MLB Player News

Smith put the Dodgers on the board in the second inning when he hit a 412-foot shot off Brewers starter Colin Rea into the left-field stands. It was the 15th homer of the season for Smith, who now has his first homer in August after last homering on July 6. He drove in only one run on the evening but enjoyed a nice surge at the plate — something he was desperately in need of after his slow start to the month.

Taillon gave up five homers on the day, including two to Munetaka Murakami. The right-hander struck out just two batters on the evening, and he allowed eight hard-hit balls before leaving the contest. Yikes. It’s a disappointing effort regardless, but especially considering how well Taillon had pitched in his previous two efforts where gave up three total runs. He’ll have a chance to bounce back next weekend versus the Astros.

Nick Allen replaced him at the end of Friday’s game. If Altuve lands on the IL, the Astros could give Brice Matthews some time at second base. He’ll be less needed in the outfield with Jake Meyers and Joey Loperfido nearly ready to return. Braden Shewmake could also play some second base after Jeremy Peña is activated.

It’s important to see Contreras back on the board again, as he had been 2-for-21 since leaving a May 6 game with a left-hand issue that caused him to temporarily switch bats. And that was separate from the right-hand contusion he sustained on a HBP in May 10. He hit the homer tonight 106 mph and also had a 113-mph groundball single.

Tolle needed just 85 pitches to get 24 outs tonight, finishing with four hits allowed, one walk and three strikeouts. He gave up a 421-foot homer to Drake Baldwin and had two flyouts that projected as homers in 15 and five ballparks, according to Statcast. Still, it was a pretty impressive showing, especially because he averaged the same 96.5 mph with his fastball in the eighth that he did in the first. Tolle is 2-2 with a 2.05 ERA through five turns, and he’ll be a worthy mixed-league play next week against the Twins.

There wouldn’t have been a jam, except Andruw Monasterio airmailed a throw from short to first on what should have been the final out of the game. Chapman then walked two to lead the bases. Ha-Seong Kim came up and hit a 104-mph comebacker off Chapman’s right ankle. Fortunately, though, Chapman was able to gather himself, run down the ball and make the play at first. Chapman didn’t seem to favor the ankle on his way off the field, so hopefully he won’t miss any time. The save tonight was his 377th, moving him into a tie with Joe Nathan for 10th place on the all-time list.

Elder had a 2-1 lead until Willson Contreras hit a two-run homer in the eighth. It was just the fourth homer allowed by Elder in 62 2/3 innings this year, and it led to his second defeat in 10 starts. He’ll take a 2.01 ERA into next week’s outing, which will probably come Friday against the Nationals.