MLB Player News

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.

The Mets don't expect Cespedes (hamstring) to come off the disabled list until at least next Monday, Christian Red of the New York Daily News reports.

Cespedes is nearing the end of the running program he began a few days earlier, but the Mets seem to have ruled out a return for the outfielder this week. In addition to Cespedes' absence, the injury-battered Mets suffered another blow Tuesday when Jay Bruce departed in the fifth inning of the team's game against the Padres with back tightness. If Bruce ends up missing time, the Mets could call up an outfielder from Triple-A Las Vegas to restore some depth.

Pederson was diagnosed with a strained neck after departing Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Cardinals in the 10th inning following a collision in the outfield with teammate Yasiel Puig, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Pederson took the brunt of the violent pile-up with Puig near the warning track, as he attained gashes to his forehead and was unable to rotate his neck after the collision. Manager Dave Roberts suggested after the game that Pederson was being viewed as day-to-day and wouldn't require a trip to the 10-day disabled list, but the Dodgers will still reevaluate the outfielder Wednesday before determining when he'll be able to return to action.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a pair of two-run home runs in Tuesday's 8-2 win over Philadelphia.

It was a productive day for Colorado's center fielder, who now has 11 home runs and 40 RBI on the season. He continues to shine atop the Rockies' order, now slashing an impressive .325/.361/.618. He's as reliable as they come across all categories in fantasy.

Pederson (undisclosed) was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cardinals after an outfield collision with Yasiel Puig, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

There was a scary moment in extra innings Tuesday when Pederson bore the brunt of a full-speed collision between him and Puig and went head-first into the outfield wall. Pederson also appeared to take an elbow to the side of the head in the collision and he was bleeding from his forehead as he left the field. Chris Taylor came on to pinch-hit for Pederson, and it's unclear whether Pederson will be in Wednesday's lineup. The Dodgers will have more information on Pederson's injury late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a home run in Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Mariners.

Harper took a 1-1 offering from Christian Bergman over the center field fence during an eight-run fourth inning, putting his name atop the National League Home Run list with 14 in the process. The 430-foot bomb broke Harper out of a mini slump, as he was just 2 for his last 22. Look for the 2015 NL MVP to continue to put up big numbers for the Nats.

Cespedes (hamstring) likely hasn't progressed through his running program far enough to return to the lineup Tuesday, Justin Tasch of the New York Daily News reports.

The Mets were hoping to get the slugger back Tuesday, but it looks like Cespedes is still at least a couple more days away from returning to action. The 31-year-old sports a .270/.373/.619 slash line on the year, but he's been out since April 27. It's expected that Cespedes will take over for Curtis Granderson in center field when he does rejoin the lineup.

Pederson went 1-for-2 with a walk and his second home run of the season in a win over the Mets on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has struggled mightily this season, batting a paltry .206 through 34 games. Pederson isn't known for his ability to hit for average as a career .222 hitter, but his lack of power has been concerning for owners hoping for a third consecutive 25-homer campaign. The young slugger has maintained his patience at the plate (10.8 percent walk rate), so he doesn't appear to be pressing, and it may just be a matter of time before we see the power return.

Carpenter went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Giants.

Carpenter's ninth dinger of the season was his first since May 14, and his slash line is now up to .235/.381/.492 on the season with 27 RBI in 168 plate appearances. He's cooled down a bit after a scorching start to the month, but he remains a useful contributor in most categories in all fantasy formats.

Stanton went 3-for-5 with three doubles, a run scored and three RBI in Saturday's win over the Dodgers.

The two-baggers came against three different pitchers over three consecutive at-bats, as Stanton helped lead a 10-run outburst by the Marlins offense. He's now hitting a solid .267/.339/.540 with 11 homers and 30 RBI in 42 games.