MLB Player News

Harper (foot) is batting third and serving as the designated hitter Sunday against the Yankees.

Harper missed Saturday's game after getting hit by a pitch in the foot the day before. The Phillies are playing it safe and keeping the outfielder from playing the field in his first game back, but his presence in the lineup as DH all but confirms the issue isn't anything that will have an effect on his status for the start of the season.

Manager Mike Shildt said Carpenter was scratched from Sunday's spring game due to back tightness, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

Shildt didn't seem too worried about the issue, and the expectation is that Carpenter will only miss a couple of days before hopefully returning to the lineup. That said, the 33-year-old's status will be worth monitoring over the next week with the start of the season drawing closer.

Carpenter was expected to be in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Marlins, but was not included for a yet-to-be-announced reason, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

It's not clear why Carpenter's name was omitted from Sunday's lineup, but the most likely reason would be some sort of injury.

Harper (foot) could be back in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper didn't play Saturday after getting hit by a pitch in the foot the day before, but he did play catch and do agility work. He'll be evaluated Sunday morning and may not quite be ready to go, but the fact that a return is already possible bodes well for him being unaffected by Opening Day.

Manager Gabe Kapler said Harper is considered day to day after being hit by a pitch on the ankle Friday and added that there are "no concerns" about the outfielder's availability for Opening Day, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Harper gave fantasy players and Phillies fans a jolt when limped off the field in Friday's contest, but the initial reports were positive, and there was even better news Saturday morning, as Kapler noted the swelling in Harper's ankle reduced overnight. Harper could get a day or two to rest and recover from his injury, but with Kapler optimistic about his status for Opening Day, there's reason for fantasy managers to be as well.

Harper's initial X-rays on his foot were negative, though he'll have more imaging done Saturday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

The Phillies' believed Harper avoided serious injury after getting hit in the foot by a pitch Friday against the Blue Jays, and his firsts tests seem to have confirmed that. How much time he'll need to miss, if any, will likely be determined following Saturday's reevaluation.

Harper has nothing worse than a foot contusion after being hit by a pitch Friday against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Harper will have an X-ray to verify that he's avoided a fracture, but as of right now, the team believes there's no cause for major concern. The outfielder's spring preparation was already going to be brief, as he didn't sign his contract until midway through camp, but even with another few days off to rest his foot he'll still likely be good to go for Opening Day.

Harper limped off the field after getting hit in the ankle by a fastball in Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but Harper looked to be in significant pain. More clarity should come after he's examined by team trainers.

Blackmon went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Colorado's 5-3 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The lefty slugger was just 3-for-19 this spring coming into the contest, but he checked in with his first long ball with his third-inning solo shot. The 32-year-old slashed .291/.358/.502 over 626 at-bats last season and should remain a threat to rack up lofty run totals hitting atop a talented Rockies lineup.

Reyes batted fourth in Tuesday's lineup against Oakland, a lineup which Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune calls "a fair representation of what the Padres figure to roll out in the regular season."

The game was called due to rain just a handful of batters into the exhibition, but the lineup had Ian Kinsler leading off, Eric Hosmer in the two hole followed by Manny Machado and Reyes. Wil Myers was batting fifth, in center field. If that sticks into the regular season, it would likely afford both Reyes and Hunter Renfroe regular playing time. Machado, who homered before the game was called, seems happy with his protection in the lineup, saying, "With Franmil behind me, I'm going to get pitches too. In that situation today, you don't want to load the bases to face Franmil. I think our lineup is pretty deep."