MLB Player News

McCutchen went 6-for-7 with a stolen base, one home run, four RBI, and two runs scored Saturday against the Dodgers.

McCutchen had just two hits entering Saturday's game, but he produced across the board against the Dodgers, including a walkoff three-run homer. He was also successful on his first stolen-base attempt of the season. McCutchen has started slowly in seasons past, and though he's no longer a first-round producer, he should improve from his sluggish start as the season wears on.

Blackmon was removed from Saturday's extra-inning win due to back tightness, Jenny Cavnar of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

It seemed strange that the star center fielder was removed from the game prior to its conclusion, but nothing suggested that he was dealing with an injury. No word has come forth as to how severe the issue is, so consider Blackmon day-to-day for the time being. If Blackmon misses any time due to the injury, Mike Tauchman or Ian Desmond could see some extra starts in the outfield, with the latter option potentially allowing Ryan McMahon to log some time in the starting lineup.

Winker went 1-for-2 with two walks, one run scored and one RBI against the Pirates on Saturday.

With Scott Schebler out, Winker has enjoyed regular playing time leading off and playing right field. He has been impressive, posting a .538 on-base percentage. He still doesn't have any extra-base hits in 18 at-bats, but he has the potential to score plenty of runs with consistent playing time as long as Schebler remains out of the lineup.

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

He now has a six-game hitting streak going, during which Ozuna is a blistering 11-for-26 (.423). His 0:11 BB:K through eight games isn't ideal, but as long as the 27-year-old is hitting the ball with this much authority when he does make contact, the Cards should be very happy with their big offseason acquisition.

Harper hit his fifth home run of the season in Saturday's loss to the Mets.

Harper's homer was a sixth-inning solo shot off of Hansel Robles. It gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead, which they relinquished the following inning. Harper is on a tear to start the year, with five home runs and a .292/.486/.917 line through his first eight games.

Winker will return to the top of the Reds' order and play right field against Pittsburgh on Friday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Winker will hit out of the leadoff position for the fourth time this season, which is where he will typically be located when the club faces a right-hander. Expect to see Billy Hamilton hitting first versus southpaws. Through the first week of the year, Winker has gone 2-for-11 with five walks and five strikeouts.

Cespedes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk in Thursday's win over the Nationals.

Cespedes' hot start to the season continues. The slugger has now connected on three homers and driven in seven through the first six games of the campaign. He should continue to produce while hitting in the middle of the Mets' lineup so long as he stays healthy.

Carpenter went 0-for-2 with an RBI groundout and two walks in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Brewers.

His grounder to first in the third inning brought home Dexter Fowler and moved Tommy Pham over to third, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead at the time and setting up a two-run homer by Marcell Ozuna in the very next at-bat. Carpenter has gone hitless over the last two games, but his patience at the plate often allows him to make an offensive impact even when the ball isn't dropping in. Carpenter has now drawn five free passes over the last three contests entering play Thursday.

Vientos will remain behind in extended spring training to begin the season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

There's been no word of an injury for the Mets' No. 1 fantasy prospect, but after playing in 51 games at rookie ball last year as a 17-year-old, Vientos won't be rushed. He hit only four homers in 2017, but the power should come as he matures, marking him as a potential impact bat at third base.

Cespedes will bat third and start in left field Thursday against the Nationals, Tim Britton of The Athletic New York reports.

Cespedes has hit second in four of his other five starts this season, but it looks like the three hole could be his permanent home with Michael Conforto (shoulder) returning from the disabled list Thursday and set to handle the leadoff role on an everyday basis. Whether he's hitting second or third for the Mets on a given day, Cespedes should benefit from a bounty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities due to the talent in front of him and behind him in the order.