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts during Saturday's contest. He'll receive a day of rest with Matt Reynolds taking over at third base.