MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a hit-by-pitch in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Reds.

Smith has struggled at the plate since returning from a nearly three-month-long absence due to a neck injury. He's gone 3-for-20 (.150) with two extra-base hits and five RBI over eight contests since he was activated. Smith has been eased back into action, and the homer could spark his offense. On the year, he's batting .238 with a .710 OPS, seven homers, 28 RBI, 27 runs scored, six doubles and no stolen bases over 60 contests.

Goodman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Yankees.

The Rockies' bats were held in check by Yankees ace Cam Schlittler, but Goodman reduced the deficit to two runs by taking Tim Hill deep for a two-run homer in the ninth inning. It was Goodman's first home run since Aug. 26 and 37th of the season, tied with Matt Olson for fifth in the majors. Goodman has an .848 OPS with five steals, 78 RBI and 56 extra-base hits over 513 plate appearances this season.

Langeliers (knee) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Langeliers has missed most of the second half after undergoing a meniscectomy on his right knee July 28, but after a speedy recovery, the 28-year-old backstop could be ready to return to the Athletics' lineup by the time the team begins its next road trip next Tuesday. He is expected to work exclusively as a designated hitter for the rest of the season, which means Jonah Heim and Brian Serven will continue to split starts behind the plate after Langeliers is activated.

Diaz isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

Diaz will take a seat Tuesday after collecting a base hit in each of his last five starts. Danny Jansen will fill in as Texas' catcher and bat ninth.

Rortvedt cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Alex Freedman of okccomets.com reports

The Dodgers designated Rortvedt for assignment Sept. 1 to make room for Will Smith's return from a neck injury. Rortvedt is expected to start In Oklahoma City's game Wednesday.

Ruiz isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The Nationals have fallen into a pattern of alternating between Ruiz and Harry Ford behind the plate, and Tuesday will mark the latter's turn to handle catching duties.

Dingler is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Dingler will receive Tuesday off after starting the previous three games. The 27-year-old hasn't hit a home run since clubbing one in three straight contests from Aug. 4-6, and he's batting .117/.171/.146 during the 27-game power drought. Eduardo Valencia is working behind the plate and batting fifth versus Minnesota righty Dean Kremer.

Cavanaugh is not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Cardinals, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The Cardinals have southpaw Quinn Mathews taking the mound Tuesday, so the left-handed bat of Cavanaugh will take a breather on the bench. Andrew Knizner is starting behind the dish and is batting sixth.

Salas isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Nationals.

Salas will move to the bench Tuesday after going 0-for-10 with four strikeouts across his first four games in the big leagues. Freddy Fermin will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth.

The Giants optioned Morgan to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Morgan was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sept. 1 but did not appear in a game before getting sent back down Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Giants recalled Brett Harris.