MLB Player News

Harper (back) will start in right field and bat third Sunday against the Cardinals, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Harper was held out of the lineup for Saturday's 9-4 loss while managing lower-back tightness, but he apparently needed only one day off to overcome the issue. The 28-year-old has gotten on base at an excellent .396 clip this season, but a .238 average and modest counting-stats totals (two home runs, eight runs, six RBI and no stolen bases in 13 games) has muted his overall fantasy impact thus far.

Carpenter will start at second base and bat fifth Sunday against the Phillies, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter moved to the bench for Saturday's 9-4 win over the Phillies, but he'll be back in the lineup for the fifth time in six games Sunday. With Tommy Edman having logged more time in right field of late due to injuries to Harrison Bader (forearm) and Tyler O'Neill (groin), Carpenter appears to have seized hold of an everyday role at the keystone.

Winker went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI versus Cleveland in an extra-inning win Saturday.

Winker played a key role in the Reds' comeback victory, rapping a single to bring home Nick Senzel with the tying run in the ninth inning. Winker has reached base in all but one of his nine games this season and is slashing .394/.429/.606 through 35 plate appearances.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a walk in Saturday's loss against the Cubs.

Ozuna was unable to replicate his three-hit performance from Friday, but he seems to be leaving his slow start to the season behind after hitting in four of his last six outings. He's still hitting just .211 with a .560 OPS, but the veteran outfielder seems to be trending in the right direction after beginning the season going 4-for-32 over his first nine games.

Belt went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Marlins.

Belt ruined Sandy Alcantara's shutout with a leadoff home run in the seventh inning. This was Belt's second homer this season and his first two-hit game. The veteran finds himself in a platoon, sitting against most lefties. He is batting only .194 in his first 14 games.

Turner went 1-for-4 with a solo shot in Saturday's win over the Padres.

The right-handed hitter provided the Dodgers with more of a cushion following his solo shot off Emilio Pagan in the ninth inning. The red-hot 36-year-old veteran now has five home runs on the year and is currently slashing an impressive .426/.467/.815 in 2021.

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.