MLB Player News

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.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with two walks and a stolen base Saturday against the Athletics.

McCutchen's power production has been nonexistent of late -- he has no extra-base hits in July -- but he has produced on the basepaths in that time. Since the calendar flipped, he has two stolen bases on three attempts, bringing his season total to eight. That puts him on pace for his highest single-season mark since 2014, helping him maintain fantasy viability despite disappointing production in most other areas.

Carpenter went 2-for-4 with a solo home run during Saturday's loss to the Reds.

Carpenter led off the game with his 18th home run of the year and third of July. The infielder has enjoyed a renaissance in the first half of 2018, compiling a .263/.372/.522 slash line with 42 RBI and 56 runs over 374 plate appearances.

Belt was ejected from Saturday's game for arguing balls and strikes, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Belt was tossed while heading back onto the field to play defense after berating a check-swing appeal that didn't go his way. He went 0-for-3 and was replaced at first base by Pablo Sandoval.

Turner (groin) is unlikely to play Saturday or Sunday but is not expected to need a trip to the disabled list, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Turner tweaked his adductor Wednesday and hasn't started since, but the Dodgers don't believe the injury to be a serious one. They'll want to give him as much rest as possible but expect him to be ready to go right after the break.

Pederson is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels.

As usual, Pederson will take a seat against a lefty, with Andrew Heaney on the mound for the Angels. Enrique Hernandez will start in left field.

Miller is out of the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Miller will head to the bench after an 0-for-3, two-strikeout showing in the first game of the twin bill. Jonathan Villar will take over at second base.

Turner (groin/hamstring) remains out of the lineup Saturday against the Angels.

Turner tweaked his adductor Wednesday and has been out of the starting lineup ever since, though he did appear off the bench Thursday. He's considered day-to-day, but with just one day remaining before the All-Star break it wouldn't be surprising to see him held out again Sunday in order to get a full eight days of rest. Max Muncy will man the hot corner in his absence.

Cespedes (hip) might return from the disabled list as early as July 20 against the Yankees, Tim Britton of The Athletic New York reports.

Cespedes managed to successfully run the bases, and he'll either head for a simulated game or a short rehab stint over the All-Star break. If all goes well, Mickey Callaway stated Cespedes could serve as the designated hitter during the Mets' first series coming out of the break. More news on his status should surface as he begins the next step in his rehab.