MLB Player News

Cespedes (hamstring) is tabbed to start his rehab assignment with High-A Port St. Lucie on Friday, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

The Cuban slugger will hold true to the words manager Terry Collins uttered on Wednesday, as he'll now embark on a brief rehab stint before returning to the team. If all goes well, Cespedes could return to the team as early as Monday.

Jimenez (hamstring) went 2-for-5 with five RBI on Thursday for High-A Myrtle Beach after missing the last three games.

Jimenez launched a grand slam in the first inning to account for most of his damage. The Cubs' top prospect has dealt with shoulder and hamstring issues this season, but he's been electric when active (.344/.432/.625).

Turner (hamstring) took grounders Thursday for the first time since landing on the disabled list, J.P. Hoonstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This is a big milestone in Turner's recovery, but there are a few hurdles he'll need to clear before rejoining the Dodgers. Given the length of his absence, a rehab assignment could be in order for Turner as he makes his way back from a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Dodgers will continue to use a platoon of Logan Forsythe, Enrique Hernandez, and Chris Taylor at third base while Turner is on the shelf.

Pederson was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list Thursday, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

The Dodgers activated Kenta Maeda from the disabled list to take Pederson's spot on the roster while Pederson recovers. Pederson collided with Yasiel Puig at full speed in Tuesday's game against the Cardinals and was held out of the lineup the following day. Chris Taylor figures to see the bulk of the time in center field while Pederson is sidelined, provided that his defense holds up.

Manager Terry Collins said Wednesday that Cespedes (hamstring) would head out on on a rehab assignment "in the next couple days," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Though Cespedes has been able to take some at-bats at extended spring training since being sidelined April 28 with the strained left hamstring, the Mets want to see how he fares defensively in a less-controlled playing environment before signing off on his return from the disabled list. Cespedes has been gradually increasing his running activity under the watchful eye of trainers in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and it seems likely he'll be able to move on to the next phase of his rehab by the weekend. Once Cespedes is activated, veteran Curtis Granderson could be relegated to a regular bench role, as 24-year-old Michael Conforto has emerged as the Mets' best hitter since Cespedes went down with the injury.

McCutchen is not in the Pirates' Thursday lineup against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old will ride the pine for the second straight game, though he knocked a pinch-hit single Wednesday. McCutchen could return to the lineup Friday, as no reason has been given other than rest. Adam Frazier slides to center field to take his place Thursday.

McCutchen delivered a pinch-hit single in Tuesday's 12-5 win over Atlanta.

He led off the 10th inning with his hit, snapping an 0-for-15 stretch that dropped his batting average to .200. McCutchen would then go on to whiff in his second at-bat. The team hasn't yet revealed whether the outfielder will return to the starting lineup Thursday afternoon.

Pederson (neck) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Cardinals, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

While Pederson said he was feeling better the day after colliding with teammate Yasiel Puig in the outfield, he'll get the day to recoup as Chris Taylor draws his first major league start in center field. Pederson's status should continue to be viewed as truly day-to-day.

McCutchen is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

McCutchen's awful season may have hit its nadir over the last three games, during which he's failed to record a hit in 12 at-bats. Either out of loyalty to McCutchen or as a means of building up his trade value, the Pirates probably won't strip the former National League MVP of his everyday role this season, but manager Clint Hurdle hinted that McCutchen wouldn't necessarily reenter the lineup in Thursday's series finale. Hurdle will call upon Danny Ortiz to make the start in center field Wednesday.

Ozuna is batting third and starting in center field Wednesday against the A's, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Ozuna will make his first start in center field since 2016, as he temporarily takes the spot of the ailing Christian Yelich (hip). The 2016 All-Star leads the Marlins with 31 RBI and a .380 OBP this season.