MLB Player News

Schmitt left Monday's game against the Brewers due to left knee discomfort and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Schmitt appeared to tweak his knee on a hard turn around first base during Monday's series opener and was forced to come out of the game. Manager Tony Vitello stated after the matchup that he expects Schmitt to miss some time, indicating that a trip to the injured list is likely. The club should have a formal diagnosis following Tuesday's scans, at which point a timetable for the 27-year-old's return could become more clear.

Ewing went 3-for-5 with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base in a 14-3 victory versus Atlanta on Monday.

Ewing led off New York's half of the first inning with a single and came around to score on a Francisco Lindor triple. The rookie outfielder added two more singles and hit a sacrifice fly before the game was over as the Mets rolled in an eventual rout. Ewing has taken over as New York's primary leadoff hitter, batting leadoff in 17 of his past 18 games, and is faring well with a .271/.342/.417 slash line on the season. He's been doing a bit of everything, logging seven homers, 12 steals, 31 runs and 26 RBI through 66 contests.

Valdez is expected to undergo additional imaging on his left hand Tuesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Valdez went 0-for-1 before leaving Monday's 3-2 win over Arizona after being hit by a pitch in the fourth inning, and the Pirates didn't provide many details on the extent of his injury following his departure. He was presumably sent in for X-rays immediately after exiting, though the club evidently wants to send him for additional scans Tuesday. Valdez can be considered day-to-day until more information comes to light.

Taylor went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run and two additional runs scored against Atlanta in a 14-3 victory Monday.

One day after slugging a big three-run homer against the Dodgers, Taylor launched another three-run shot Monday as part of a late Mets offensive onslaught. The veteran outfielder has come alive in July -- through 17 contests this month, he's batting .378 (14-for-37) with six long balls, four doubles, 12 RBI and 11 runs. Taylor is still trying to earn consistent playing time, though he's started two straight games after being left out of the starting lineup for six consecutive contests.

Hernandez went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Monday's 8-7 win over the Phillies.

Hernandez posted his fourth multi-hit effort in his past six outings, continuing a hot stretch at the dish during the month of July. Over his last 76 at-bats, he's batting .303 with seven homers, eight doubles and 12 RBI. On the year, Hernandez is slashing a respectable .245/.314/.486 with a career-high 15 long balls, 12 doubles 41 RBI and seven steals across 271 trips to the dish.

Kepler went 3-for-5 with a two-run double during Arizona's 3-2 extra-inning loss to Pittsburgh on Monday.

Merrill Kelly and Mitch Keller were locked in a pitcher's duel, but Kepler was responsible for the first runs of the game with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning that plated two runs for the Diamondbacks. Kepler is slashing .235/.280/.397 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 75 plate appearances this season.

Schmitt left Monday's game against the Brewers due to an apparent lower-body injury, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Schmitt looped a single into right field in the bottom of the second inning, but he looked to twist either his left knee or left ankle while putting on the brakes around first base. Christian Koss entered the game to pinch run for Schmitt, who wasn't able to put much weight on his left leg on his way off the diamond. The club should have another update on Schmitt's injury after sending him for further evaluation.

Hartshorn is slashing .283/.378/.533 with 11 home runs across 49 games since getting promoted to High-A South Bend earlier this season.

Hartshorn was playing well for Single-A Myrtle Beach to start the season, sporting an .884 OPS and blasting five home runs across 39 games. However, the 19-year-old has taken things to another level since his promotion to South Bend back on May 26. Hartshorn is showing off the power potential that makes him an intriguing prospect, and he could continue to climb quickly through Chicago's organization in the next few years if he keeps swinging the bat like this.

Valdez was removed during the fourth inning of Monday's game against the Diamondbacks after he was hit by a pitch on his left hand, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Valdez was plunked by a 91 mph fastball from Merrill Kelly in the fourth frame and was in visible pain. Valdez walked off the field with trainers, and the Pirates should have an update on his injury once he undergoes further tests. He was replaced by Jared Triolo, who has taken over at shorstop with Jacob Gonzalez moving to first base and Tyler Callihan shifting to right field.

The Pirates acquired Rodriguez from the Orioles on Monday in exchange for cash considerations.

Rodriguez will report to Triple-A Indianapolis as he moves on to his third organization of the season following stops with the Guardians and Orioles. The outfielder has spent the majority of the campaign at the Triple-A level slashing .269/.369/.384 with four home runs and one stolen base across 255 plate appearances.