MLB Player News

Soler is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Soler went 2-for-3 with two runs in Thursday's game and started 11 of the last 14 games in left field, but manager Joe Maddon decided to hold him out Friday with Kris Bryant moving to the outfield to make room for Tommy La Stella at third base.

McCutchen aggravated a pre-existing thumb injury in Thursday's game against the Marlins, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

Fortunately, McCutchen told MLB.com's Adam Berry that he didn't consider the issue to be one that would require a stint on the disabled list. However, thumb injuries can obviously affect a player's ability to grip the bat, so McCutchen may have to battle through more discomfort until the soreness eventually subsides. He figures to be back in the lineup Friday, but if Clint Hurdle opts to give the star outfield the day off, Starling Marte could slide over to center while Matt Joyce takes over in left.

Belt went 2-for-3 with a walk and two doubles in Thursday's win against the Braves.

Belt pushed his average back above .300 for the first time since May 18. He's had a great start to the season in nearly every facet of the game. The first baseman's plate discipline has been elite and Belt's contact rate is at a career high (80 percent). His strike out rate has improved to a career-best 16.1 percent, too.

Stanton went 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI, two walks and a strikeout against Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Stanton has been a huge fantasy disappointment this season, but the fact that he's hitting, getting on base and producing runs could indicate he might be leaving his slump behind. His average is still a paltry .213, but he's hit safely in four of the past five games. All the signs indicate he's on the right track.

Soler went 2-for-3 and scored twice in Thursday's win over the Dodgers.

The Cuban outfielder has had a rough go at it early in the season, slashing a paltry .202/.302/.361 through 45 games. Soler is striking out more than 25-percent of the time and has been a bit unlucky with a .241 BABIP. There are signs of life, however, as Soler has notched four multi-hit performances in his past 11 games after accomplishing that feat just twice in the first 34 contests.

McCutchen left Thursday's game in the sixth inning with right thumb discomfort.

After lining out to short in the top of the sixth, McCutchen was replaced in center field by Starling Marte in the bottom of the frame, with Sean Rodriguez taking over in left field. The Pirates have not given any hint as to the severity of the injury, so McCutchen's availability for Friday's series opener against the Angels and the rest of the weekend is uncertain.

McCutchen was lifted from Thursday's game in the bottom of the sixth inning, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

There was nothing obvious that led to McCutchen's departure, but considering the context -- the Pirates were being no-hit at the time of his exit -- it seems some sort of ailment is in play. Starling Marte moved to center field to replace McCutchen as Sean Rodriguez came into the game to man left.

Stanton is in the lineup and batting fourth for Thursday's game against the Pirates, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The original Marlins' lineup had Cole Gillespie starting in right field for Stanton, but it has been updated and now features the Marlins' superstar in his usual cleanup spot.

Stanton is not in the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Pirates, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Stanton returned to the starting lineup for the first time in seven games Wednesday, but will sit again Thursday as the Marlins look to ease him back into the swing of things. The 26-year-old slugger went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his return, bringing his average down to .210 on the season.

Belt went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk against the Braves on Wednesday.

Belt has been pretty hot of late with four multi-hit games in his past five contests, and he's hit .476 (10-for-21) over that span. During his last 10 games, Belt has slugged an impressive .579, and his fantasy value will be on the rise as long as he keeps hitting the ball with authority.