MLB Player News

Cespedes is out of the lineup for Monday's matinee against the Reds.

The Mets arrived in Cincinnati in the middle of the night following their Sunday night game against the Nationals and face the Reds at 12:10 p.m. local time. Manager Terry Collins opted to rest some of his veterans -- Cespedes, Curtis Granderson, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Reyes -- though each should be available to pinch hit.

Belt (head) passed all concussion tests following Sunday's game against the Cubs, freelance Giants writer Andrew Baggarly reports.

There were likely some anxious moments for Giants fans after Belt was struck on the helmet by a pitch during Sunday's game, as the first baseman had previously missed extensive time in his career due to concussions. Fortunately, it appears he wasn't experiencing any symptoms of a head injury during tests conducted by team doctors, meaning there's a good chance he'll be in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Rockies. An update on Belt's availability should arrive later in the day.

Soler (toe) is back in the lineup Monday against the Brewers.

After missing the last two games with an ingrown toenail, Soler is back in the lineup in left field Monday. He'll bat fourth in the order against Milwaukee's Kyle Davies.

Ruf is out of the lineup Monday against the Marlins, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Ruf had started the previous three games at either corner outfield spot, but with a 2-for-11 performance in those contests, he didn't really make a compelling case for regular duties. For now, it appears Peter Bourjos is ahead of him on the depth chart, but that could change in the weeks to come if manager Peter Mackanin decides to prioritize Ruf's power over Bourjos' defensive skiills.

Belt went through concussion protocol Sunday after being grazed on his helmet by a pitch, Giants beat writer Andrew Baggarly reports.

Belt is confident that he is totally fine, but he may sit out a day or two if management decides to be cautious. Look for more updates on his status closer to Monday's game against the Rockies.

Ozuna (wrist) is not expected to return until Thursday or Friday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Ozuna has been dealing with a wrist injury that has held him out for four games, but he plans to take batting practice Wednesday. Depending on how his wrist responds to the extra strain, he may or may not be ready to go for the weekend series against the Dodgers. If the results do not go as anticipated, Miami may be forced to consider a DL stint for the center fielder.

Pederson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Padres.

Pederson will take his left-handed bat to the bench in Sunday's series finale against southpaw Christian Friedrich and the Padres. Enrique Hernandez will get the call to man center field in his stead.

As expected, Ozuna (wrist) remains out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Ozuna began experiencing wrist problems in Wednesday's game, and has been held out of the lineup ever since. Even with the DH spot available in an AL ballpark, Ozuna's ailment has prevented him from returning to action. He should be considered questionable for the upcoming three-game series against the Phillies.

Blackmon (back) remains out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Blackmon will take a seat for the second straight contest, once again giving way to Raimel Tapia in center field. Consider Blackmon day-to-day heading into a three-game set with the Giants that opens up Monday.

Ruf will start in left field for the third straight game Sunday against the Braves, MLB.com reports.

Finding competent corner outfield play has been an issue all season for the Phillies, and it seems Ruf is the latest player to get an extended look at the position following his Sept. 2 call-up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ruf has shown power during his time in the minors, but he's struggled to make contact during various stints at the MLB level over the last several years, making him a potential batting average liability for a fantasy team.