MLB Player News

Blackmon is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

With the Rockies and Astros wrapping up their series with a day game after a night game and with a southpaw (Framber Valdez) on the hill for Houston, the lefty-hitting Blackmon will receive a maintenance day. Yonathan Daza will cover right field and bat second in Blackmon's stead.

McCutchen (knee) could be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

McCutchen has been on the IL with left knee inflammation since Aug. 2, but the outfielder has a chance to be reinstated when first eligible. Even if he's not quite ready to return Wednesday, the 34-year-old should be back in the lineup within the next few days.

Winker will be on the bench Tuesday against Atlanta.

Winker sits for the first time in over a month. It's no surprise to see his day off come against a southpaw (Drew Smyly), as he owns a 53 wRC+ against lefties this season compared to a 182 wRC+ against righties, but there's been no indication he's about to slip into a platoon role. Aristides Aquino will start in left field in his absence.

Manager Dave Roberts doesn't expect Turner (groin) to play before Friday's series opener in New York, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Dodgers' skipper did say Turner is feeling better than he has since leaving Sunday's game, which is encouraging. More details about the third baseman's status and a potential return to the lineup should surface as the week progresses.

Turner (groin) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Roberts speculated Sunday that Turner may miss the beginning of the series in Philadelphia, and that is indeed the case. It's unclear whether the 36-year-old will be available off the bench Tuesday. Chris Taylor starts at third base and bats seventh.

Double-A Springfield placed Baker on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Springfield is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak among its roster, as six players were placed on the injured list Tuesday. The affiliate hasn't announced whether Baker's placement on the IL is the result of him testing positive for the coronavirus, or if he was merely identified as a close contact of an infected person or persons. Over 78 games with Springfield this season, Baker is slashing .247/.327/.545 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday after the Dodgers' 8-2 win over the Angels that Turner (groin) will be "down for a few days, and then we'll re-evaluate," Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers are off Monday, but Roberts' comments would seem to hint that he isn't banking on Turner returning to the lineup for Tuesday's series opener in Philadelphia, after the third baseman exited early Sunday with left groin discomfort. Turner is still being viewed as day-to-day, so for the time being, Los Angeles is optimistic that he'll avoid the injured list.

Winker went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored Sunday in the Reds' 3-2 win over the Pirates.

The two-bagger was Winker's third in as many days and his 14th in 22 games since the All-Star break, allowing him to match Atlanta's Ozzie Albies for the MLB lead in the category (31). Even in traditional rotisserie leagues where he doesn't gain extra value for doubles, Winker has been a solid four-category producer in the second half with four home runs, 17 RBI, 17 runs and a .341 average. His efforts have helped keep the Reds alive in the National League wild-card race while outfield mate and fellow All-Star Nick Castellanos has missed time with a wrist injury.

Harper went 1-for-3 with a solo home run -- his 20th of the season -- in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Mets.

In the three weeks since the All-Star break, Harper has been one of the top hitters in baseball and may have emerged as a contender for the National League MVP award. Through 23 second-half games, Harper has gone hitless on just four occasions while supplying a monstrous .370/.516/.740 slash line to go with five home runs and five stolen bases. Harper's heroics have been a major reason why the Phillies -- winners of eight straight -- have surged ahead of the slumping Mets for first place in the NL East.

Belt hit a two-run home run in his only at-bat during Sunday's 5-4 win over Milwaukee.

After starting three straight games, Belt was out of the lineup for rest Sunday. He entered as pinch hitter for Jose Alvarez in the seventh inning, and Belt delivered his fourth homer in his last 10 at-bats, which was also a game-tying blast. The 33-year-old recent surge has lifted his slash line to .262/.370/.568 across 216 plate appearances. He's up to 15 homers, 35 RBI, 35 runs scored and three stolen bases in 59 games.