MLB Player News

Ruf went 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, two RBI, four runs scored and a walk Thursday against Cincinnati.

Ruf highlighted his impressive performance with a two-run homer in the third inning -- his sixth of the season. He also added a pair doubles and came around to score on each occasion. With Brandon Belt (side) banged up and Wilmer Flores (hamstring) on the injured list, Ruf could see increased opportunity in the short term.

Pederson went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Thursday's win over the Nationals.

For the second game in a row and sixth time in the last nine contests, Pederson recorded two or more hits. Perhaps more importantly, the outfielder has batted leadoff in consecutive games as well. The Cubs started the season with Ian Happ in that role and have also used Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras there. If Pederson can stick in the top spot, he should get more at-bats overall and could see an uptick in runs.

Belt (side) remains on the bench for Thursday's game against the Reds, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt will sit for the sixth straight game as he works through side tightness. Darin Ruf remains the first baseman in his absence.

Pederson went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals.

Pederson didn't come around to score in the 4-3 loss, but it was otherwise an effective night for the leadoff hitter. After a slow start to the season, including some missed time due to a wrist injury, the outfielder is batting an even .400 this month. Pederson may continue to sit against tough lefties, but it looks like he should produce good stats when he's in the lineup for the Cubs.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk in Wednesday's loss against the Marlins.

The veteran centerfielder provided all the offense the Phillies would muster in this game when he took Trevor Rogers deep in the sixth inning. McCutchen is only hitting .222, but he's on an impressive streak of reaching base safely at least once in 14 straight contests, as he continues to make his presence felt at the top of the Phillies lineup. He's hitting .300 with a .444 on-base percentage during that 14-game span.

Dickerson isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Dickerson will get a breather after he went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run and a double in Tuesday's win over the Reds. Mike Tauchman will shift to left field while Austin Slater starts in center field.

Belt (side) isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Reds, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Belt will be on the bench for a fifth straight game as he continues to deal with side tightness. Darin Ruf will start at first base and bat third.

Harper went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Marlins.

Harper snapped a two-game hitless run and plated a run for the first time since May 11. He has hit safely in five of his last seven contests, and while he has just one home run across his last 51 at-bats, he's still hitting .311 on the season while providing value across the board.

Dickerson went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run and a double during Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Reds.

The 30-year-old clubbed a three-run shot to right field off Luis Castillo during fourth inning, which is his first homer since April 20, due in part to him spending a stint on the injured list with a shoulder injury. Dickerson has a .230/.287/.391 slash line with four home runs, two doubles, 16 RBI and 10 runs through 33 games in 2020.

Blackmon (groin) is starting in right field and batting fifth Tuesday against the Padres.

The 34-year-old was held out of the lineup the past three games with a mild groin strain, but he'll rejoin the starting nine for Tuesday's contest. Blackmon posted a .339/.406/.435 slash line over the 17 games prior to the injury and will attempt to pick up where he left off.