MLB Player News

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with one walk and an RBI against Atlanta on Friday.

He hit the ball with authority Friday and crushed a foul ball down the left field line with plenty of home run distance. His effort was particularly encouraging after an 0-for-9 start to the season at Fenway Park. McCutchen also looked spry on the bases, as if he was looking to run when possible. It's only one game, but he played much better Friday in the home opener.

Belt went 2-for-4 with two homers and five RBI on Friday against the Padres.

Belt blasted a grand slam to give the Giants a brief lead in the sixth inning before homering again in the eighth to bring the team within a single run in a losing effort. He's connected for three homers and six hits over his last four games, and the power is especially welcomed by fantasy owners who haven't seen the veteran hit more than 18 bombs in any season to date.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a homer, a walk, two runs and two RBI on Friday against the Phillies.

Harper's second homer of the year gave the Nationals a first-inning lead they'd never relinquish. He's reached base nine times over four games and he's off to a great start as he tries to put his disappointing 2016 campaign behind him. It certainly wouldn't be a big surprise if he returned to his status as one of the elite hitters in the majors.

Dickerson (back) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Friday.

There haven't been many developments on how the 26-year-old has been recovering from a protruding disc in his back, but this move makes it seem like he's not close to a potential return to action. Jabari Blash will take his spot on the 40-man roster for the time being, but things should become clearer as Dickerson is able to resume physical activities.

Pederson is hitting eighth in Friday's lineup against the Rockies, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

This revised order may be the Dodgers' standard fare against left-handed starters. Colorado's Kyle Freeland is on the hill Friday, and in turn, Pederson is knocked down to the No. 8 slot. He was hitting sixth and fifth over his first three contests and should continue hitting somewhere near there against most right-handers. At least the Dodgers have him in the lineup against left-handers, which may help his overall growth by facing them. The soon-to-be 25-year-old certainly needs to improve in that column: he holds a career .176/.272/.321 line against lefties.

Turner is not in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The third baseman is getting a breather in the getaway day game, with Logan Forsythe sliding over to the hot corner and Chase Utley filling in at second base. Expect Turner to rejoin the lineup Friday.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals.

He's off to a quick start, collecting three hits and three RBI through the Marlins' first two games. Ozuna has yet to really put things together through three-plus seasons in the majors, but at 26 years old he could still have some untapped potential.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Marlins.

It's only been two games, but Harper seems poised to put together another outstanding April after hitting .286/.406/.714 with nine homers in the first month of 2016. If he can stay healthy this time, the 24-year-old will likely add five more dominant months to his ledger by the end of the season.

Belt went 2-for-5 with a triple, a solo homer and two runs in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

it's nice to see Belt go yard early, but we'll need to see more before raising expectations; after all, this is a first baseman who's topped out at 18 homers to this point in his career. Belt's plate discipline is impressive, and it could ultimately result in some borderline-elite batting averages; that seems more likely than a sudden power spike in his late 20s, although such a thing can't be ruled out.

Jimenez (shoulder) isn't expected to come off the minor-league DL for another two-to-three weeks, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Jimenez, the Cubs' top prospect, was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right shoulder during spring training and is still recuperating. While he hasn't experienced any notable setbacks in his recovery since succumbing to the injury three weeks ago, it may take a little time before Jimenez is cleared to ramp up his activity and play in games. Once he's formally given the green light to return, Jimenez is expected to report to High-A Myrtle Beach after he tore up the Midwest League in 2016 as a 19-year-old.