MLB Player News

Harper is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals, according to MASN's Dan Kolko.

Harper has been swinging a hot bat for a few weeks, but manager Dusty Baker decided to hold out most of his regulars Monday, so Harper will get a day off for the first time since he sat out three straight games in mid-August with a sore neck. Brian Goodwin will get the start in right field in Harper's place.

Belt (head) is back in the lineup Monday against the Rockies, Giants reporter Andrew Baggarly reports.

Belt took a pitch to the helmet Sunday, but he passed all subsequent concussion tests and won't miss any time. The veteran is in the lineup at first base Monday, and he'll bat seventh in the order against the Rockies' Chad Bettis.

Blackmon (back) remains out of the lineup Monday against the Giants, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

It will be the third consecutive absence for Blackmon, who continues to nurse tightness in his back. The Rockies will again go with Raimel Tapia in center field, and he'll serve as the leadoff man for the third straight game.

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.