MLB Player News

Manager Joe Girardi said Harper (back) is considered day-to-day and might play Sunday against the Cardinals, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old was withheld from Saturday's lineup with tightness in his lower back, but it doesn't appear to be a serious issue. Harper also dealt with back problems late last season and had a slow buildup in camp for similar issues. The Phillies figure to remain cautious with their star right fielder, but there doesn't currently appear to be much concern over his long-term status.

Harper's absence from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals is due to lower-back tightness, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It initially appeared as though Harper was simply getting a bit of rest, but it turns out that he's dealing with an injury. The Phillies haven't expressed significant concern, calling him day-to-day, but there's potentially reason to worry. Harper dealt with back issues late last season and was brought along slowly at the start of camp this year for the same reason. At minimum, this looks like something Harper and the Phillies will have to monitor in the immediate future, which could result in a few more off days than he's used to.

Harper will hit the bench for the first time this season Saturday against St. Louis.

Harper hasn't been bad to start the season, though his .825 OPS through his first 13 games is below his usual standards. There hasn't been any indication that his day off Saturday is anything other than a routine one. Matt Joyce will get the start in right field in his absence.

Turner went 3-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored Friday in an extra-innings victory over San Diego.

Turner notched his second straight three-hit game -- and fourth overall in the young season -- in the 12-inning win. He came up with a big single in the top of the ninth inning to give Los Angeles a brief one-run lead, though the Padres tied the score in the bottom of the frame to send the game into extra innings. Turner has swung a scorching bat at the start of the season, slashing .440/.482/.800 across 56 plate appearances. His 15 RBI are tied for second in the National League while his four homers are tied for sixth.

McCutchen went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run in Friday's win over the Cardinals.

McCutchen took part in a six-run rally in the second frame by bringing two runners across with a single in the inning, and he plated another run with a single in the bottom of the eighth inning. McCutchen has been somewhat inconsistent to begin the season and has hit just .171 with two extra-base hits, five RBI and 11 strikeouts in 12 games.

Dickerson will sit against lefty Daniel Castano and the Marlins on Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Dickerson's platoon role couldn't be more clear. He's started against every righty the Giants have faced while sitting against every lefty. Darin Ruf will serve as the left fielder Friday.

Belt will sit against lefty Daniel Castano and the Marlins on Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt started against the first southpaw the Giants faced, though that may have been a special Opening Day exemption for the veteran. He's now found himself sitting against each of the next six lefties to take the hill against his team. Wilmer Flores will be the first baseman Friday.

Blackmon isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Blackmon has gone 2-for-16 with a double, one run, one RBI and two walks in his last five games. Yonathan Daza will take over in right field for Thursday's series finale against the Dodgers, batting seventh.

McCutchen will sit Thursday against the Mets.

McCutchen's 34-year-old legs should see fairly frequent rest this season, and an early afternoon contest seems like the perfect opportunity for that. He's struggled at the plate thus far, hitting .139/.279/.278 in 43 plate appearances. Matt Joyce will take over in left field in his absence.

Turner went 2-for-4 with a home run and an additional RBI in a win over Colorado on Wednesday.

Turner put the Dodgers on the board in the first inning with a run-scoring single. He tacked on another run in the third with a solo shot to center field. The veteran third baseman has gotten off to a hot start to the campaign, slashing .390/.435/.732 across 46 plate appearances. Turner has also slammed three homers and driven in 10 runs.