MLB Player News

Stanton went 3-for-4 with a double and a three-run homer Saturday against the Rockies.

Stanton blasted his 41st home run of the year to break up a tie game in the fourth inning of a game the Marlins would go on to win. He's smashed eight homers over his last nine games to raise his slugging percentage from .586 to .631, and he continues to reward fantasy managers with an elite season.

McCutchen (knee) said he could have played Saturday if asked, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

This is encouraging news, as it appears McCutchen was held out of Saturday's game simply as precaution. The Pirates will likely wait to see how McCutchen feels during Sunday's pregame before making a decision regarding his status, but the 30-year-old seems to be on the cusp of a return.

McCutchen (knee) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

McCutchen exited Friday's game with discomfort in his knee, and while the injury isn't thought to be anything overly serious, the Pirates won't take any chances with their stud outfielder. While he ultimately isn't in the lineup, the 30-year-old was able to take batting practice during pregame warmups, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, so it seems likely that the team will wait to see how he feels during Saturday's pregame routine before making a decision on his status for the series finale.

McCutchen (knee) said he felt "significantly better" after Friday's game and could play Saturday, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The team will decide Saturday whether McCutchen is fit to return to the lineup as a designated hitter or center fielder. "I'd like to play defense, too," he said. "I feel better now. Docs ran some tests. It was good. We'll see how it feels tomorrow." He described his pain as a cramp and said he didn't need an MRI, even as a precautionary measure. It appears fantasy owners dodged a major bullet Friday.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-3 win over the Rockies.

The slugger's 40th of the season was a typical Giancarlo smash, as he drove a line drive into the second deck in left-center field. There are few things scarier to pitchers than a locked-in Stanton, and with 14 homers in 26 games since the All-Star break, it's a wonder he hasn't been walked more than 17 times over that stretch.

Cespedes went 2-for-5 with a homer and four RBI on Friday against the Phillies.

Cespedes blasted his 13th homer of the year to erase a three-run deficit and help lead the Mets to a road victory. Although his slugging percentage is significantly down from the past two years, he's homered three times over his last eight games, and he's always capable of putting together an extended hot streak to carry an offense and fantasy team.

McCutchen officially exited Friday night's game with left patella femoral discomfort, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

In English, that means McCutchen's knee is sore. The immediate diagnosis, then, is fairly positive considering McCutchen had to limp off the field from second base in the third inning. It's still unclear if he will require a disabled list stint, though, and he will likely be reevaluated before Saturday afternoon's contest against Toronto.

McCutchen limped off the field and was removed from Friday's game after hitting a double in the third inning, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McCutchen appeared to be fine after hitting the double, but possibly tweaked his left knee or hamstring trying to double back to second after a pitch during the next at-bat. He was replaced on second and in center field by Starling Marte. Consider him day-to-day for now, but this kind of non-contact leg injury is scary and could keep McCutchen out for a significant period of time.

Pederson is not in the starting lineup for the Dodgers on Friday against San Diego, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

With San Diego southpaw Clayton Richard getting the start for the Padres, Pederson will hit the bench in favor of Chris Taylor's right-handed bat. Taylor will bat leadoff and play center in his wake.

Stanton supplied all the Marlins' offense Thursday, going 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 3-2 loss to the Nationals.

The 27-year-old just won't let up on opposing pitchers -- Stanton is now slashing .308/.379/1.038 over the last week with six homers and 11 RBI, and he continues to extend his MLB lead with 39 home runs on the season. The hot streak has also pushed his OPS up to a career-high .982, and as long as he stays healthy down the stretch there's no reason to expect him to slow down much when it comes to putting souvenirs in the seats.