MLB Player News

Olson went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Thursday's 5-4 loss to Philadelphia.

Olson went deep in the third and sixth innings to give Atlanta a 4-0 lead, but it didn't last. The first baseman's power has been on full display in August -- he's batting .265 (27-for-102) with eight homers and 26 RBI over 27 contests this month. While Olson is nowhere near the pace that saw him slug 54 homers over 162 games in 2023, he's got a good chance of reaching the 30-homer mark for the fifth straight full-length campaign. He's slashing .234/.313/.447 with 25 homers, 76 RBI, 65 runs scored, 30 doubles and a triple over 134 contests this season.

Pasquantino was forced to exit Thursday's game against the Astros after being involved in a collision at first base, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Lucas Erceg (hand) was unable to cleanly field a groundball, and he rushed an inaccurate throw to first base, causing Pasquantino to move into the path of the baserunner. The nature of the injury is currently unclear, but Pasquantino left the game immediately.

Freeman (finger) is expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Freeman has been dealing with a hairline fracture in his finger since Aug. 17 and has missed the Dodgers' last three games. His availability moving forward is dependent on pail tolerance, so Freeman may bow out of the lineup more often than typical down the stretch.

Freeman (finger) isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's game against Baltimore, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Freeman will miss his third start in a row as he continues to recover from a hairline fracture in his right middle finger that he sustained Aug. 17. His absence will allow Enrique Hernandez to pick up another start at first base and bat sixth Thursday.

Double-A Midland placed Kurtz on the 7-day injured list Aug. 25 due to a hamstring strain, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

There is no timetable for Kurtz's return, and given how late in the year it is, it's possible we won't see him again until 2025. Prior to the injury, Kurtz was arguably the most impressive hitter from this year's draft, hitting .368 with four home runs and more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) in 11 games split across Single-A and Double-A. Rib and shoulder injuries cost Kurtz time while at Wake Forrest.

Bauers is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants.

Bauers had started at either first base or designated hitter in each of the Brewers' previous three matchups with right-handers, but after sitting against Giants lefty Kyle Harrison on Wednesday, Bauers will remain on the bench for the series finale while righty Hayden Birdsong takes the hill for San Francisco. Rhys Hoskins will pick up the start at first base Thursday, and William Contreras will get a day off behind the plate and serve as the Brewers' DH.

Bride is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Colorado.

Bride had started every game for the Marlins since July 27 but will be given a breather for the series finale. Jake Burger will be at first base and Jesus Sanchez will slot in at designated hitter.

Joe went 3-for-4 with a solo home run two RBI and two walks Wednesday against the Cubs.

He got the start in right field in place of Bryan De La Cruz, and Joe delivered his second home run in his last three appearances. Though his playing time has come primarily against lefties, Rowdy Tellez (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's game early, and Joe would be the likely replacement if Tellez is out for an extended period.

Brown went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the Reds.

He took former teammate Sam Moll deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning before clubbing a game-winning, three-run homer off Emilio Pagan in the eighth. Brown snapped a 16-game power drought with the performance, but in 34 contests since returning to the majors just before the All-Star break, he's slashing an impressive .300/.369/.540 with seven home runs, 13 runs and 19 RBI. Tyler Soderstrom (wrist) is making progress in his recovery but isn't expected to be back in the lineup until at least mid-September, giving Brown more time to rack up production as Oakland's primary option at first base before he gets some competition for at-bats against right-handed pitching.

Smith started at first base and went 0-for-2 in Wednesday's 9-6 loss to Oakland.

Smith made his fourth consecutive start and fifth in six games since joining the Reds. All of those starts have come against right-handers, either at first base or designated hitter. A regular role is nice, but Smith is just 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts since signing with the team.