MLB Player News

Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler tested out his sprained ankle by running the bases on Friday. No immediate issues were reporting, and Soler could be able to start a rehab assignment within the next few days, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. 

A right leg issue has Nationals slugger Bryce Harper sitting again Friday night in Philadelphia.

Harper, who was also sidelined Thursday, was originally considered to be dealing only with a cramp. 

Manager Matt Williams said Harper's hamstring is feeling better. He also said Harper underwent an MRI, which revealed no major damage, but Harper will take at least one more day of rest before returning to the lineup.

He is enjoying a breakout season with a slash line of .340/.466/.719.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt flashed his speed in Thursday's 13-8 win over the Padres. Belt went 3 for 5 with a pair of triples, an RBI and a run scored. 

Even with the three-hit effort, Belt is still batting just .158 (6 for 38) with 16 strikeouts over his last 10 games. 

After sustaining a minor injury to his right leg Wednesday, the Nationals held outfielder Bryce Harper out of Thursday's lineup against the Braves, reports The Washington Post. The original injury was thought to be a cramp.

Harper was replaced by Clint Robinson in right field. Over his last seven games, Harper is hitting .370 with three home runs and seven RBI.

The Nationals are favored (-155) over the Braves on Thursday.

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson was not in the lineup for Thursday's contest at the Chicago Cubs, reports MLB.com.

He was replaced in center field by Enrique Hernandez, who will also bat first. Over his last eight games, Pederson is hitting .208 with two home runs and four RBI.

The Dodgers are the underdogs (+128) at Chicago on Thursday.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper played a key role in Wednesday's extra-inning win against the Braves, as he scored the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning after getting on base via a one-out double.

However, after the game, it was revealed Harper sustained an injury to his right leg as he slid awkwardly into second base on the double.

"It was a cramp when he went into second," Nationals manager Matt Williams said, per MASNsports.com. "Standing there it got a little bit better. He told me he could score if there was a base hit. So, it subsided a little bit, we'll see how it acts when he wakes up in the morning.

"Doc'll take a look at him, trainers will take a look at him when we get back in there and we'll see what we got."

Harper, who went 2 for 5 with one RBI, downplayed the issue.

"I just felt a cramp," Harper said after the game, per MLB.com. "I just got done working out, so I haven't even gotten treatment yet. But, pretty much just a cramp."

He is batting .375 (27 for 72) with six doubles, six home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs, 10 walks, 11 strikeouts and one stolen base in 20 June games.

Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon went 2 for 4 in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

The multi-hit performance extended Blackmon's hitting streak to eight games.

Over his last eight games, Blackmon is hitting .419 with 13 hits, four doubles and 10 RBI.

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hit his 10th home run of the season in a win against the Cubs on Wednesday.

Turner hit a three-run blast in the third inning and put his team in a prime position to take the win.

Turner's been on an offensive tear over the last few weeks, hitting .383 with five home runs and 15 RBI over his last 16 games.

Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton continued his MVP-caliber season during Wednesday's loss to the Cardinals.

Stanton went 3 for 6 with a solo home run, his league-leading 27th blast of the season.

Over his last 21 games, Stanton is hitting a mind-boggling .370 with 12 home runs and 23 RBI.

Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter has returned to the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Marlins. Carpenter was out of Tuesday's game with back tightness, but he is able to give it a go on Wednesday.

He is 4 for 14 lifetime against Marlins starter Mat Latos.