MLB Player News

Blackmon (calf) seems doubtful to play in Friday's game against the Orioles, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Of the injury, Blackmon said it's "not the kind of thing to take lightly." He fouled a ball off his calf in the third inning of Thursday's game and then aggravated the injury in the field later that inning before being removed from the game in the fourth frame. As of now, the Rockies beat writers seem to think Blackmon is day-to-day and could require at least one day off to get right. Ian Desmond figures to start in his place in the short term.

Blackmon, who left Thursday's game against the Pirates in the fourth inning, is dealing with a right calf issue, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Manager Bud Black said it is something the team is "monitoring", so the severity is unclear. For now, he should be considered day-to-day. Ian Desmond, who replaced Blackmon in center field, would likely get starts in the short term, but if the issue requires a stint on the injured list, Yonathan Daza could be an option to join the team from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Cespedes underwent season-ending surgery on his right ankle Thursday, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

He was in the process of lightly ramping up activity while rehabbing multiple heel surgeries when he suffered multiple right ankle fractures in an off-field incident this past weekend. Cespedes is due to make $29 million in 2020 before becoming a free agent in 2021. He only played in 38 games last year and was limited to 81 in 2017.

Blackmon left Thursday's game against the Pirates in the fourth inning, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

At the time he left, the Rockies were down 8-0, and Saunders was not aware of an injury for Blackmon, although an injury seems likelier than Colorado taking out one of its best players halfway through the game. Ian Desmond replaced him in center field.

Ozuna went 3-for-8 with two doubles, a home run, five RBI, a walk and two runs in a doubleheader against the Royals on Wednesday.

Ozuna was the most productive Cardinal over the two games combined, with the veteran outfielder driving in the team's only two runs during a blowout loss in the matinee. Ozuna's round tripper in the nightcap was his 14th of the season, and he's hit safely in four straight contests. Moreover, despite his career-low .239 average at present, the 28-year-old's ability to deliver with men on base has led to him sharing the major-league lead in RBI (45) with the Pirates' Josh Bell.

Belt is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Braves, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt will take a seat Wednesday with the Braves sending southpaw Max Fried to the mound. Belt doesn't regularly sit versus lefties, but it's a good time for an off day since he has a .628 OPS against them this season. Tyler Austin is starting at first base and batting second in his stead.

Ramirez went 2-for-5 with a home run and two runs scored Tuesday against the Tigers.

Ramirez took Spencer Turnbull deep in the fourth inning to record his first career home run. The shot came on a line drive to the opposite field and put the Marlins up 3-1. Since being called up May 11, Ramirez has recorded five hits -- all singles besides the homer -- while displaying solid contact skills by whiffing just three times in 20 plate appearances. After hitting .355/.408/.591 in 31 games at Triple-A New Orleans prior to getting the call, Ramirez should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself capable as a major-league starter.

Turner went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the Dodgers' 7-3 win over the Rays on Tuesday.

Turner hadn't logged a hit in his last 12 at-bats, but he was able to snap out of the mini-funk with a two-hit day against Tampa Bay. The third baseman is now slashing .281/.376/.431 with six homers and 23 RBI in 160 at-bats.

Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a two-run triple in Colorado's 5-0 victory over the Pirates on Tuesday.

Blackmon stayed hot, as he laced his fifth three-bagger of the season in this contest to knock in two of Colorado's five runs. The three-hit day brings his slash line up to a healthy .302/.360/.578 to go along with 10 homers and 30 RBI through 192 at-bats.

Pederson is not starting Tuesday against the Rays, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Pederson sits against a righty (Hunter Wood) for just the second time all season, though the Rays' opener strategy is designed in part to throw off platoons like the one the Dodgers use in left field. Chris Taylor gets the start in his place.