MLB Player News

Rivera isn't in the Marlins' lineup Saturday versus the Padres.

Rivera went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday, snapping a five-game hitting streak. His absence will put Jake Burger at third base and open a spot in the lineup for Derek Hill to start in center field while batting eighth.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs and two RBI in Friday's 9-5 win against Pittsburgh.

Smith's third-inning two-run single wasn't well-struck -- it was a blooper that landed in right field on a check swing -- but it was a big moment for the catcher given his post-break slump that had included a .096 batting average and 32.2 percent strikeout rate over his previous 13 contests. The recent punchouts have been particularly out of character for the All-Star backstop, whose strikeout rates have been 16.6 and 16.1 percent in the past two seasons, respectively. Smith's slump has brought his season slash line down to .247/.327/.433, and his .760 OPS is on pace for a career-worst mark. He's still been among the most productive fantasy performers at his position, though, with 15 home runs, 60 RBI and 54 runs over 407 plate appearances on the campaign.

Hoerner went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-6 win over the White Sox.

Hoerner isn't known as much of a power threat, as this was just his fifth home run of the season and first since June 30. Instead, the infielder is known for his speed, with 20 stolen bases for the season after swiping a career-high 43 bases last year. Hoerner has been making more solid contact lately, and if he can continue to get on base regularly, he should be able to make an impact on the basepaths for fantasy managers.

Paredes went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Friday's 7-6 win over the White Sox.

Paredes teed off for his second home run in his last three games and 18th of the season. The infielder got off to a bit of a slow start after getting traded to the Cubs at the end of the July, but in those last three contests, he's gone 4-for-11 with the two long balls and seven total RBI. Paredes was having a solid season in Tampa Bay before the trade, and if he can sustain his recent level of play, a big finish could be in store with his new team.

Happ went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-6 win over the White Sox.

Happ took the fourth pitch of the game from Garrett Crochet deep for his 19th home run of the season and second in as many games. The veteran outfielder is closing in on his second consecutive 20-homer campaign, which would be the fourth of his career. Happ's career high in home runs is the 25 he recorded back in 2021. If he keeps up his recent power surge, that figure could be in sight soon.

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, two home runs and four RBI in Friday's 8-5 win over the Royals.

The veteran backstop bookended a big day for the Cardinals' offense by launching a two-run homer off Michael Lorenzen in the first inning and a solo shot off Angel Zerpa in the ninth. With the performance, Contreras snapped an 11-game homer drought, a stretch in which he hit just .146 (6-for-41) with one RBI. On the season, he has 15 doubles, 15 home runs and 34 RBI in 72 contests, and Contreras' .875 OPS would be his highest mark since 2019.

Helsley gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 37th save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Royals.

It didn't look like Helsley's services would be needed headed into the late innings, but the Cardinals scored twice in the eighth and ninth frames to erase a 5-4 deficit. The St. Louis closer then made things interesting by bring the tying run to the plate with one out, but he coaxed a double play grounder out of Vinnie Pasquantino to end the night. Helsley has worked three of the last four days, likely making him unavailable Saturday, but he racked up saves in each appearance to extend his major-league lead in saves over Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase (33).

Mikolas came away with a no-decision in Friday's 8-5 win over the Royals, giving up five runs on eight hits over four innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The veteran righty cruised through the first two innings before giving up three straight hits to begin the third as the wheels came off. Mikolas got the hook after 78 pitches (51 strikes) and was in line for his 10th loss of the year until the Cardinals rallied late. Since blanking the Nationals on July 8 over 6.1 innings, Mikolas has been in a tailspin, stumbling to a 7.11 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB over his last five starts and 25.1 innings. He'll try to turn things around in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Dodgers.

Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's 7-6 win over the White Sox.

The 29-year-old took Garrett Crochet deep in the first inning, helping the Cubs jump out to an early 7-0 lead that the pitching staff nearly fumbled. Bellinger has been locked in since returning from a finger injury in late July, batting .361 (13-for-36) over his last nine games with three homers, eight runs and eight RBI.

Neris gave up two hits and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 16th save of the season in a 7-6 win over the White Sox.

The veteran right-hander gave up back-to-back singles to lead off the ninth before walking Andrew Benintendi with two outs, but Neris got Andrew Vaughn to fly out to escape the jam. Neris hasn't blown a save since June 16, posting a 1.26 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB over 14.1 innings since then to build up some job security as the Cubs' closer.