MLB Player News

Waldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

Waldschmidt was clutch Friday, taking Edwin Diaz deep for a walk-off blast in the ninth inning. Over six games in August, Waldschmidt has gone 7-for-20 (.350) as he makes a case to stay involved in the lineup even when Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) returns from the injured list. Waldschmidt is batting .292 with a .748 OPS, two homers, 15 RBI, 22 runs scored, 13 doubles, one triple and six stolen bases over 51 contests this season. While the numbers are strong, the outfielder is benefiting from a .427 BABIP that has largely cancelled out his 32.0 percent strikeout rate.

Johnston went 0-for-2 with two RBI on Friday against the Cardinals.

Johnston didn't have a great performance, but he did make a pair of productive outs. He grounded out in both the second and fourth innings with a runner on third base, marking his first RBI since July 21. Johnston is hitting just .140 across 14 games since the All-Star break, which has caused him to start losing playing time, as he's appeared in the lineup only 11 times in the team's last 18 contests.

The Cardinals are expected to designate Velazquez for assignment Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The Cardinals need to free up a spot on the active roster after claiming Everson Pereira off waivers from the White Sox on Thursday, and Velazquez seems to be in line to become the odd man out. The 27-year-old has put up a .721 OPS in 83 major-league plate appearances this season, so he could draw interest from other clubs browsing the waiver wire for outfield depth.

McCarthy went 3-for-4 with a double and a strikeout during Friday's 3-2 loss to St. Louis.

McCarthy extended his hitting streak to six games after recording three hits Friday. The 29-year-old also recorded his second three-hit game in his last three games. Over his last seven games, McCarthy is now slashing .355/.344/.548 with one homer, one steal and five RBI in 31 plate appearances.

Benge was removed from Friday's game against the Pirates with left wrist soreness, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

Benge appeared to jam his wrist while making a sliding catch in the third inning, and he was replaced in left field once the Mets' defense took the field in the fourth. Initial X-rays on his wrist came back negative, per Mike Puma of the New York Post, though Benge will undergo additional testing Saturday to confirm he didn't suffer a serious injury.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday that Frelick (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment soon, Casey Drottar of MLB.com reports.

Murphy noted that Frelick will likely be limited to designated hitter duty initially on his rehab assignment as he works his way back from a right shoulder strain. Frelick played though shoulder discomfort for much of the season before he finally landed on the 10-day injured list in mid-July. He should return before the end of August if he can avoid a setback.

Myers is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Nationals.

He will receive a day of rest after starting in center field in each of the Reds' last four games. Hector Rodriguez will patrol center field in Friday's series opener.

Harris is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Yankees.

It's the first time since June 19 that Harris has been out of the Atlanta lineup. Mauricio Dubon will grab a start in center field as Atlanta takes on southpaw Max Fried in the Bronx.

Hernandez is absent from the lineup for Friday's game versus the Angels.

Hernandez has hit a rough patch of late, going 2-for-22 across his last six contests. He will yield to Esteury Ruiz in left field in Friday's series opener.

Robert is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest in Pittsburgh.

Robert has now been out of the lineup three of the last four times the Mets have faced a right-handed pitcher. A.J. Ewing will be in center field and will be flanked by Carson Benge in left and Brett Baty in right as the Mets take on Pirates righty Carmen Mlodzinski.