MLB Player News

Carpenter went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a solo homer and three runs Sunday against the Athletics.

Carpenter has struggled to produce runs for the Cardinals lately, as he's only posted three RBI since August 9. Despite the recent struggles, his 17th homer of the year raised his slugging percentage to .540, which is easily the best number of his six-year career.

Stanton (groin) could return to the Marlins for the last week of the season if his rehab goes "absolutely perfect," Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

The news gives the Marlins a sliver of optimism that Stanton might be back to full health by the time the Marlins begin a potential playoff series, but for fantasy purposes, it's probably best for those in most single-season leagues to cut bait with the slugger in exchange for a healthier player. Since Stanton has yet to resume baseball activities, we're still likely a week or more away from learning if the 26-year-old will even have a shot at meeting a best-case scenario for his return timetable.

Pederson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs.

With a southpaw taking the mound for Chicago, Pederson will head to the bench while Enrique Hernandez starts in center field. Pederson will likely return to action Monday, as Jon Gray is slated to pitch for the Rockies.

Belt (neck) is in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta, Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News Group reports.

Fortunately, Belt's neck stiffness wasn't anything too serious, as he's back in action Sunday. He'll hit fifth as the Giants take on the struggling Aaron Blair and the Braves.

Dickerson was a late addition to the lineup Sunday against the Marlins. He'll start in left field and bat in the cleanup spot.

Dickerson was initially set to receive the day off in the series finale, but after Wil Myers came down with a stomach virus prior to game time, another player was needed to reenter the lineup. With Myers sitting, Yangervis Solarte will cover first base while Adam Rosales starts at the hot corner, thereby opening up left field for Dickerson.

Soler is not in the lineup for Sunday's matchup against the Dodgers.

With Soler receiving the day off, Chicago will head into Sunday's game with an outfield of Kris Bryant, Dexter Fowler, and Jason Heyward. Soler has struggled at the plate recently, having gone just 5-for-31 (.161) over the last 14 games, bringing his batting average down to .236 for the season.

Carpenter is in the lineup Sunday against the Athletics.

Carpenter didn't start Saturday, but is back at first base and hitting leadoff for Sunday's series finale against Oakland. He's hit just .196/.262/.268 over the last 14 days, but will look to get back on track as Andrew Triggs is slated to start for the A's.

Dickerson is out of the lineup Sunday versus Miami.

Dickerson has struggled recently, as he's posted a bleak .196/.264/.283 line over the last 14 games. The Padres will opt to start Adam Rosales in left field and give Dickerson the day off as they conclude their series against Justin Nicolino and the Marlins.

Cespedes (quad) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Cespedes was experiencing quad tightness after Saturday's game, so the Mets will give him the day off. The 30-year-old slugger has had a fantastic week at the plate, as he's hit .370/.452/.889 with four home runs and eight RBI over the last seven days. Cespedes was on the DL with a quadricep injury earlier in the season, so it's likely that the Mets are being cautious with him. Consider him day-to-day heading into Monday's game against the Marlins.

Cespedes was 1-for-2 with two walks, a three-run homer and two runs scored in a 12-1 victory over the Phillies on Saturday.

The Mets were only ahead by one until Cespedes broke it open with his three-run shot. The rest of the New York offense followed suit for the remainder of the game. Cespedes is batting .355 with four homers and eight RBI in eight games since returning from the disabled list.