MLB Player News

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

Carpenter extended his hitting streak to five games and went 4-for-9 with a double, Sunday's homer and three runs in the weekend series against the Pirates. The foul ball that glanced off the infielder's foot and caused his early exit last Thursday versus the Reds didn't seem to affect him during the three-game set, and he appears primed to finish the season strong despite a career-low .246 average.

The Nationals plan to activate Harper (knee, calf) from the 10-day disabled list prior to Monday's series opener against the Phillies, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and a left calf strain after slipping on first base in an Aug. 12 game, which had made it uncertain whether he'd be able to return to action before the end of the regular season. Fortunately for the Nationals, the star outfielder proved to be a quick healer and is now expected to get a week's worth of games in before the postseason gets underway. It's unclear if the Nationals will be comfortable with deploying Harper in an everyday role right off the bat, but if his knee and calf check out fine in his initial appearances, manager Dusty Baker would likely feel comfortable using the former MVP regularly in the playoffs. Harper's return will also force Baker to make some tough decisions with his outfield, as Jayson Werth and Howie Kendrick will likely have to compete with one another for starts in left field.

Turner (thumb) took swings in the batting cage Sunday and will rejoin the starting lineup Monday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Turner was held out of the lineup Sunday with his right thumb contusion, but manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the third baseman would be ready to suit back up at his first opportunity afterward. He should be deployed in fantasy lineups with confidence upon his return.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Turner suffered a right thumb contusion during Thursday's game against the Phillies. The Dodgers will continue to be cautious with their third baseman and will withhold him from the lineup for the third consecutive day. He'll remain a day-to-day case, with Logan Forsythe drawing the start at third base Sunday.

Martinez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and walk in Saturday's 12-6 win over the Marlins.

The fifth-inning home run was Martinez's 43rd of the season and 14th of September, establishing a new franchise record for any month. In addition to the exceptional power production, Martinez is hitting .397 on the month, making him an exceptional four-category performer worth leaning on in daily contests while he remains locked in.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup Saturday for the second straight day, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Turner was held out Friday after suffering a bruised thumb the day before, and with the Dodgers needing only a couple wins to lock up home-field advantage in the postseason, it's likely he will not play Saturday either. Logan Forsythe will make another start at third base in Turner's place.

Harper (knee) played in another simulated game Saturday and is ready to advance to the next step in his recovery, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The Nationals are waiting to determine exactly what the next step for Harper will be, but he made it through simulated games the last two days without issue, so he is at least ready to face live pitching again and could rejoin the big-league club soon. The team figures to provide more details on Harper's status over the next day or two.

Martinez went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, a home run, three runs scored and two RBI in Friday's 13-11 win over the Marlins.

He's been almost unstoppable in September, slashing .400/.439/1.000 in 18 games with 13 homers and 27 RBI. Despite missing a significant amount of time with the Tigers earlier in the year due to a foot injury suffered late in spring training, Martinez has still set a new career high with 42 home runs and is only five RBI shy of hitting the century mark for the second time.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, three runs scored and three RBI in Friday's 13-11 loss to the Diamondbacks.

The 26-year-old has already established new career highs in just about every major hitting category, but he isn't resting on his laurels in September, slashing .308/.333/.538 through 19 games with five homers and 15 RBI. With 36 home runs on the year and eight games left on the Marlins' schedule, Ozuna still has an outside shot at his first 40-HR campaign.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

A Mark Leiter pitch hit Turner on the thumb during his first at-bat Thursday, and Turner was eventually forced to leave the game. Fortunately, X-rays were negative, so it seems Turner should be able to return relatively quickly, although his status for the rest of the weekend is up in the air. Logan Forsythe will take over at third base in the meantime.