MLB Player News

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in the Cardinals' 5-0 victory over the Dodgers on Sunday.

Ozuna continued his red-hot hitting of recent weeks, as he's now left the yard six times in his last 12 contests. His second-half tear has pushed his stat line up to a respectable level after his prolonged struggles in the first half of the season, as Ozuna now has a .281/.322/.438 slash line to go along with 22 home runs and 81 RBI over 541 at-bats.

Belt (knee) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Rockies, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt will stick on the bench for a second straight game as he continues to battle a recurring knee issue. A recent MRI showed no structural damage, however, and the first baseman should be considered day-to-day. When Belt does return, he's expected to receive more frequent off days in an effort to keep him fresh. Austin Slater is starting at first base in Sunday's series finale, with Chris Shaw drawing a start in the outfield.

Belt is day-to-day after an MRI on his knee came back clean, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While Belt won't be shut down for the remainder of the season, he's expected to cede some extra starts down the stretch as he continues to battle a recurring knee issue. Austin Slater figures to see time at first base when Belt is rested.

Turner went 3-for-3 with a walk, a hit by pitch and a pair of runs in Saturday's 17-4 victory over the Cardinals.

The hit by pitch appeared to have potentially injured Turner, but he remained in the game for several more innings, and X-rays were negative, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. The third baseman has now gone 11-for 23 (.478) over his last seven games.

Belt underwent an MRI on his sore right knee Saturday and could be shut down for the season if the results are bad, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt is already expected to miss the occasional game as he battles the recurring knee issue and will likely undergo offseason surgery. If the Giants elect to shut him down, Austin Slater would be in line for regular starts at first base.

Belt (knee) is not in the lineup Saturday against the Rockies, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt was pulled from Friday's game with knee soreness. He didn't believe the issue was a significant one, but it's bad enough for him to miss at least one game. He's expected to undergo offseason surgery due to the recurring problem, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit frequently down the stretch.

Carpenter is not in the lineup against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Carpenter will take a seat for the first time since Aug. 29, when he was battling a minor illness. Though Carpenter did go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Friday, it's a little surprising manager Mike Shildt would keep him out of the starting nine during such a pivotal showdown with Los Angeles as both teams fight for postseason contention. That said, there hasn't been any word on a potential injury and with another left-hander in Rich Hill on the mound Saturday, it's entirely possible Shildt is just giving the 32-year-old a well-earned day off. Patrick Wisdom will man first base and bat sixth in the order in Carpenter's absence.

Belt was removed in the seventh inning of Friday's contest due to an issue with his knee, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Belt had just returned from a brief absence due to soreness in his right knee Wednesday, so it isn't surprising that his removal was related to the same injury. On the bright side, the first baseman said that he doesn't believe the setback is of the long-term variety and that he should be considered day-to-day. Manager Bruce Bochy said that it would be tough to start Belt Saturday, so Austin Slater would likely slide over to first base if that plan sticks. Belt is scheduled to undergo offseason surgery on his nagging knee so that he can hopefully begin the 2019 season with a clean bill of health.

Belt was removed from Friday's game against the Rockies with an apparent injury, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt just returned to the starting lineup Wednesday after missing time due to a knee issue, and it appears the same issue is bothering him again. He'll likely be considered day-to-day moving forward.

Carpenter went 2-for-5 with two runs in a loss to the Dodgers on Thursday.

Carpenter continues to get on base at an elite clip, with Thursday's two-hit effort pushing his on-base percentage for September to .375. The veteran is slated to move back to first base on an everyday basis with the return of Jedd Gyorko (groin) from the disabled list, and Carpenter sports a .270/.386/.553 line on the season that's partly comprised of a career best in home runs (35).