MLB Player News

The Marlins' youth movement appears to have found another solid player, as outfielder Marcell Ozuna has proved himself ready for the majors in his first five games. The 22-year-old has a .389 batting average with at least a hit in each game. Let's take a look at his resume to see if the Marlins have a star in the making.

Ozuna's biggest strength as a prospect has been his power, as he had at least 20 home runs in each of his last three seasons. He is impressing with his plate discipline in his early major-league action, which is the first place where the eyebrows go up. After striking out in at least 21.5 percent of his at plate appearances in his previous four minor-league seasons, Ozuna has struck out in 10.5 percent of his at-bats in the big leagues.

Ozuna is a solid young talent who entered the season as Baseball America's No. 75 prospect, but he is also probably being rushed at the major-league level. He projects as a big-time power hitter down the road, but Ozuna could get exposed after this nice early start.

I would not run out to grab him just yet in yearly Fantasy formats. The Marlins will probably ride him even when he begins to take his lumps because that is what they do. But he remains more of a keeper/dynasty option until we get a bigger sample size. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna uncorked his first major-league home run during Saturday's contest against the Phillies.

Ozuna took starter Cole Hamels deep for a solo home run in the second inning. He finished 1 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI in a 2-0 victory.

Ozuna has recorded a hit in each of his first five games since his promotion from Double-A Jacksonville. He is hitting .389 (7 for 18) over that span.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen turned in another solid night at the plate Friday against the Nationals. McCutchen collected three hits 3-1 win, including blasting his fourth home run of the year.

He ripped the solo shot off starter Ross Detwiler in the first inning and singled in each of his next two at-bats before grounding out in the seventh.

McCutchen finished 3 for 4 with a run scored and RBI. He has driven in five runs over his last five games.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was able to play through a bruised side Thursday against the Braves, just one day after suffering the injury.

He was in his usual spot in the lineup, in left field and batting third. He went 0 for 4 with a walk and a strikeout in a 3-1 win.

Harper is batting .063 (1 for 14) over his last five games. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Braves, after he was pulled from Wednesday's game due to an injury to his side. Harper was batting third and playing left field.

Cardinals second baseman Matt Carpenter has returned to the leadoff spot. 

Carpenter had been hitting lower in the order lately, but is coming off a three-hit game Wednesday. He's lived up to his sleeper promise, hitting .283/.349/.475 in 99 at-bats this season. 

An X-ray on Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper's injured side came back negative.

Harper expressed that he would want to play Thursday, but it doesn't look like he'll be in the starting lineup. The injury shouldn't keep him out long, and he'll likely try and play through pain to get back into the lineup. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper had to leave Wednesday's game with a bruise on his side, but doesn't expect to miss much time, according to NatsInsider.com.

Harper said he'll try to play Thursday if he can. He added that he won't have any issues playing through pain. Manager Davey Johnson added "We'll take it day-by-day and we'll check him tomorrow, but he'll probably be out of there." The Nationals square off against the Braves Thursday night, so Harper will have the morning and afternoon to get treatment for the injury.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt clubbed his third home run of the season Wednesday.

In the top of the eighth inning, Belt took a 95 mph fastball out to right field for a three-run home run. Belt has been off to a slow start, but he's starting to show signs of life lately. He's hitting .239/.296/.386 in 88 at-bats this season.

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a bruised left side after coming out of Wednesday's game early, according to Comcast Sportsnet. Harper initially suffered the injury after colliding with the outfield wall in Tuesday's game, then appeared to aggravate the injury on a check swing Wednesday.

Harper, who is hitting .337 on the year after going 0 for 2 with a walk and a run Wednesday, is day to day.