MLB Player News

Ozuna cranked a solo home run Monday, his first of the season, while going 2-for-6 in a win over the Mets.

The Marlins' offense jumped all over Mets starter Steven Matz, but Ozuna waited until the sixth inning to pile on with a home run off of lefty Antonio Bastardo. After ripping his way through spring training, Ozuna's bat has cooled considerably over the opening week and he's got just four hits in 24 at-bats so far this season (.167/.200/.333). Despite the sluggish start to the season, Ozuna has stuck in the No. 2 spot in the order, a great sign for his potential to produce throughout the season.

Harper went 0-for-3 against the Braves on Monday, but drew two walks, stole two bases and scored a run.

He now has three steals through five games. The Nationals ran wild in spring training under the guidance of new first base coach Davey Lopes, and that aggressive style on the basepaths surfaced again Monday, as Harper and Michael Taylor each stole two bases. Harper's previous career high is 18, set as a rookie in 2012, but it looks like he's poised to top that, perhaps by a significant margin.

Belt went yard for the first time in 2016 Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers.

It had been a bit of a slow start for the recently re-signed first baseman, but Sunday's performance got his slash lines closer to where they should be (.292/.433/.542). Health has usually been the main reason for Belt falling short of expectations, so if he can stay healthy, he could finally put together the fantasy-friendly season we have all been waiting for.

Harper went 2-for-3 Sunday with a walk, two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.

The doubles were the 99th and 100th of his short career, and Harper now boasts a ridiculous .385/.556/1.000 slash line through his first 13 at-bats. Assuming the weather in DC cooperates, he may not slow down when the Nats host the rebuilding Braves for a four-game series beginning Monday.

Carpenter went 1-for-4 Sunday with two runs scored and a three-run shot, his first home run of the season.

After a slow start to the season, Carpenter took advantage of the weak Braves pitching staff and collected four hits, four RBI and three runs scored in three games at Turner Field. He'll try to keep his momentum going when the Cards host the Brewers for a three-game series beginning Monday.

Cespedes went 2-for-4 in Sunday's loss to the Phillies with a two-run shot, his first homer of the season.

He'd been off to a slow start, striking out seven times in his first 16 at-bats, but it was only a matter of time before Cespedes began finding his swing. He'll look to build on this performance when the Mets host the Marlins for a three-game set beginning Monday.

Cespedes went 0-fo-4 with three strikeouts Saturday and started to hear boo-birds at Citi Field.

Following a hot spring, Cespedes has struggled to open the season. He is just 2-for-16 with seven strikeouts and has not yet driven in a run this year. Cespedes hot spring is but a memory, as he continues to swing at fastballs out of the zone. In addition, he showed his disdain for playing in cold weather, saying after the game, "This is not a time to be playing baseball. This is a time to be home asleep."

Blackmon is out of the lineup Saturday against the Padres, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon will sit for the second time in three games with lefty Drew Pomeranz on the hill for the Padres. Brandon Barnes will get the nod in center field and bat eighth in Blackmon's stead.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants.

With Madison Bumgarner on the hill for the Giants, the Dodgers are rolling out a primarily right-handed lineup for Saturday's contest. Pederson is 2-for-8 lifetime against Bumgarner and a career .203 hitter against lefties. Trayce Thompson will take over in center field Saturday.

Belt agreed to terms Friday on a five-year extension with the Giants, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports.

The financial details are not immediately available, but the deal is reportedly similar to the six-year, $75 million extension the team handed Brandon Crawford recently, although Belt's deal is expected to be slightly bigger. An average annual value of about $16 million per year starting in 2017, with a tweak to his current one-year deal for 2016 is expected. The Giants are locking up a promising young core, as Belt, who is about to turn 28, would have been a free agent following the 2017 season. San Francisco may be getting Belt at a bargain if it turns out that he has not yet peaked as a player, which is quite possible. Last year he slashed .280/.356/.478 with 18 home runs and nine steals in 137 games, and he is already getting on base at a .409 clip in the early going this year.