MLB Player News

Cespedes (hip) played nine innings at first base in a rehab game Wednesday for High-A St. Lucie and went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run.

Cespedes has now played three games -- one simulated game and two minor-league rehab contests -- over the last three days, which suggests he'll be ready to return from the 10-day disabled list for the Mets' first game out of the All-Star break Friday against the Yankees. It's expected that Cespedes will be deployed as the Mets' designated hitter during the three-game series in the Bronx before likely returning to the field on a full-time basis next week. Due to the emergence of Brandon Nimmo this season, the Mets boast a crowded outfield, so Cespedes may end up seeing occasional work at first base for the first time in his MLB career as the team looks to roll out its strongest overall lineup.

Winker should start every day in right field with Scott Schebler hitting the DL, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Winker has forced himself into the lineup frequently with a hot bat anyhow, but this takes the guesswork out of it. Over the last 30 games, Winker has hit .357/.476/.560 with four homers. He won't provide any speed, but he's one of three elite OBP sources in an improved Reds lineup.

Cespedes (hip) will start at first base during his minor-league rehab contest Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cespedes took some grounders at first base last week, but manager Mickey Callaway vehemently stated the veteran will be utilized as an outfielder upon his return to the Mets. During Tuesday's rehab game with the GCL Mets, Cespedes played seven innings in left field and has yet to spend actual game time at first base over the course of his professional career, so seeing him at the position with the Mets remains a long shot at the present moment.

Cespedes (hip) played seven innings in left field in his first rehab game for the GCL Mets on Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Cespedes has been out for over two months with a hip issue. His rehab assignment could be short, as he has a good chance to return Friday for the Mets' first series after the All-Star break. That series is against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, meaning he could be eased back into major-league action as the team's designated hitter.

Cespedes (hip) played five innings in left field and went 3-for-7 with two home runs and a walk during a simulated game Monday at the Mets' spring training facility, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Receiving his first game action in nearly a month, Cespedes showed limited rust and didn't report issues with the strained right hip flexor that has slowed him for much of the season. Assuming he feels fine after checking in with team trainers Tuesday, Cespedes could move his rehab to a minor-league affiliate by mid-week in preparation for a return from the 10-day disabled list in the Mets' first game of the second half Friday against the Yankees. With the designated hitter available at Yankee Stadium, the Mets would have the luxury of easing Cespedes back into action rather than having him play nine innings in the outfield right away.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in a win over the Reds on Sunday.

Carpenter led off the bottom of the first with his 19th homer, which served as his second in as many games. The 32-year-old heads into the All-Star break having reached safely in six consecutive games, the latest example of the dramatic turnaround to his season. Carpenter was slashing .199/.320/.370 as recently as May 23, but he'll enter the second half of the season with a .263/.373/.530 line that includes 47 extra-base hits (28 doubles, 19 homers) and 43 RBI.

Turner (groin) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

As expected, the Dodgers will give Turner his third off day in a row while he tends to the left groin strain. The impending All-Star break will provide some extra time for Turner to heal up and stave off a trip to the disabled list, but the third baseman will have to prove he can run without any complications before the Dodgers clear him to return to the lineup. Per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Turner is running at about 70 percent speed and may only be available in a pinch-hitting role for the series finale.

Miller is out of the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

The lefty-hitting Miller will sit for the third straight game against a right-handed pitcher, with Brewers manager Craig Counsell tabbing Hernan Perez for the start at second base against Pirates hurler Joe Musgrove. Though Milwaukee will have an opening at the keystone temporarily after Jonathan Villar (thumb) was moved to the disabled list Sunday, Miller may have fallen behind Perez in the pecking order after recording just two hits in 23 at-bats over his last nine games.

Cespedes (hip) is scheduled to play five innings in left field Monday in a simulated game at the Mets' spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Cespedes resumed baseball activities last week, with the career-long outfielder even taking grounders at first base in recent days as the Mets explore ways to limit the strain on his lower body. Cespedes is still expected to serve primarily in his traditional spot in the corner outfield upon returning from the 10-day disabled list, but he'll likely need to play a full nine-inning game in the minors before the Mets are comfortable deploying him in the field. If all goes well during his rehab this week, Cespedes could be activated as soon as Friday, at which point he would likely be eased back into the mix as the Mets' designated hitter during the team's series next weekend against the Yankees.

Harper is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mets.

As one of the main attractions for Washington as it hosts the 89th MLB Home Run Derby on Monday and All-Star Game on Tuesday, Harper will get Sunday off to receive an early start on the festivities. Harper, who is slashing .184/.355/.388 across 14 games in July, will give way to Michael Taylor in center field in the series finale.