MLB Player News

Belt (thumb) was fielding grounders prior to Game 4 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Tuesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Manager Gabe Kapler previously said it'd be a "dream scenario" for the veteran first baseman to be ready for the NLCS, and the fact he's participating in baseball activities this week should leave that door open. If Belt can progress to swinging a bat and facing live pitching within the next couple days, he could be included on the roster for the NLCS, which would begin Saturday should the Giants advance.

Soler tested positive for COVID-19 and has been replaced on the NLDS roster by Cristian Pache prior to Tuesday's Game 4 against the Brewers.

Soler had been a key cog for Atlanta since coming over at the trade deadline. Dansby Swanson replaces him in the leadoff spot while Guillermo Heredia gets the start in center field with Joc Pederson sliding over to right field.

Pederson hit a three-run home run in a pinch-hit appearance during Game 3 of the NLDS against Milwaukee on Monday.

Pederson was called upon in a big spot with two runners on base in the bottom of the fifth, and he delivered. Much like he did in Game 1 of the series, Pederson left the yard against right-hander Adrian Houser, providing the only offense his club would need on the way to a 3-0 victory. Pederson is now 3-for-3 in the series with two homers and a single, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him crack the starting lineup in Game 4 given his recent success at the plate.

Dickerson (foot) isn't starting Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Dickerson will be out of the lineup for a third straight contest, but he went 0-for-1 with a strikeout as a pinch hitter in Saturday's Game 2 win. He'll likely be available off the bench once again, but LaMonte Wade, Steven Duggar and Mike Yastrzemski will start in the outfield from left to right.

Ruf isn't starting Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Ruf will get a breather after he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts as the leadoff hitter in Game 2. Kris Bryant will shift to first base while Steven Duggar enters the lineup in center field.

Choi is out of the lineup Monday for the Rays' Game 4 matchup with the Red Sox in the ALDS, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

With a lefty (Eduardo Rodriguez) on the bump for Boston, the lefty-hitting Choi will take a seat for Game 4. Jordan Luplow fills in for Choi at first base.

Dickerson (foot) isn't starting Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Dickerson didn't appear in Friday's Game 1 win, and he'll remain out of the lineup due to a foot injury. However, it seems likely that the 31-year-old will be available off the bench given his inclusion on the NLDS roster.

Choi went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 14-6 loss to the Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALDS.

Choi wasn't in the lineup for Friday's matchup, but he entered the game in the top of the fourth inning. His homer in the sixth inning brought the Rays within two runs, but the team was unable to keep up with Boston's strong offensive performance in Game 2. The 30-year-old has now recorded extra-base hits in three of his last five games.

Martinez went 4-for-5 with a three-run homer and a double in Friday's 14-6 win over the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS.

Martinez missed Boston's first two postseason games due to a sprained ankle, but he served as the designated hitter Friday and was one of the top performers in the win. The 34-year-old said he felt some pain while running in Game 2 but felt good hitting, and he'll have an additional day to recover ahead of Game 3 on Sunday.

Pederson went 1-for-1 with a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Brewers in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Pederson didn't start Friday's Game 1 matchup, but he delivered Atlanta's lone run with his solo blast in the top of the eighth inning. Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler are the favorites for playing time in the outfield to begin the postseason, but Pederson is one of the top options to fill in as a pinch hitter if he isn't in the lineup.