MLB Player News

Pederson was activated off the family medical emergency list Monday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Pederson had been away from the team for most of the last week. He should return to his platoon role across the final week of the season, though it's possible his opportunities fade slightly, as he's hitting just .174/.268/.376 on the year. Zach McKinstry was optioned in a corresponding move.

Vogelbach went 2-for-4 with two homers and five RBI in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Royals.

Vogelbach drove in all five runs for Milwaukee on Sunday, starting with a two-run blast in the first inning and a three-run shot in the sixth. The 27-year-old slugger has been on fire since joining the Brewers, going 15-for-36 with three homers and 10 RBI.

Ruf went 2-for-4 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 14-2 win over the Athletics.

Ruf provided a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Athletics starter Mike Minor and later added a two-run single in the eighth. The 34-year-old Ruf also drew a pair of walks in Sunday's game. He's been productive in a limited role this year with a .303/.384/.579 slash line, five homers, 18 RBI, 11 runs scored and a stolen base in 34 contests.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Dickerson (personal) could be activated from the paternity list ahead of Monday's game against the Rockies, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

While Kapler said he expects Dickerson to be reinstated to the active roster, the skipper acknowledged he hadn't heard if the outfielder's wife gave birth yet. At any rate, Dickerson should be back with the Giants at some point during the four-game series with Colorado, which will leave fewer at-bats available for Darin Ruf, who has started each of the past four contests.

Harper left Sunday's loss to the Blue Jays with lower back stiffness, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Harper appeared to be in pain after fielding a triple in the top of the seventh inning Sunday, and manager Joe Girardi revealed after the game that the slugger is experiencing lower back stiffness. He wasn't sure how the injury would impact Harper's availability for Monday's contest on the road against the Nationals. "He'll get a lot of treatment and we'll cross our fingers," Girardi said.

Harper left Sunday's game against the Blue Jays with a potential injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Harper appeared to be uncomfortable while he was playing the field in the top of the seventh inning, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. He then said something to manager Joe Girardi after his at-bat in the seventh inning prior to heading back to the clubhouse. He was replaced by Phil Gosselin in right field to begin the eighth inning. It's unclear exactly what issue Harper may be dealing with.

Pederson (personal) took some at-bats against Walker Buehler (finger) in a simulated game Saturday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The Dodgers placed Pederson on the family medical emergency list Wednesday, but he's since reported back to the team. Expect the Dodgers to officially activate him ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Athletics.

Vogelbach remains on the bench Saturday against the Royals.

Vogelbach sits for the second game in a row as the Royals trot out another lefty in Kris Bubic. Ryan Braun starts at designated hitter after leaving Friday's game with back spasms.

Belt will sit against lefty Jesus Luzardo and the Athletics on Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt has started on occasion against lefties this season but typically finds himself on the bench, starting just seven times in 21 opportunities. Wilmer Flores will be the first baseman in his absence.

Dickerson was placed on the paternity list Saturday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Players typically spend three days on paternity leave, though pandemic-related protocols could delay that slightly this season. Austin Slater and Darin Ruf should see more at-bats during his absence, while utility man Daniel Robertson was called up to give the team an extra bat on the bench.