MLB Player News

Harper has been bumped up to the leadoff spot Tuesday against the Pirates.

It's the first time Harper has hit anywhere other than third this season and the first time he's led off since 2013. Harper is certainly an unconventional leadoff hitter given his immense power, but his .458 on-base percentage is excellent for a table-setter. If Harper starts leading off on a regular basis, he'd trade RBI for runs, a largely neutral move for fantasy purposes, though his total number of plate appearances would increase, giving him more chances to hit home runs.

Cespedes (thumb) is on track to play Tuesday against the Braves, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes' thumb injury wasn't considered particularly serious, but he was expected to miss at least a few games. He may not end up missing a single one, though, as the issue appears to be even less serious than the Mets originally thought. His thumb became sore Saturday after he slid into third base and was removed from the game, but the Mets' off day Monday may end up being the only rest he needed.

Turner (wrist) hit off a tee Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Turner has continued making progress recovering from the broken wrist that he suffered during spring training. The team indicated that if he continues improving as he has been, it's not out of question for him to return by mid-May, although a more definitive timeframe should come into focus when Turner begins a rehab assignment.

Pederson came off the bench and went 1-for-1 with an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

Pederson entered the contest once the left-handed Ty Blach was removed from the game. Yasiel Puig (ankle) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, so Pederson could see an increase in playing time against right-handed starters. Alex Verdugo was called up this weekend, which could provide a roadblock to regular starts for the slugging outfielder. Monday's starting lineup should shed light on which of the two left-handed bats will receive the short boost in value, with the Diamondbacks slated to start three righties in the first three games of their upcoming four-game set with the Dodgers.

Belt went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Dodgers.

Belt has been swinging a hot bat all year, and he's now reached base safely in 12 straight. The lefty sports a terrific 1.011 OPS to go along with a .313 average, and his six homers already have him well on his way to topping last year's career-best 18.

Cespedes believes he'll miss three days due to his left thumb injury, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Cespedes didn't seem too concerned about his injury after X-rays on his thumb came back negative Sunday, but he did estimate that he'd have to sit out a few days. It's unclear if he was referring to missing three games or simply missing three days, but the Mets are off Monday, so he could return Thursday if his initial estimates are correct. Consider him a true day-to-day case, though the results of his Monday MRI should shed more light on his situation.

Cespedes was diagnosed with a sore left thumb after leaving Sunday's game against the Padres, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets didn't give any indication that Cespedes suffered a serious injury, so consider him day-to-day for now. However, due to his history with injuries, Cespedes could be withheld from the lineup for a day or two as a precautionary measure. X-rays on his thumb came back negative, but he'll undergo further testing in New York on Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. If he has to miss time, expect Juan Lagares or Brandon Nimmo to start in left field.

Cespedes left Sunday's game against the Padres in the third inning with an apparent hand injury, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Cespedes seemed to hurt his hand while sliding into third base. Prior to exiting the game, he'd gone 2-for-2 with a double and two runs scored. Additional information regarding the severity of his injury should be available in the near future. Upon his departure, Brandon Nimmo entered the game to play left field.

McCutchen is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

McCutchen has had some tough times at the plate lately. Over the last seven games, he's gone 3-for-18 (.167) and struck out seven times. However, despite his struggles he's managed to get on base frequently, as he's drawn nine walks in that time. Austin Slater will start in right field and hit seventh with McCutchen out.

Cespedes went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Saturday's 12-2 loss to the Padres.

His sixth-inning homer off Joey Lucchesi accounted for the Mets' only runs on the night, but it was the definition of garbage-time production as the Padres were already ahead 11-0 by that point. Cespedes' .218/.279/.416 slash line remains far below expectations, but he's still been extremely productive as a power hitter with six homers and 25 RBI in 25 games.