MLB Player News

Abreu will bat fifth in Monday's Game 2 against the Indians.

Abreu got Sunday and half of Monday off, but he'll return to the lineup Monday night trying to improve on his current batting average of .243.

Smith is not considered a short-term option to help the Mets at first base in the wake of Lucas Duda's back injury, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Just 20 years old, Smith is getting his first exposure to Double-A to begin the 2016 season. Thus far, he's handled the jump reasonably well, hitting .272/.308/.407 with four homers, 31 RBI, and a 9:27 BB:K in 41 games. For now, the Mets will use a committee to replace Duda, which will likely feature Wilmer Flores as a regular at first base once Flores is back from the disabled list.

Flores (hamstring), who is set to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Binghamton, will be the team's top priority to play first base once he returns from the disabled list following Lucas Duda's placement on the DL, ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports.

Eric Campbell will also be in the mix, but the Mets are holding off on moving David Wright or Neil Walker to first base in the coming weeks, while manager Terry Collins also said that Dominic Smith is not considered a short-term option. The Mets called up Ty Kelly from Triple-A to replace Duda on the roster Monday, but Flores could be in position for near everyday at-bats once he's healthy.

Calhoun is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

This is Calhoun's first day off this season as the 28-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers on the team. Although his home run total is down through 44 games, his .290/.368/.407 line and 21 RBI are impressive. Calhoun's strikeout rate is down approximately five percent and his walk rate is up approximately three percent, showing his improved control at the plate. This could be a career year if the Arizona native continues his current pace.

Bour is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Rays, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

With left-hander Matt Moore taking the mound for Tampa Bay, the Marlins decided it was a good day to give Bour his first day off since May 13. Chris Johnson will slot in at first base in his stead, although Bour will likely return to the lineup Tuesday with right-hander Jake Odorizzi expected to pitch for the Rays.

Bour went 1-for-3 in Sunday's loss to the Nationals, accounting for all the Marlins' offense with a two-run homer off Max Scherzer in the seventh inning.

He's found his power stroke in May, homering in back-to-back games and launching six bombs in his last 14 games to give him nine on the season. Bour's .235 batting average (12-for-51) on the month is far from ideal, but if you need a power boost he could be available in shallower formats.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a walk Sunday at the Cardinals.

Goldschmidt drove in both of his runs after the Diamondbacks had a comfortable lead in a game they'd win. He's now driven in a run in six of his last seven contests to give him 26 on the season.

Abreu is out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals.

Abreu served as the DH on Saturday after starting every game since April 20 at first base. Now, manager Robin Ventura will continue his preservation of the star first basemen, giving him his first outright day off of the season. In his stead, Jerry Sands will draw his second straight start at first base on Sunday afternoon.

Howard is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Braves.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Saturday that he was considering holding the slumping Howard out Sunday, and it turns out he will indeed do just that. Tommy Joseph will get the start at first base in place of Howard, who is just 4-for-44 (.091) through 16 games this month.

Carter is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

Carter tallied three home runs and nine RBI in his last eight games, but he also struck out 11 times in his past four contests, so manager Craig Counsell decided it was time for a day off. Ramon Flores will get the start at first base in Carter's place.