MLB Player News

Winker (back) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Winker returned from a rib injury Friday but failed to complete a full game before getting hurt again, as he exited after getting hit by a pitch on his back. This latest injury presumably isn't a long-term problem, but it will cost him at least one start. Max Schrock starts in left field Saturday, with Delino DeShields starting in center, the spot Winker occupied in his return to action.

Winker exited Friday's game against the Dodgers after being hit by a pitch in the back, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Friday's contest was Winker's first game back since landing on the injured list with a rib injury Aug. 15. It's unclear how serious the new issue may be, but the fact that he has also dealt with back problems at various points in the campaign raises the level of concern.

Beer was placed on the 10-day injured list with a dislocated left shoulder Friday.

Beer left Tuesday's game against the Dodgers with the injury, though reports from Wednesday indicated that he was feeling better. The Diamondbacks evidently weren't satisfied with his progress, so he'll be out for at least another week. Kole Calhoun (hamstring) returned from the injured list to take his place on the roster.

McCutchen is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets.

McCutchen started the past three games and will receive a day off after going 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs Thursday versus the Cubs. Matt Vierling will take over in left field and bat eighth.

The Reds activated Winker (ribs) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

An intercostal strain has sidelined the outfielder since mid-August but he's back to help the Reds battle for a wild-card spot. Slashing .307/.395/.560 with 24 home runs and 71 RBI this season, Winker is undoubtedly one of his team's best hitters and figures to occupy the two-spot in Cincinnati's lineup going forward. He fills the roster spot of Tyler Naquin (ribs), who went on the injured list Friday.

McCutchen went 2-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBI on Thursday against the Cubs.

McCutchen entered the game having collected only two hits in his last 17 plate appearances. However, he aided in a 17-run offensive outburst for Philadelphia and logged his first RBI since Sept. 6. For the season, McCutchen is hitting .220/.333/.436 with 24 home runs, 71 runs scored and 72 RBI across 520 plate appearances.

Harper went 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, four RBI and three runs scored Thursday against the Cubs.

All of Harper's hits went for extra bases, highlighted by a three-run homer in the seventh inning. It was his 33rd home run of the season and seventh of September. The recent hot stretch has allowed Harper to lock in the fifth 30-homer campaign of his career, and he could also tally 100 runs, as his current total sits at 92.

Blackmon will sit Thursday against Atlanta, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The Rockies elected to sit several of their top bats on getaway day with the team set to fly up to Washington at the conclusion of the afternoon contest. Blackmon is seemingly due for a rest, as he's gone 3-for-25 with 11 strikeouts over his last seven games. Sam Hilliard gets the start in right field.

Winker (ribs) will play in another rehab game Thursday and could return as soon as Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker has been out for just over a month while battling an intercostal strain. He's gone 0-for-5 in a pair of rehab games thus far, but the Reds have started losing ground in a very tight playoff race and may decide that he's their best option even if he hasn't quite found his groove yet.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Beer (shoulder) felt better Wednesday and was considering taking swings prior to that night's game, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Beer sustained a dislocated shoulder during Tuesday's game, and X-rays came negative for bone chips. He had the shoulder put back into place and is considered day-to-day. Lovullo did not offer any more details regarding the player's availability or if Beer will require a stint on the injured list.