MLB Player News

Pederson will be on the bench Saturday against the Twins, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's surprising to see Pederson on the bench despite the fact that righty Sonny Gray will be on the mound for Minnesota. All five of Pederson's previous absences against righties this season occurred due to injury, so it's possible he's dealing with at least a minor issue. Luis Gonzalez will get the start in left field.

Vogelbach will be on the bench Saturday against the Rockies.

Vogelbach's off day Friday against righty Chad Kuhl was unusual, though his off day here against lefty Kyle Freeland was to be expected. Darin Ruf will be the designated hitter in his place.

Canha went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI in Friday's 7-6 win over Colorado.

Canha ripped an RBI double in the sixth inning followed by a two-run double in the eighth. He was also hit by a pitch for the 16th time this season. Over his last 11 games, Canha has gone 14-for-34 (.412) with 10 extra-base hits and 12 RBI. He's slashing .277/.377/.417 with 50 RBI and 54 runs scored on the year.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in Friday's 7-4 win over the Pirates.

Harper ripped a two-run single as part of the Phillies' four-run first inning. It was his first game in two months since a lengthy stint on the injured list with a thumb injury. He's now slashing .317/.384/.593 with 50 RBI and 37 extra-base hits through 65 games on the year.

Belt (knee) underwent an MRI on Friday that didn't reveal any additional damage, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt has dealt with chronic knee issues this year and was ultimately placed on the injured list with right knee inflammation Wednesday. While he isn't dealing with any structural damage, the Giants plan to give the 34-year-old as much time as he needs to recover in order to prevent a more significant injury.

Madris isn't starting Friday against the Phillies.

Madris has lost out on some playing time recently and will be on the bench for a third consecutive game. Michael Chavis is starting at first base and batting cleanup.

Harper (thumb) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Friday and will bat cleanup while serving as the designated hitter Friday against the Pirates, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Harper hasn't played in two months after fracturing his left thumb when a pitch hit his hand, but he's ready to go after just a pair of rehab games. He could hardly have done more to show he was ready in those two contests, as he went 5-for-8 with two homers and two doubles. He was having an excellent year prior to the injury, slashing .318/.385/.599 with 15 homers in 64 games, and he'll try to continue that form down the stretch as the Phillies look to end the league's second-longest playoff drought.

Vogelbach is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Rockies.

Vogelbach will get a breather after he went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Thursday's win. Tyler Naquin will take over at designated hitter and bat fifth against Colorado.

Belt will undergo an MRI on his inflamed right knee Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

According to Danny Emerman of KNBR.com, Belt's right knee injury has been described as a chronic concern that could threaten the longevity of his career. Belt has required multiple surgeries on the knee during his 12-year career and has already had the knee drained three times this season alone. For the time being, the Giants are hoping the MRI will reveal nothing concerning, keeping the door open for Belt to play again in 2022 if his knee responds well to rest. While Belt is out of action, Wilmer Flores will likely serve as the Giants' primary option at first base.

Harper (thumb) will be reinstated from the 60-day injured list Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Harper isn't playing at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, but he'll go through a workout and is set to be activated by the Phillies ahead of Friday's series opener against the Pirates. The 29-year-old performed well over two games during his rehab assignment, going 5-for-8 with two home runs, two doubles, six RBI and three runs. Harper is unlikely to play in the outfield down the stretch but should serve as the Phillies' everyday designated hitter once reinstated to the active roster.