MLB Player News

Belt (concussion) worked out on the field with the Giants' strength and conditioning coach prior to Wednesday's game, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt was moved to the 60-day DL earlier in the day, officially ending his season, but it seems 29-year-old is making some progress in his recovery from a concussion. Nothing should be taken for granted moving forward given his history of head injuries, but Belt just signed a five-year extension in 2016 and will be a starter next year if healthy.

Harper (knee) is feeling good following Monday's full workout, and was out running the bases and competing in another workout prior to Washington's contest Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reports.

Harper will continue to ramp up his efforts in the coming days with a simulated game pegged for this weekend, and remains optimistic about returning to the field before the end of the regular season. The club is stressing that his status remains in a "day-to-day" state but acknowledged Tuesday that he could be back in action as soon as next week.

Belt (concussion) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Wednesday.

It was widely assumed that Belt was done for the year, and this move makes it official. Belt suffered a concussion in early August, adding to his extensive history of head injuries. These issues are very serious and will always be a concern, but if healthy, Belt should be the Giants' starter at first base again next season.

Cespedes, who will end up playing only 81 games this season due to multiple lower-body injuries, plans to adjust his training routine over the winter, Kristie Ackert of The New York Daily News reports.

The 31-year-old plans to focus more on resistance and agility training rather than the weightlifting that helped him slug 66 homers over the prior two seasons heading into 2017. A healthy Cespedes will be a crucial component for the Mets if they hope to get back to the playoffs next year, so it's encouraging to see the outfielder take steps to ensure he can stay on the field.

Blackmon went 1-for-3 with two walks, a double and two RBI in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Giants.

The 31-year-old has faded a bit towards the end of a long campaign, but it's a testament to how good he's been in 2017 that a .273/.377/.500 slash line in September is considered a slump. Blackmon should remain a fixture at the top of the Rockies lineup down the stretch as they try to lock up a wild-card spot.

Harper will play in another simulated game in New York over the weekend, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Harper continues to trend in the right direction, as manager Dusty Baker said he was impressed with the way Harper looked in a simulated game Tuesday. The key remains how Harper feels Wednesday, however; if everything checks out, the 24-year-old will get a couple of days to rest before participating in another simulated contest over the weekend. If all goes well, general manager Mike Rizzo acknowledged Harper could return before the end of the regular season, though Rizzo maintained that the Nationals are taking things day-to-day. Obviously the Nationals won't push him to return given they've already clinched a playoff berth, but they'd like to get him some game action before the postseason rolls around.

Ozuna is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite going 7-for-13 with a homer and three RBI over his previous three starts, Ozuna will get Tuesday's game off. Ichiro Suzuki will start in his place in left field, batting leadoff.

Carpenter is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Carpenter will head to the bench for a breather after starting nine consecutive games at the hot corner, slashing .240/.500/.560 with two homers and a 13:12 BB:K over that stretch. Jedd Gyorko will make his first start at third base since Aug. 26 in his place.

Harper (knee) was able to take batting practice again Tuesday, and the Nats are optimistic he'll be able to return next week, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Harper originally said he had his eye on returning for Game 1 of the NLDS, but after taking a few days of batting practice on the field, it appears he could return before the regular season concludes. The Nationals won't push him to return seeing as they've already clinched a playoff berth, but they most likely want to get a few games under his belt before October rolls around. Harper has been sidelined since mid-August with a knee injury, so even if he does return before the postseason, the Nats would likely use him cautiously in the last week.

McCutchen collected three singles Monday, finishing 3-for-4 against Milwaukee.

Over his last 13 games, McCutchen is slashing .321/.357/.547 in 56 plate appearances. The center fielder has seven hits in 21 at-bats against Tuesday starter Chase Anderson, including a homer Sept. 13. Pittsburgh's offense continues to struggle but McCutchen has regained his stroke after a disappointing August.