MLB Player News

Smith-Shawver will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Thursday against the Cubs, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Thursday's start will be Smith-Shawver's first appearance in the majors since late July, when he surrendered three runs over five innings against the Brewers. On the season, he holds a 4.57 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through 21.2 innings in the big leagues, and he will likely return to Triple-A immediately after making his start.

Leiter allowed a run on two hits while retiring only one batter to record a blown save in Wednesday's extra-inning loss to Atlanta.

Leiter got a crack at the ninth inning with the Cubs up 4-3, but he allowed a Marcell Ozuna home run to record his fourth blown save of the season. With regular closer Adbert Alzolay (forearm) on the injured list, Leiter has failed to step up, as he now has an ugly 9.45 ERA this month. The Cubs will likely need to turn to Julian Merryweather in save opportunities for the time being considering the magnitude of their next four games.

Happ went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two total RBI in Wednesday's 6-5, extra-inning loss to Atlanta.

Happ and Mike Tauchman each went deep in the third inning, giving the Cubs a 3-1 lead for the moment. The former is up to 20 long balls this season, which is the third time in his seven-year MLB career that he's reached the plateau. Happ would need a remarkable finish over the final four games of the regular season to match his career best of 25 home runs, set back in 2021. He has already set a new career high with 81 RBI this year.

Tauchman went 1-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-5, extra-inning loss to Atlanta.

Tauchman went deep in the third inning, giving him eight long balls for the year. It was the veteran outfielder's first home run since Aug. 8, and he's batting only .238 this month. However, Tauchman should continue to see opportunities against righties in the last few days of the regular season as the Cubs try to secure a playoff spot.

Soler isn't in the Marlins' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

After an 0-for-4 performance to begin the day, Soler will ride the pine to begin the second game of Wednesday's twin bill. Jake Burger will serve as Miami's DH while Jon Berti starts at third base.

Arraez (ankle) won't start in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Arraez was also held out of the first game Wednesday, and he still has yet to appear in a game since injuring his ankle Saturday against Milwaukee. Xavier Edwards will start at second base and bat ninth while Arraez continues to heal.

Alvarez isn't in the Mets' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Marlins, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts during Game 1, Alvarez's hitless streak extended to seven games. Omar Narvaez will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth.

McNeil isn't in the Mets' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.comreports.

McNeil will get a breather to close out Wednesday's activities after going 1-for-4 with an RBI during Game 1. Brandon Nimmo, Rafael Ortega and DJ Stewart will start across the Mets' outfield while McNeil sits.

Harrison (illness) will start one of the games during the Giants' weekend series against the Dodgers, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Harrison was originally supposed to start Tuesday's game against San Diego, but he was instead scratched due to an illness. However, his illness will not put an early end to his season, and he will make an appearance in the final series of the season -- though the Giants haven't yet specified exactly which game that will be. The 22-year-old southpaw has given up 16 earned runs in 29.2 frames across six starts since being called up to the majors in late August.

Flores (knee) is starting at third base and batting third Wednesday against San Diego, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Flores missed two straight starts due to soreness in his right knee, but he was able to pinch hit during Tuesday's contest and will now return to the lineup Wednesday. The 32-year-old has been in a bit of a skid at the plate recently, going just 2-for-13 across his last six games.