MLB Player News

France isn't in the Reds' lineup for Thursday's game versus Pittsburgh.

France will get a breather during Thursday's series opener after going 2-for-11 with two RBI and two runs scored in Cincinnati's last series against Toronto. The newly signed Dominic Smith will get the nod to start at first base while Jonathan India serves as the DH, allowing Santiago Espinal to cover second.

Stephenson isn't in the Reds' lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates.

Stephenson is currently enjoying a seven-game hitting streak, during which he's gone 9-for-29 with a home run and five RBI. He'll get a breather Thursday while Luke Maile catches for Nick Lodolo and bats ninth.

Suter (shoulder) has been sent to Triple-A Louisville to begin a rehab assignment.

Suter has been shelved since late July due to a partial tear of his left teres major muscle but has been cleared for game action after completing a bullpen session earlier this week. The lefty reliever is expected to require at least three rehab appearances, so he could be looking at an early September return from the injured list.

The Reds designated Kriske for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the signing of Dominic Smith. Kriske has spent the entirety of the 2024 campaign at Triple-A Louisville, where he's posted a 3.10 ERA and 72:29 K:BB over 49.1 innings. The control has been a problem, but Kriske's swing-and-miss ability could mean some interest on waivers.

The Reds placed Fraley on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right knee sprain, retroactive to Aug. 21.

Fraley was a late scratch from Wednesday's lineup due to his knee, and he'll now sit down for at least another nine days while he recovers. Will Benson figures to start most days in right field while Fraley is sidelined, and the open roster spot will be given to Dominic Smith, who signed a major-league deal with the Reds on Thursday.

Kelenic is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies.

The Phillies are going with left-hander Cristopher Sanchez in Thursday's series finale, so the left-handed hitting Kelenic will begin the contest on the bench. Adam Duvall is getting the call in left field for Atlanta.

The Dodgers reinstated Taylor (groin) from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

A left groin strain kept Taylor on the IL since late July, but he's now been cleared to return to the active roster after playing in five minor-league rehab games. The 33-year-old owns just a .542 OPS across 189 plate appearances this season and will likely take on a utility role now that he's healthy. Jason Heyward was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers designated Heyward for assignment Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 35-year-old outfielder has seen a significant drop in playing time ever since Mookie Betts returned from the injured list and moved back to right field, and Heyward has now officially lost his roster spot. He's slashed .208/.289/.393 with 28 RBI across 197 plate appearances this year and could attract interest on the waiver wire from other teams in need of outfield depth.

The Reds agreed to a major-league contract with Smith on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The 29-year-old was recently cut loose by the Red Sox following the return of Triston Casas from injury, but he's managed to quickly land another major-league deal. Smith slashed just .237/.317/.390 in 83 games for Boston, although he has a respectable .747 OPS since the All-Star break. Smith could see some action at first base while Jeimer Candelario (toe) is out.

Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a walk, two runs and a stolen base Wednesday in an 8-4 victory over the Mariners.

Ohtani has begun to emerge from a slump that saw him bat .164 over his first 14 games in August -- he's since built a five-game hitting streak during which he's batting .300 with two homers, two RBI and five runs. The slugger has added four thefts during that span to push his total to a career-high 39 in 43 attempts. Ohtani is now one home run and one stolen base away from going 40-40 on the campaign.